Overview of Buddhism

Buddhism is practiced across various regions, including Mongolia, North Korea, China, South Korea, Japan, Sikkim, Tibet, Bhutan, Nepal, and several Southeast Asian countries such as Burma, Vietnam, India, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Sri Lanka. The foundational concepts of Buddhism trace back to Siddhartha Gautama, who was born in the 6th or 5th century BCE. At the age of 29, he renounced worldly life in search of enlightenment and achieved this at age 35 after exploring various paths. He is known as the "Buddha" or "Shakyamuni Buddha" (Buddha of the Shakya clan).

Central to Buddhist teachings is the Dharma, which represents the truth and the true nature of reality. Key teachings include the First Sermon, which outlines the Four Noble Truths: life is dukkha (suffering), the cause of dukkha is craving or desire, freedom from dukkha is attainable, and that the Eightfold Path is the means to achieve this freedom. The nature of reality is further explained through the Three Marks of Existence: dukkha illustrates that suffering is inherent in life, No-Self (anatman) rejects the idea of an eternal self, and impermanence/interdependence indicates that everything is subject to change and is interconnected. The concept of Nirvana denotes liberation from samsara, marking the end of suffering, and is described as a state free from various dualities and conditions. A notable teaching states, “Decay is inherent in all composite things. Work out your own salvation with diligence.”

Historically, after the Buddha's death, the First Buddhist Council was convened where monks gathered to chant sutras, leading to the formation of the Pali Canon. Major sects within Buddhism began to emerge, including Theravada, which focuses on individual enlightenment based on the Pali Canon; Mahayana, which includes additional sutras like the Lotus Sutra for greater access to liberation; and Vajrayana, or Tibetan Buddhism, which emphasizes rituals and esoteric practices.

Buddhist practice is encapsulated in the concept of the Three Treasures: Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. Followers engage with the Eightfold Path, which consists of Right View, Right Intention, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Concentration. Meditation practices, such as Vipassana (insight) meditation, are popular, particularly in the US, along with loving-kindness meditation that fosters compassion. Ethical guidelines outlined in the Five Precepts call for refraining from taking life, stealing, wrong speech, sexual misconduct, and intoxicants, emphasizing self-transformation and insight.

The main schools of Buddhism include Theravada, known as "The Way of the Elders," which focuses on following the Buddha for personal Nirvana; Mahayana, termed "The Great Vehicle," which incorporates many sutras and emphasizes the Bodhisattva path to help others achieve liberation; and Pure Land Buddhism, where followers strive to be reborn in the Pure Land through devotion to Amitabha Buddha, often through chanting practices.

Contemporary developments in Buddhism have led to the emergence of engaged Buddhism, which addresses social issues and activism grounded in Buddhist principles, prominently advocated by figures like Thich Nhat Hanh. This movement involves social justice and peace activism while encouraging self-care and care for others. Additionally, in America, there has been an adaptation among converts who focus on personal transformation through meditation, diverging from the traditional emphasis on devotion to the Buddha, leading to the establishment of communities such as the Washington Mindfulness Community.