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'''Buddhism''' is a religious system whose followers seek liberation from suffering through adherence to the teachings of the Buddha [[Siddhartha Gautama]]. To Buddhists, sentient beings are trapped in an eternal cycle of death and rebirth (<i>samsara</i>), characterized by suffering (<i>dukkha</i>). Buddhism provides a practical set of teachings (the <i>dharma</i>) designed to help sentient beings escape samsara and to achieve <i>nirvana</i>, a state of freedom from suffering. Unlike [[Christianity]], Buddhism teaches that it is impossible to attain happiness and peace during one's life (without multiple reincarnations). As a result, Buddhist nations (such as Japan) have much higher [[suicide]] rates than Christian nations. {{fact}}

'''Buddhism''' is a religious system whose followers seek liberation from suffering through adherence to the teachings of the Buddha [[Siddhartha Gautama]]. To Buddhists, sentient beings are trapped in an eternal cycle of death and rebirth (<i>samsara</i>), characterized by suffering (<i>dukkha</i>). Buddhism provides a practical set of teachings (the <i>dharma</i>) designed to help sentient beings escape samsara and to achieve <i>nirvana</i>, a state of freedom from suffering. Unlike [[Christianity]], Buddhism teaches that it is impossible to attain happiness and peace during one's life (without multiple reincarnations).  

[[Image:Nara.jpg|thumb|200px|Great Buddha at [[Nara]]]]

[[Image:Nara.jpg|thumb|200px|Great Buddha at [[Nara]]]]

==Founder==

==Founder==

Buddhism was founded by an [[India|Indian]] prince, [[Siddhartha Gautama]], who, after being sheltered from coming into contact with suffering due to disease, poverty and death until adulthood, finally observed the suffering of his people during his first walk outside the palace grounds.  After that he worked to discover the reason for suffering and pain. He studied a number of the disciplines of the day, seeking ultimate truth. After finding other approaches to understanding lacking, he went into meditation for 49 days, vowing not to move until he had attained enlightenment. After great personal struggle he achieved enlightenment, and began to teach the principles that are now associated with Buddhism.

Buddhism was founded by an [[India|Indian]] prince, [[Siddhartha Gautama]], who, after being sheltered from coming into contact with suffering due to disease, poverty and death until adulthood, finally observed the suffering of his people during his first walk outside the palace grounds.  After that he worked to discover the reason for suffering and pain. He studied a number of the disciplines of the day, seeking ultimate truth. After finding other approaches to understanding lacking, he went into meditation for 49 days, vowing not to move until he had attained enlightenment. After great personal struggle he achieved enlightenment, and began to teach the principles that are now associated with Buddhism.