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[[Image:Nara.jpg|thumb|300px|Great Buddha at [[Nara]]]]
[[Image:Nara.jpg|thumb|300px|Great Buddha at [[Nara]]]]
'''Buddhism''' is a [[meditation]] belief system whose followers seek liberation from suffering through adherence to the teachings of the Buddha [[Siddhartha Gautama]]. Through meditation and self-denial the mind and body of a Buddhist is trained to overcome the craving for worldly things.
'''Buddhism''' is a [[meditation]] belief system whose followers seek liberation from suffering through adherence to the teachings of the Buddha [[Siddhartha Gautama]]. Through meditation and self-denial, the mind and body of a Buddhist are trained to overcome the craving for worldly things.
According to Stanford University's Introduction to Buddism web page, "According to Buddhist belief, [[Enlightened One|enlightenment]] is the experience of true reality, an “awakening” through which one could comprehend the true nature of things."<ref>[https://spice.fsi.stanford.edu/docs/introduction_to_buddhism#:~:text=According%20to%20Buddhist%20belief%2C%20enlightenment,the%20true%20nature%20of%20things.&text=Shakyamuni%20thought%20he%20could%20reach,a%20lifestyle%20of%20severe%20discipline. Introduction to Buddhism], Stanford University</ref>
According to Stanford University's Introduction to Buddhism web page, "According to Buddhist belief, [[Enlightened One|enlightenment]] is the experience of true reality, an “awakening” through which one could comprehend the true nature of things."<ref>[https://spice.fsi.stanford.edu/docs/introduction_to_buddhism#:~:text=According%20to%20Buddhist%20belief%2C%20enlightenment,the%20true%20nature%20of%20things.&text=Shakyamuni%20thought%20he%20could%20reach,a%20lifestyle%20of%20severe%20discipline. Introduction to Buddhism], Stanford University</ref>
To Buddhists, sentient beings are trapped in an eternal cycle of death and rebirth (''samsara''), characterized by continual dissatisfaction or suffering (''dukkha''). Buddhism provides a practical set of teachings (the ''dharma'') designed to help sentient beings achieve a state of freedom from dukkha. Buddhism teaches that individuals reincarnate involuntarily and repeatedly in the world of samsara, a cyclic process which ends for an individual when they attain Nirvana (Theravada) or Enlightenment (Mahayana), either in a human body or immediately upon death in their last involuntary cycle of samsara. Mahayana Buddhism holds, in addition, that the goal of Enlightenment is not merely release from one's own personal suffering in samsara, but also the release of all sentient beings, toward which an enlightened being or ''Buddha'' is, by nature, committed to work through compassionate action. To this end, a Buddha may voluntarily reincarnate to help release all sentient beings from samsara.
To Buddhists, sentient beings are trapped in an eternal cycle of death and rebirth (''samsara''), characterized by continual dissatisfaction or suffering (''dukkha''). Buddhism provides a practical set of teachings (the ''dharma'') designed to help sentient beings achieve a state of freedom from dukkha. Buddhism teaches that individuals reincarnate involuntarily and repeatedly in the world of samsara, a cyclic process which ends for an individual when they attain Nirvana (Theravada) or Enlightenment (Mahayana), either in a human body or immediately upon death in their last involuntary cycle of samsara. Mahayana Buddhism holds, in addition, that the goal of Enlightenment is not merely release from one's own personal suffering in samsara, but also the release of all sentient beings, toward which an enlightened being or ''Buddha'' is, by nature, committed to work through compassionate action. To this end, a Buddha may voluntarily reincarnate to help release all sentient beings from samsara.
==View of God==
==View of God==
[[Image:Mandala of Prajnaparamit.jpg|thumb|Mandala of Prajnaparamit, [[Tibet]].]]
[[Image:Mandala of Prajnaparamit.jpg|thumb|Mandala of Prajnaparamit, [[Tibet]].]]
Some Buddhist scriptures and some sects, like the Mahayana school, believe that gods exist,<ref>[http://wri.leaderu.com/orgs/probe/docs/buddhism.html Buddhism]</ref><ref>[http://www.urbandharma.org/udharma3/budgod.html Do Buddhists Believe in God?]</ref> but do not consider that knowledge crucial to an individual's practice of Buddhist teachings since as incarnated beings, they too are bound to the wheel of Samsara and thus it is pointless to submit to them. The Buddha taught that we should not speculate about what we cannot know, and that speculation about [[God]] is pointless. Buddhists' priorities are release from suffering (by learning to cease striving after objects of desire and avoiding objects of discomfort) and direct experience of the true nature of reality. Many modern strains of Buddhism are agnostic in nature, which may cause a confusion, as Buddhism is often referred to as a religion. It is more accurately defined as a philosophy in most cases. Certain denominations, such as the Mahayana tradition, believe in [[Bodhisattvas]], or quasi-divine cosmic beings that seek to benefit others by remaining in a state of [[Samsara]], or eternal rebirth. These are prayed to, for advice and spiritual guidance, and often venerated.
Some Buddhist scriptures and some sects, like the Mahayana school, believe that gods exist,<ref>[http://wri.leaderu.com/orgs/probe/docs/buddhism.html Buddhism]</ref><ref>[http://www.urbandharma.org/udharma3/budgod.html Do Buddhists Believe in God?]</ref> but do not consider that knowledge crucial to an individual's practice of Buddhist teachings since as incarnated beings, they too are bound to the wheel of Samsara and thus it is pointless to submit to them. The Buddha taught that we should not speculate about what we cannot know, and that speculation about [[God]] is pointless. Buddhists' priorities are release from suffering (by learning to cease striving after objects of desire and avoiding objects of discomfort) and direct experience of the true nature of reality. Many modern strains of Buddhism are agnostic in nature, which may cause confusion, as Buddhism is often referred to as a religion. It is more accurately defined as a philosophy in most cases. Certain denominations, such as the Mahayana tradition, believe in [[Bodhisattvas]], or quasi-divine cosmic beings that seek to benefit others by remaining in a state of [[Samsara]], or eternal rebirth. These are prayed to, for advice and spiritual guidance, and often venerated.
{{Clear}}
{{Clear}}
Many of what [[liberals]] mistakenly believe to be Buddhism's "tenets" might be considered to promote a 'liberal' lifestyle: [[vegetarianism]], absolute [[pacifism]] (a gross misunderstanding by liberals), [[tolerance]], lack of condemnation of homosexuality (an entirely ignorant liberal misunderstanding of Buddhism), [[agnosticism]], etc.
Many of what [[liberals]] mistakenly believe to be Buddhism's "tenets" might be considered to promote a 'liberal' lifestyle: [[vegetarianism]], absolute [[pacifism]] (a gross misunderstanding by liberals), [[tolerance]], lack of condemnation of homosexuality (an entirely ignorant liberal misunderstanding of Buddhism), [[agnosticism]], etc.
However, if one reads the Buddhist [[Sutra]] scriptures and both modern and ancient [[Exegesis|Shastra]] commentaries you will find explicit condemnation of [[homosexuality]], no mention of agnosticism, nor a denying of [[God]] or a "Supreme Being". One will not find an absolute pacifism in the Mahayana Sutras but a nuanced expedient understanding of when [[violence]], even with [[weapon]]s, is permissible for both [[self defense]] and national defense during times of [[war]] or to prevent evil such as [[genocide]] from being perpetrated by a [[dictator]] such as [[Stalin]] or [[Mao]]. In particular, perverted alterations of Buddhism have been used in the [[atheism|atheistic]] American [[New Age]] movement. [[Liberals]], in keeping with [[relativism]] (particularly [[moral relativism]]) have been known to pick and choose which aspects of Buddhism to follow, while openly breaking other Buddhist teachings, like those forbidding [[alcohol]], [[drug abuse|drug use]] and sexual [[promiscuity]] (see [[Five Precepts]]).
However, if one reads the Buddhist [[Sutra]] scriptures and both modern and ancient [[Exegesis|Shastra]] commentaries you will find explicit condemnation of [[homosexuality]], no mention of agnosticism, nor a denial of [[God]] or a "Supreme Being". One will not find an absolute pacifism in the Mahayana Sutras but a nuanced expedient understanding of when [[violence]], even with [[weapon]]s, is permissible for both [[self defense]] and national defense during times of [[war]] or to prevent evil such as [[genocide]] from being perpetrated by a [[dictator]] such as [[Stalin]] or [[Mao]]. In particular, perverted alterations of Buddhism have been used in the [[atheism|atheistic]] American [[New Age]] movement. [[Liberals]], in keeping with [[relativism]] (particularly [[moral relativism]]) have been known to pick and choose which aspects of Buddhism to follow, while openly breaking other Buddhist teachings, like those forbidding [[alcohol]], [[drug abuse|drug use]] and sexual [[promiscuity]] (see [[Five Precepts]]).
==The Eightfold Path==
==The Eightfold Path==
:* Right Action - This path instructs the practitioner in how to act in a morally upright manner, abstaining from violence, stealing, taking a life, and sexual misconduct.
:* Right Action - This path instructs the practitioner in how to act in a morally upright manner, abstaining from violence, stealing, taking a life, and sexual misconduct.
:* Right Livelihood - This instructs the practitioner to not engage in trades which, either directly or indirectly, result in harm to another living thing. These include arms dealing, human trade, working with animals raised to be slaughtered, or selling alcohol or drugs.
:* Right Livelihood - This instructs the practitioner to not engage in trades which, either directly or indirectly, result in harm to another living thing. These include arms dealing, human trade, working with animals raised to be slaughtered, or selling alcohol or drugs.
:* Right effort - This is the teaching of ridding oneself of all harmful thought, words, and deeds, and prevent new ones from emerging.
:* Right effort - This is the teaching of ridding oneself of all harmful thought, words, and deeds, and preventing new ones from emerging.
:* Right Mindfulness - This teaches the practitioner to be focused on their own mind and aware or changes and phenomena affecting them, never to act or speak in error due to inattention or forgetfulness.
:* Right Mindfulness - This teaches the practitioner to be focused on their own mind and aware of changes and phenomena affecting them, never to act or speak in error due to inattention or forgetfulness.
:* Right Concentration - This path teaches the practitioner how to [[meditation|meditate]], calming the body and mind through measured or conscious [[breathing]] and repetition of a word or phrase such as a [[mantra]] or [[prayer]]. Using this practice allows the person to focus on what they have learned, and through dwelling on those teachings, gain knowledge of the world around them.
:* Right Concentration - This path teaches the practitioner how to [[meditation|meditate]], calming the body and mind through measured or conscious [[breathing]] and repetition of a word or phrase such as a [[mantra]] or [[prayer]]. Using this practice allows the person to focus on what they have learned, and through dwelling on those teachings, gain knowledge of the world around them.
==Branches of Buddhism==
==Branches of Buddhism==
Like many other religions of the world, Buddhism has developed into numerous branches and variation on the themes taught by the Buddha. While it would be impossible to give a truly succinct description of every permutation, the schools of thought encompassing Buddhism are generally broken into three major divisions, discussed briefly below.
Like many other religions of the world, Buddhism has developed into numerous branches and variations on the themes taught by the Buddha. While it would be impossible to give a truly succinct description of every permutation, the schools of thought encompassing Buddhism are generally broken into three major divisions, discussed briefly below.
'''Theravada'''
'''Theravada'''
Theravadan Buddhism, sometimes derisively known as Hinayana (lesser vehicle) by some Mahayana Buddhist practitioners, is what can be described as the earliest advent of Buddhism and the closest to the original philosophy founded by the Buddha and is regarded by practitioners as the more conservative of the three divisions.
Central to the Theravadan school of thought is the notion of Vibhajjavada<ref>http://palikanon.com/english/wtb/u_v/vibhajja_vaada.htm</ref> or Teaching of Analysis. This notion holds that true insight for a student comes from a combination of critical reasoning and non-reliance on blind faith, though the teachings and writings of one's elders should be considered.
Central to the Theravadan school of thought is the notion of Vibhajjavada<ref>http://palikanon.com/english/wtb/u_v/vibhajja_vaada.htm</ref> or Teaching of Analysis. This notion holds that true insight for a student comes from a combination of critical reasoning and non-reliance on blind faith, though the teachings and writings of one's elders should be considered.
Furthermore, Theravada teaches that enlightenment is not attainable in a single lifetime, nor should it be thought to be. Instead, one must break free of their worldly fetters (hatred, lust, shame) before being reborn and continuing on the path to eventual enlightenment.
Furthermore, Theravada teaches that enlightenment is not attainable in a single lifetime, nor should it be thought to be. Instead, one must break free of their worldly fetters (hatred, lust, shame) before being reborn and continuing on the path to eventual enlightenment.
Theravadan Buddhism's main text can be considered the Pali Cannon, though a wealth of scripture, sutras and treatises have arisen and shall continue to be written as the philosophy continues to diversify.
Theravadan Buddhism's main text can be considered the Pali Canon, though a wealth of scripture, sutras and treatises have arisen and shall continue to be written as the philosophy continues to diversify.
'''[[Mahayana]]'''
'''[[Mahayana]]'''
Mahayana Buddhism, literally "Great Vehicle," is one of the other main branches of Buddhism and is popular in East Asian countries such as [[China]], [[Korea]], [[Japan]], [[Vietnam]] and [[Tibet]]. Whereas Theravada Buddhism focuses on individual enlightenment, Mahayana is Buddhism for the masses. Indeed, it is often called Buddhism for the masses. Furthermore, Mahayana holds Bodhivisattvas in esteem. To put an analogy to it, Bodhivisattvas are similar to [[saint]]s, preachers, or even teachers in Christianity. Bodhivisattvas are enlightened ones who choose to remain in the cycle of samsara for the hope of helping others towards enlightenment. Guanyin (or Avalokiteshvara in Sanskrit) is the most famous of these Bodhivisattvas.
Mahayana Buddhism, literally "Great Vehicle," is one of the other main branches of Buddhism and is popular in East Asian countries such as [[China]], [[Korea]], [[Japan]], [[Vietnam]] and [[Tibet]]. Whereas Theravada Buddhism focuses on individual enlightenment, Mahayana is Buddhism for the masses. Indeed, it is often called Buddhism for the masses. Furthermore, Mahayana holds Bodhivisattvas in esteem. To put an analogy to it, Bodhivisattvas are similar to [[saint]]s, preachers, or even teachers in Christianity. Bodhivisattvas are enlightened ones who choose to remain in the cycle of samsara in the hope of helping others towards enlightenment. Guanyin (or Avalokiteshvara in Sanskrit) is the most famous of these Bodhivisattvas.
Adherents of this branch of Buddhism believe in improving both their own consciousness and the world. They acknowledge that this approach would slow down the goal of overcoming suffering and have adopted "We should reach Nirvana as the last ones" as their Bodhisattva vow.<ref>http://www.cs.ru.nl/~henk/BP/bp1.html#SECTION00022000000000000000</ref>
Adherents of this branch of Buddhism believe in improving both their own consciousness and the world. They acknowledge that this approach would slow down the goal of overcoming suffering and have adopted "We should reach Nirvana as the last ones" as their Bodhisattva vow.<ref>http://www.cs.ru.nl/~henk/BP/bp1.html#SECTION00022000000000000000</ref>
'''Lamaism'''<br>
'''Lamaism'''<br>
Lamaism is an outdated term used to describe Tibetan Buddhism, which emphasizes the role of Lamas, or spiritual teachers<ref>https://www.encyclopedia.com/philosophy-and-religion/eastern-religions/buddhism/lamaism</ref>. Major lamas in Tibetan Buddhism include the Dalai Lama born in 1935, and Karmapa Lama who was born in 1985, both live in India; the Panchen Lama has been missing since 1995 after being kidnapped by the Chinese government.<ref>https://www.britannica.com/topic/lama</ref>
Lamaism is an outdated term used to describe Tibetan Buddhism, which emphasizes the role of Lamas, or spiritual teachers<ref>https://www.encyclopedia.com/philosophy-and-religion/eastern-religions/buddhism/lamaism</ref>. Major lamas in Tibetan Buddhism include the Dalai Lama, born in 1935, and Karmapa Lama, who was born in 1985, both live in India; the Panchen Lama has been missing since 1995 after being kidnapped by the Chinese government.<ref>https://www.britannica.com/topic/lama</ref>
==Buddhism Today==
==Buddhism Today==
|-
|-
|[[Cambodia]]
|[[Cambodia]]
|90
|90%
|-
|-
|[[Myanmar]]
|[[Myanmar]]
|88
|88%
|-
|-
|[[Bhutan]]
|[[Bhutan]]
|75
|75%
|-
|-
|[[Sri Lanka]]
|[[Sri Lanka]]
|70
|70%
|-
|-
|[[Tibet]]*
|[[Tibet]]*
|65
|65%
|-
|-
|[[Laos]]
|[[Laos]]
|60
|60%
|-
|-
|[[Vietnam]]
|[[Vietnam]]
|55
|55%
|-
|-
|[[Japan]]**
|[[Japan]]**
|50
|50%
|}
|}
<nowiki>*</nowiki> Tibet is an estimate, as there has never been a reliable survey. Furthermore, for the [[Chinese]] [[Communist]]s it is debatable whether Tibet should be considered an independent nation.
<nowiki>*</nowiki> Tibet is an estimate, as there has never been a reliable survey. Furthermore, for the [[Chinese]] [[Communist]]s it is debatable whether Tibet should be considered an independent nation.
<nowiki>**</nowiki> [[Japan]] is an "odd" case, as surveys of adherence are conducted rather differently. Firstly it is debatable at what point various Japanese beliefs shift from being traditions to being religions. This is indicated by the fact that "85% of Japanese claim Buddhism as their preferred religion", yet "75% percent claim to practice and believe in no religion"—a more accurate estimate may be 20%.<ref>[http://www.adherents.com/largecom/com_buddhist.html The Largest Buddhist Communities]</ref>
<nowiki>**</nowiki> [[Japan]] is a "odd" case, as surveys of adherence are conducted rather differently. Firstly, it is debatable at what point various Japanese beliefs shift from being traditions to being religions. This is indicated by the fact that "85% of Japanese claim Buddhism as their preferred religion", yet "75% percent claim to practice and believe in no religion"—a more accurate estimate may be 20%.<ref>[http://www.adherents.com/largecom/com_buddhist.html The Largest Buddhist Communities]</ref>
[[Image:Obon.jpg|thumb|Obon remains one of the most important Buddhist observances]]
[[Image:Obon.jpg|thumb|Obon remains one of the most important Buddhist observances]]
==Buddhism and abortion==
==Buddhism and abortion==
Buddhists believe that causing death is morally wrong. Traditional Buddhists are opposing abortion because it involves the deliberate destroying of a life. Numerous Buddhist [[Sutra]] [[scripture]]s, such as the ''Shurangama Sutra'' assert that [[life]] begins at [[conception]] and that is when the "[[soul]]" ("vijnana") enters the body of the [[fetus]].<ref>https://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/buddhism/buddhistethics/abortion.shtml</ref>
Buddhists believe that causing death is morally wrong. Traditional Buddhists oppose abortion because it involves the deliberate destruction of a life. Numerous Buddhist [[Sutra]] [[scripture]]s, such as the ''Shurangama Sutra'', assert that [[life]] begins at [[conception]] and that is when the "[[soul]]" ("vijnana") enters the body of the [[fetus]].<ref>https://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/buddhism/buddhistethics/abortion.shtml</ref>
== Conservative Christianity view of Buddhism ==
== Conservative Christianity view of Buddhism ==
* Landaw, Jonathan, and Stephan Bodian. ''Buddhism For Dummies'' (2002) [https://www.amazon.com/Buddhism-Dummies-Religion-Spirituality/dp/0764553593/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1262317083&sr=1-5 excerpt and text search]
* Landaw, Jonathan, and Stephan Bodian. ''Buddhism For Dummies'' (2002) [https://www.amazon.com/Buddhism-Dummies-Religion-Spirituality/dp/0764553593/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1262317083&sr=1-5 excerpt and text search]
* Rahula, Walpola. ''What the Buddha Taught: Revised and Expanded Edition with Texts from Suttas and Dhammapada''. Grove, 1994.
* Rahula, Walpola. ''What the Buddha Taught: Revised and Expanded Edition with Texts from Suttas and Dhammapada''. Grove, 1994.
* Rapaport, Al, and Brian Hotchkiss. ''Buddhism in America'' (1998) [https://www.amazon.com/Buddhism-America-Al-Rapaport/dp/0804831521/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1262316921&sr=1-10 excerpt and text search]
* Rapaport, Al, and Brian Hotchkiss. ''Buddhism in America'' (1998) [https://www.amazon.com/Buddhism-America-Al-Rapaport/dp/0804831521/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1262316921&sr=1-10 excerpt and text search]
* Seager, Richard Hughes. ''Buddhism in America'' (2000) [https://www.amazon.com/Buddhism-America-Richard-Hughes-Seager/dp/0231108699/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1262316921&sr=1-1 excerpt and text search]
* Seager, Richard Hughes. ''Buddhism in America'' (2000) [https://www.amazon.com/Buddhism-America-Richard-Hughes-Seager/dp/0231108699/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1262316921&sr=1-1 excerpt and text search]