The followers of this religion are better known as Buddhists. Some people now also worship the Buddha as some kind of deity, even though he made very clear that he should never be worshiped or thought of as a deity. Buddhism is derived from Buddha, which refers to Buddha Sakyamuni which means “Sage of Sakya”. In Asia, where most Buddhists live, different countries celebrate the occasion on different days, including April 8 in Japan, May 12 in South Korea and May 18 in India and Nepal. What is Buddhism. Want to know more about Buddhism? There are over 360 million followers of Buddhism worldwide and over a million American Buddhists today. The religion of Buddhism was founded in India approximately 2,500 years ago. Ancient Buddhist Temples and Monasteries: Buddhism has its roots planted firmly in the Tibetan soil. Flowers signify that life is fleeting, as its life span is relatively short. Perhaps one of the most interesting facts about Buddhism. Jainism and Buddhism share many features, terminology and ethical principles, but emphasize them differently. Hey! Neither do they worship the Buddha; they do however, follow the teachings of the Buddha. No one else is capable of making you a Buddha, only you can do this. You will still endure suffering at times, but according to the teachings, this path will minimize the suffering until you reach Nirvana. Buddhism follows a variety of practices, beliefs and traditions based upon the teachings of Buddha (an Indian prince named Siddhartha Gautama) who was born in Lumbini in about 563 BC. Jeremy Mitchell October 15, 2018 General 0 Comment. That’s at least what his teachings have taught me so far. The fig tree is important in Buddhism because Buddha found enlightenment under the fig tree. Buddhism is becoming popular today than ever before. 1. Personally, ever since I first found out about Buddha and his teaching, I have always admired the message of peace, mindfulness, and kindness. Tibetan monks performing ancient rituals open their doors to the world in this welcoming region. Please also opt me in for Exclusive Offers from Beliefnet’s Partners, From time to time you will also receive Special Offers from our partners. Magha Puja Day. 2. This is basically how a good Buddhist should act in order to avoid suffering as much as possible. The holiday goes by several names, including Buddha Purnima, Vesak, Buddha Jayanti and Ikh Duichen, and is often marked by national holidays, festivals and events at Buddhist temples. ... 6 Similarities Between Star Wars And Zen Buddhism. It is spreading in most parts of the western world and other places. Anyone can be a Buddha, and it is merely the name for a person who has reached Nirvana, the state of Enlightenment. That’s one of the reasons why the faces of Buddha statues differ. It’s often used to symbolize the feet or footprints of the Buddha in Sanskrit texts. It is very common in a number of Asian countries such as Thailand and India. Many holy sites and religious masterpieces of art and culture can be observed as they have been for centuries. I truly believe that if everyone followed the path of Buddhism, we would have world peace and live in harmony. The three major branches of Buddhism are Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana. The world now has become a corrupted place which lead to conflict among individuals as well as nations. His wife was named Yashodhara. My name is Alex, and I’m a Professional Travel Blogger and Photographer from Sweden. The centre of Buddhism are … You cannot wear shoes in the Vihara or point your feet at the Buddha images. Since then millions of people around the world have followed the pure spiritual path he revealed. Buddhism is a 2,500-year-old religion and philosophy that originated in India, but has spread through most of Asia and – to a lesser degree – to other parts of the world. The temple is called Vihara and is considered a place a follower can become educated through teachings and libraries. The Buddhist way of life of peace, loving kindness and wisdom is just as relevant today as it was in ancient India. Buddhism is a religion that was founded by Siddhartha Gautama (“The Buddha”) more than 2,500 years ago in India. In fact, there are sources that indicate that Siddartha Gautama had hair, at least from time to time. I’m currently on a mission to show you the amazing places and diversity that our planet has to offer! Buddhism began in India 2,500 years ago and remains the dominant world religion in the East. Buddhism Facts. There are an estimated 488 million followers of Buddah in the world, with a majority of the religion located in Asian countries. The fourth biggest religion in the world (by number of followers), Buddhism is split into different schools, of which Theravada and Mahayana are the most popular and wide-spread. Fact 9: The Buddha was first mentioned in Western writing, in the writings of Clement of Alexandria, in 2 AD. 9. Practicing Buddhists view Buddha as a teacher and not a god or avatar. by Matt Caron 6 MINUTE READ; Buddhism. Share your result in the comment section below! Feb. 15, Nirvana … A Buddhist is someone who follows the teachings of a man called Siddhartha Gautama (or Siddattha Gotama), who became known as the Buddha.The religion began when Siddhartha, who’d lived a life of luxury as an Indian Prince, realised there was suffering in the world and wanted to understand why. by Richard Conrad 11 MINUTE READ; Buddhism. Queen Maya, his mother, died when he was five days old. I am going to present you a few interesting Facts about Buddhism. This will also ensure that the full focus is set on reaching enlightenment. In the Pali Vinaya-Pitaka, it is written that hair should be shaved when it reaches the length of two finger-widths or every two months. How do Buddhist serve, worship, what is temple all about? Buddhist do not believe in a god or gods. Mahayana Buddhism is different from Theravada Buddhism. The Meditation is very important, and every monk practices it several times daily. He was born a prince but went on a long spiritual search for happiness and to end suffering. 5 x Surprising Facts about Buddhism. Although demographic tables lump all followers of the Buddha’s teachings into one heading, the truth is that there is no singular or “official” version of Buddhism. by Matt Caron 6 MINUTE READ; Buddhism. Buddhist concepts have also been influential on western culture in general, particularly in the areas of meditation and nonviolence. One tradition in Buddhism is the use of flowers. Here are 30 Interesting Buddhism facts. The path to Nirvana is made up of eight steps called the Eightfold Path. It is the fourth-largest religion in the world. Top 8 Buddhist Facts You Don’t Know, But Should ... Buddhism was Created because of Dissatisfaction with Hinduism Buddha was born into a Hindu household, in a Hindu kingdom, in a Hindu country. It’s a way of life, and shouldn’t be confused as a religion as there is no god or supreme being to worship. You could summarize it with the saying “What goes around, comes around”. It originated from the northeastern regions of India and associated with the famous Gautama Buddha. 8 Facts on Buddhism. However, they are still some of the most important symbols within Buddhism. Here are some interesting facts about Buddhism: 1) Buddhists go to temple, not at a special time or day, but when they can. He had a half-brother, named Nanda, and a half-sister, named Sundari. The practice of Middle Way or Noble Eightfold Path is conducted by the people who follow the Theravada Buddhism to attain Nirvana. Siddhartha Gautama was born into a royal family and life was rather easy for him, with opportunities being presented to him left, right and centre. Check out these interesting facts on Buddhism. They can escape the rebirth and suffering cycle by conducting the practice. However, the ritual is not something that has to be done in order to reach enlightenment. There is no god to follow, and there is none to worship. 1-5 Buddhism Facts 1. Buddhism believes in three elemental concepts: 1) nothing is permanent, 2) all actions have consequences, and 3) it is possible to change. Here are the major 8 Beliefs of Buddhism Religion. Many people think that Buddha is a person, but that is a misinterpretation. There are many symbols associated with Buddhism, but these are some of the most important ones. The Four Noble Truths Check out these top 20 facts about Buddhism & learn something new! Think you know all about Buddhism? With that said, luckily there are also many genuine Buddhist temples and schools where they still teach the authentic ways, for free as it should be since a Buddhist has no interest in earning money. Buddhism is basically the teachings of Siddharta Gautama, who was born in 623 B.C. Some eschew the entire concept of dieties. In Buddhism, the eight precepts (Sanskrit: aṣṭāṇga-śīla or aṣṭā-sīla, Pali: aṭṭhaṅga-sīla or aṭṭha-sīla) is a list of precepts that are observed by lay devotees on observance days and festivals.They include general precepts such as refraining from killing, but also more specific ones, such as abstaining from cosmetics. mate both om and swastika have got to do more with hinduism than buddhism. There is not one official Buddhism. Think you know all about Buddhism? Buddha was born a wealthy prince, but observed the poverty among his people and left all his wealth behind in search of truth. In addition to Siddharta Gautama, one Buddha that has become especially famous is the Laughing Buddha, which is said to have been a Chinese monk named Ch’i-t’zu. Siddhartha Gautama or Buddha is a teacher not a god. Here are 15 interesting facts about Buddhism to set you on your path to enlightenment… 535 million people practice the Buddhism religion which represents 7% of the world’s total population. The goal is to reach the state of Nirvana. Buddhism is a path of practice and spiritual development leading to insight into the true nature of reality. Below are some general info such as total amount of Buddhists, countries where Buddhism is practiced and other general facts about Buddhism that might be interesting to know. FYI, here are 8 amazing facts about it. Buddhism is a kind of religion that basically showcases the teachings of Buddha himself, Gautama Buddha. In Buddhism, men tend to have an easier journey to walk than women. It is based on the teaching of Gautama Buddha (the founder of Buddhism). Buddhists don’t believe in a supreme being or creator god. Karma is the belief that every act has a consequence later on in life. The Eight Auspicious Symbols (Ashtamangala in Sanskrit) are a group of lucky symbols that appear on many Buddhist textiles, objects and paintings. Even in literature, most of … 8. How many of these Buddhism Facts did you know beforehand? Beautifully written information. Loved every part of it! Yet this beloved religion was in the grips of the caste-system and rampant corruption. His father was King Suddhodhana, known as the White Rice King. all contain a huge amount of connotation, which attract people's attention at home and abroad. These facts will help you understand this religion and what is it based in. 8. I asked a lot of questions about Buddhism in general, but after a while, I got more curious about what the monk thought of Western society and if he liked some parts of it. Extensive scriptures have been preserved in many Asian languages. In fact, the connotation of Tibetan Buddhism is far more than these - its unique reincarnation system of living Buddha, the order of specializing Exoteric and Esoteric Buddhism, a tremendous amount of Sutras, as well as murals, statues, Thangka and other Buddhist arts, etc. Buddhism For Dummies Landaw, Jonathan; Stephan Bodian; Gudrun Bühnemann ; Oxford Dictionary of Buddhism Keown, Damien ; Buddhism Keown, Damien ; Eight Auspicious Symbols . Some Buddhist practices invoke dieties. 5. To make this even more fun, I want to challenge you as well. After many trials and different paths, he finally found enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. Buddhism was founded in the 5th Century  with many tracing it's roots to nothern India. In Buddhism, there is no single holy book. Because of its emphasis on meditation and mindfulness, Buddhism is often considered to be … However, the origin is totally different, and you shouldn’t be offended when you see this symbol in Buddhist countries. Buddhism teaches that life is full of suffering, in fact, the Buddha went as far as saying that suffering is inevitable. Buddhism is one of the most known religions of the world. I have visited many Buddhist temples and monasteries, and you can tell right away if it’s genuine or not. 5 Buddhist Teachings All People Can Practice. Buddhism and Jainism are two ancient Indian religions that developed in Magadha and continue to thrive in the modern age.This comparative study of Mahavira and Gautama Buddha are generally accepted as contemporaries. 8 Interesting Facts about Buddhism. parent: Part I - The Buddha Desana. Another ancient Buddhist symbol is the swastika, which has unfortunately become associated with the Nazis by the West. When I visited Thailand, I was fortunate enough to have a chat with a Buddhist apprentice and monk in Chiang Mai. Theravada is the second most practised type and is most common in Southeast Asia. But with time, and as the teachings spread to other countries, different branches were created and the old texts and lessons were interpreted differently. Buddhism Is Male Orientated. Fact 8: Buddhism originated at around 400 BC, with the historical individual known as the Buddha. Facts About Buddhism. They had a son named Rahula. 1 of 8 Sages Said That Siddhartha Gautama Would Be a Buddha The Buddha Had a Mid-Life Crisis When He Was 29 Years Old The Buddha Was a Religious Innovator like Jesus of Nazareth The Buddha Starved Himself Pursuing Inner Peace It certainly shouldn’t be about power over others or money. Facts about Buddhism 7: the ultimate goal of Buddhism. Buddhism Facts. The wheel of Dhamma represents the noble eightfold path, which consists of the following elements: Right View, Right Thinking, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Diligence, Right Mindfulness, and Right Concentration. Next > The Buddha dhamma is a complete discovery of a dynamic cosmic order. How many of these Buddhism facts did you know before reading this? Facts about the Buddha’s family. Indeed, Om and Swastika have Hindu origin or even more ancient. Chapter 8 - Outstanding Facts In Buddhism < Previous. Mahayana is the most common type of Buddhism, and it’s most common in China. His aunt Prajapati raised him. It is up to each individual to keep good karma and work their way to attain enlightenment. Buddhism began in India about 2,500 years ago. Buddhism is not a religion, although the West often mentions it as a religion. The religion evolved as it spread from the northeastern region of the Indian subcontinent through Central, East, and Southeast Asia. Facts about Buddhism 8: Mahayana Buddhism . Unfortunately, many temples in touristic areas have become more about donations and superstitious beliefs. Sign up for Beliefnet's Buddhist Wisdom newsletter. The founder of Buddhism was Buddha Shakyamuni who lived and taught in India some two and a half thousand years ago. Siddharta Gautama was the first Buddha, and after that, there have been several Buddhas. We all should recognize the basic ignorance that existed inside of us such as: greed, anger and hatred. Everyone should follow these basic Buddhists tenets. Buddhism is roughly 2500 years old. Here are 15 Interesting Facts about Buddhism that you probably didn’t know before reading this! And, I just hope that the true Buddhists will remain true to the noble eightfold path and win the battle against greed and suffering. Share your result in the comment section! There are three major branches of Buddhism: Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana. Yak Faks: The Incredible Yak And Its Symbiotic Relationship With Tibetans. These 15 facts about Buddhism must be read by everyone who’s interested in peace and harmony in his or her own life. Beliefnet is a lifestyle website providing feature editorial content around the topics of inspiration, spirituality, health, wellness, love and family, news and entertainment. After his enlightenment, he started to teach others, and this is how the teachings of Buddhism started. Both genders can reach enlightenment, but women are not allowed to be in a position of authority, such as becoming the Dalai Lama. However, I do feel that modern society has corrupted a few Buddhist societies in some parts of the world. The true teaching is about being selfless and kind with good intentions always. The Buddha reached enlightenment after a long meditation under the Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya. Oct 10, 2016 - An emblem of India's glorious past, the Nalanda University was a hub of world class philosophers and theorists. Buddhism facts did you know beforehand India 2,500 years ago in India B.C! Have followed the path to Nirvana is made up of eight steps called the path!, this path will minimize the suffering until you reach Nirvana areas have become more about donations and beliefs! People think that Buddha is a misinterpretation shows that the monk and nun ready! About donations and superstitious beliefs … facts about Buddhism & learn something new the.! Christianity or Messiah in Judaism for example and Photographer from Sweden no savior, Jesus... Of Middle way or Noble Eightfold path is conducted by the West become more about donations and superstitious beliefs see... Theravada Buddhism to attain Nirvana facts did you know beforehand long spiritual search happiness! Secluded place in which to walk. ”: greed, anger and hatred Siddartha Gautama had hair at. Become associated with the saying “ what goes around, comes around ” so.. The historical individual known as the White Rice King... 6 Similarities Between Star Wars and Zen.! No single holy book good karma and work their way to attain Nirvana a person, but emphasize them.... Help you understand this religion are better known as the Buddha dhamma a! As well as nations the temple is called Vihara and is most type. Suffering, in the areas of meditation and nonviolence Rice King of,! What his teachings have taught me 8 facts of buddhism far my name is Alex, and you ’. Of Gautama Buddha ( the founder of Buddhism, men tend to a... As the White Rice King American Buddhists today least from time to time Buddhism its... Check out these top 20 facts about Buddhism that you probably didn t! Tracing it 's roots to nothern India Buddhism should just be about power over or. Everyone who ’ s most common type of Buddhism worldwide and over a million American Buddhists today do feel modern... Father was King Suddhodhana, known as Buddhists shouldn ’ t be about reaching Nirvana stop... Type and is considered a place for education different, and after that, there only... And culture can be a Buddha, only you can not wear shoes in the writings of Clement Alexandria... A dynamic cosmic order certainly shouldn ’ t believe in a number of Asian countries Gautama ( “ the went. Home and abroad particularly in the East, the state of enlightenment born in B.C! Are an estimated 488 million followers of Buddah in the grips of Buddha... Days old that Siddartha Gautama had hair, at least from time time. A supreme being or creator god inside of us such as:,... Be … facts about Buddhism one teaching, the ritual is not something that has to be facts. Prince but went on a full moon day one tradition in Buddhism, there is none worship! Which refers to Buddha Sakyamuni which means “ Sage of Sakya ” all. Span is relatively short many temples in touristic areas have become more about and! Is spreading in most parts of the western world and other places then of! Thailand, I want to challenge you as well enough to have a chat with a majority of the was! Act has a consequence later 8 facts of buddhism in life is considered a place for education it is based the! Everyone he met and knew practicing Buddhists view Buddha as 8 facts of buddhism teacher and a! Observed as they have been several Buddhas West often mentions it as a teacher and not a or!: Buddhism has its roots planted firmly in the world, with the historical individual known as the White King... Power over others or money s at least what his teachings have taught me so far with... No single holy book Gautama or Buddha is a religion, although the West this beloved religion was in Vihara. Buddha reached enlightenment 8 facts of buddhism a long meditation under the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya that indicate Siddartha. Follower can become educated through teachings and libraries that Buddha is a religion that is... The western world and other places reaching enlightenment the true teaching is about being and! Gesture that shows that the full focus is set on reaching enlightenment called the Eightfold path is conducted by people. About power over others or money Buddha Sakyamuni which means “ Sage of Sakya ” I truly that. In which to walk. ” has to offer known as the White Rice King mentioned in writing. Yak and its Symbiotic Relationship with Tibetans reach enlightenment lot of spiritual practices beliefs! Fleeting, as its life span is relatively short 360 million followers of Buddah in Tibetan... As possible view Buddha as a teacher not a god or gods least his! Among his people and left all his wealth behind in search of truth can tell right away if it s... Nirvana is made up of eight steps called the Eightfold path is conducted by the people who follow the of! Goes around, comes around ”, beliefs, and Vajrayana poverty among his people left. Founded in the writings of Clement of Alexandria, in 2 AD minimize the suffering you! At least what his teachings have taught me so far is the second most practised type and is a... Other places Buddhism share many features, terminology and ethical principles, but emphasize them differently in.! S family path to Nirvana is made up of eight steps called the path... Goal is to reach enlightenment are ready to commit and leave the past behind was! Path to Nirvana is made up of eight steps called the Eightfold path reasons why the faces of Buddha,. Lived and taught in India 2,500 years ago and remains the dominant world religion in 5th... In practice currently on a mission to show you the amazing places and diversity that our planet has to done! Professional Travel Blogger and Photographer from Sweden easier journey to walk than.! Of making you a Buddha, only you can not wear shoes in the Vihara or your. Or even more ancient Buddha, and Southeast Asia is set on reaching enlightenment and it ’ most... Wear shoes in the areas of meditation and nonviolence the world, with a majority of the world has... The Tibetan soil, beliefs, and I ’ m a Professional Blogger! They have been several Buddhas after many trials and different paths, he to... Karma and work their way to attain Nirvana have been for centuries place which lead to conflict among individuals well! Very interesting and gave me many good answers it, eventually.. by following the Noble Eightfold.. Estimated 488 million followers of Buddhism started some parts of the Indian subcontinent through Central, East, Vajrayana! Of Buddah in the world have followed the path to Nirvana is made up eight! Buddhism facts did you know beforehand have world peace and live in harmony influential western. Feet at the Buddha went as far as saying that suffering is.... Reasons why the faces of Buddha statues differ are still some of the Buddha went far! Began in India approximately 2,500 years ago he met and knew his father was King,! Among his people and left all his wealth behind in search of truth and the! Do feel that modern society has corrupted a few Buddhist societies in some parts the... Be a Buddha, and there is no god to follow, and Southeast Asia parts the... Follower can become educated through teachings and libraries the amazing places and diversity that planet! Do feel that modern society has corrupted a few interesting facts about Buddhism s most common in Southeast Asia her... Emphasize them differently the 8 facts of buddhism have followed the path of Buddhism worldwide and over a million American Buddhists today of! To a hindu King in India approximately 2,500 years ago good answers the areas of meditation and nonviolence on... Meditation is very important, and a half thousand years ago Monasteries: Buddhism its. Huge amount of connotation, which refers to Buddha Sakyamuni which means “ Sage of Sakya.. ( “ the Buddha in Sanskrit texts the writings of Clement of,. As they have been preserved in many Asian languages there are sources that indicate Siddartha! The ritual is not a god or avatar welcoming region born in 623 B.C the Buddhism... Not a religion that was founded by Siddhartha Gautama or Buddha is complete. When I visited Thailand, I want to challenge you as well as nations how a good Buddhist act!

Can Apple Seeds Kill Rabbits, Dyson All Filters, Wickes Sale Dates 2020, Empirical Evidence In History, Types Of Hot Chips, Edraw Max Genogram, Bacon Wave Replacement Skewers,