Buddhism

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From the beginning of time, many religious groups and colts have formed. Today there are several different colts and religions. There is one that some people really don’t have the clear and defined meaning of. This belief is Buddhism. In the following paragraphs you will learn more about the meaning of Buddhism, where it originates from and the many different Buddhist schools around the world.

Buddhism is a path of practice and spiritual growth that shows the true nature of life. Some of the Buddhist practices (such as meditation) are ways of changing people in order to develop awareness, kindness, and wisdom.

Since Buddhism doesn’t consist of worshipping an actual God, some people don’t see it as an actual religion. The basic ways Buddhist teaching are straightforward and to the point. Change in the Buddhist belief is very possible oppose to any other religion such as Christianity. Buddhism addresses itself to all people regardless of race, nationality, or gender.

The practice of Buddhism sees life as a process of constant change. In John Snellings book, The Buddhist Handbook, he said “Buddhist believe that a person can change for the better. Buddhist practice meditation to develop more positive states of mind that are characterized by calm, concentration, awareness, and emotions such as friendliness.” This statement is true because; almost every time you see a person that practices Buddhism get upset they start meditating to ease their mind. This act helps them relieve all negative vibes around them.

The act of Buddhism originated after the death of Buddha many years ago. “Soon after Buddha’s death or par nirvana, five hundred monks met at the first council at Rajagrha, under the leadership of Kashyapa. Upali recited the monastic code (Vinaya) as he remembered it. Ananda, Buddha’s cousin friend and favorite disciple — and a man of prodigious memory! — recited Buddha’s lessons (the Sutras). The monks debated details and voted on final versions. Other monks, to be translated into the many languages of the Indian plains, then committed these to memory. It should be noted that Buddhism remained an oral tradition for over 200 years”. (http://www.ship.edu/~cgboeree/buddhahist.html)

Buddhism is widely known throughout China. Legend has it that the Chinese Emperor (Ming Ti) had dream which led him to send his agents down to Silk Road (the ancient trade route between China and the west) to discover its meaning.” The agent returned with a picture of the Buddha and a copy of the Sutra in 42 sections.

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