![]() Very interesting - although the Dalai Lama has made similar statements before, like these posted to his Twitter feed over the summer: Read more from GlobalPost: Dalai Lama visits Kashmir, first time in 24 years This is why I am increasingly convinced that the time has come to find a way of thinking about spirituality and ethics beyond religion altogether." But the reality of the world today is that grounding ethics in religion is no longer adequate. ![]() "All the world’s major religions, with their emphasis on love, compassion, patience, tolerance, and forgiveness can and do promote inner values. In a statement some might find odd coming from a world-renowned religous leader, the Dalai Lama - otherwise known as Tenzin Gyatso - posted this on his Facebook feed, likely in response to the graphic turmoil that's gripping the Middle East and other parts of the world: Some forms of Buddhism incorporate ideas of other religions and philosophies, such as Taoism and Bon.Is faith enough to curb the violence and unrest that's gripping the planet today? Even the Dalai Lama, spiritual head of Tibetan Buddhism, is feeling unsure. There are also several subsects of Buddhism, including Zen Buddhism and Nirvana Buddhism. Tibetan Buddhism: Prevalent in Tibet, Nepal, Mongolia, Bhutan, and parts of Russia and northern IndiaĮach of these types reveres certain texts and has slightly different interpretations of Buddha’s teachings.Mahayana Buddhism: Prevalent in China, Japan, Taiwan, Korea, Singapore and Vietnam.Theravada Buddhism: Prevalent in Thailand, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Laos and Burma.The three main types that represent specific geographical areas include: Today, many forms of Buddhism exist around the world. Islam began to spread quickly in the region during the Middle Ages, forcing Buddhism into the background. In the sixth century, the Huns invaded India and destroyed hundreds of Buddhist monasteries, but the intruders were eventually driven out of the country. The thoughts and philosophies of Buddhists became diverse, with some followers interpreting ideas differently than others. Over the next few centuries, Buddhism began to spread beyond India. Buddhist monasteries were built, and missionary work was encouraged. In the 3rd century B.C., Ashoka the Great, the Mauryan Indian emperor, made Buddhism the state religion of India. Buddha’s teachings became the foundation for what would develop into Buddhism. When Gautama passed away around 483 B.C., his followers began to organize a religious movement. He spent the rest of his life teaching others about how to achieve this spiritual state. Thus, he sought a life without social indulgences but also without deprivation.Īfter six years of searching, Buddhists believe Gautama found enlightenment while meditating under a Bodhi tree. When this didn’t fulfill him, he promoted the idea of the “Middle Way,” which means existing between two extremes. He decided to give up his lavish lifestyle and endure poverty. Although he had an easy life, Gautama was moved by suffering in the world. Gautama was born into a wealthy family as a prince in present-day Nepal. Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism who later became known as “the Buddha,” lived during the 5th century B.C. In Pictures Ltd./Corbis/Getty Images Founder of Buddhism There is no single Buddhist symbol, but a number of images have evolved that represent Buddhist beliefs, including the lotus flower, the eight-spoked dharma wheel, the Bodhi tree and the swastika (an ancient symbol whose name means "well-being" or "good fortune" in Sanskrit).Ī gold Buddha figure at the Longhua Temple in the south of Shanghai, first built in 242 AD.Buddhist monks, or bhikkhus, follow a strict code of conduct, which includes celibacy.Followers of Buddhism can worship in temples or in their own homes.Buddhists embrace the concepts of karma (the law of cause and effect) and reincarnation (the continuous cycle of rebirth).Buddha’s most important teachings, known as The Four Noble Truths, are essential to understanding the religion.Buddhism encourages its people to avoid self-indulgence but also self-denial.Some scholars don’t recognize Buddhism as an organized religion, but rather, a “way of life” or a “spiritual tradition.”.There are many philosophies and interpretations within Buddhism, making it a tolerant and evolving religion.Buddhists often meditate because they believe it helps awaken truth. The path to enlightenment is attained by utilizing morality, meditation and wisdom.The religion’s founder, Buddha, is considered an extraordinary being, but not a god.When followers reach this spiritual echelon, they’re said to have experienced nirvana. They instead focus on achieving enlightenment-a state of inner peace and wisdom. Followers of Buddhism don’t acknowledge a supreme god or deity.
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