A philosophical and religious tradition originating in ancient India that teaches the path to enlightenment through understanding of suffering, impermanence, and non-self.

Buddhism

Buddhism is one of the world's major spiritual traditions, founded by Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) in the 5th century BCE. It offers a comprehensive system of philosophy, meditation, and ethical practices aimed at addressing human suffering and achieving spiritual liberation.

Core Teachings

The Four Noble Truths

The truth of suffering
The origin of suffering (craving and attachment)
The cessation of suffering (nirvana)
The path leading to cessation (Eightfold Path)

Key Concepts

Karma - the law of moral causation
Dharma - the Buddha's teachings and universal truth
Impermanence - the constant state of flux in all phenomena
Meditation - mental cultivation and mindfulness practices

Major Traditions

Theravada Buddhism

The "Way of the Elders" emphasizes individual enlightenment through monastic life and strict adherence to original Buddhist texts. Prominent in Southeast Asia.

Mahayana Buddhism

The "Great Vehicle" encompasses diverse schools focusing on the bodhisattva path and universal salvation. Includes:

Buddhist Practices

Meditation Forms

Mindfulness meditation (Vipassana)
Concentration meditation (Samatha)
Loving-kindness meditation (Metta)

Ethical Guidelines

The Five Precepts
Compassion and non-violence
Mindful living and awareness

Cultural Impact

Buddhism has significantly influenced:

Eastern Philosophy
Mindfulness Movement in Western psychology
Art and Architecture across Asia
Modern Spirituality

Contemporary Buddhism

Modern Buddhism continues to evolve through:

Dialogue with Science
Integration with Western Psychology
Environmental and social activism
Secular Buddhism movements

Buddhism's emphasis on direct experience, empirical investigation of the mind, and universal compassion has made it particularly relevant to contemporary discussions about consciousness, mental health, and global ethics.

The tradition maintains its relevance while adapting to modern contexts, offering practical methods for developing wisdom and inner peace in an increasingly complex world.