Top 10 Facts About Buddhism

Contributed by Marnely Rodriguez, Catalogs.com Top 10 Guru

One popular Buddhism quote states that “You only lose what you cling to”, which defines most principles in this lifestyle.

The Noble Truths state that suffering is caused by desire and attachment, so not having these feelings will bring you closer to Nirvana.

10. Siddharta Gautama

Founded by an Indian prince, Siddharta Gautama, who after a journey had seen the suffering of human kind, vowed to leave his sheltered lifestyle and seek enlightenment. But this wasn’t as easy as he thought and then decided to take extreme measures: he sat under a tree and promised to not move until enlightenment was reached. Days later, he rose as the Buddha or “the Enlightened one”.

9. Fourth largest

Today there are over 360 million followers of Buddhism, seeing most prevalence in Japan, China and Southeast Asia. This makes it the fourth largest religion in the world.

8. Ultimate reality

The Ultimate Reality in this Belief is: None, because nothing is permanent.

7. Five precepts

Five Precepts: Do not kill, steal, engage in sexual misconduct, lie or use intoxicants.

6. Language

Buddhism’s original language was Pali.

5. Four noble truths

Guided by 4 Noble Truths, Buddhists must adhere to the following: All of life is marked by suffering; Suffering is caused by desire and attachment; Suffering can be eliminated; suffering is eliminated by following the Noble Eightfold Path.

4. Noble eightfold path

The Noble Eightfold Path consists of: Right Beliefs, Right Aspirations, Right Speech, Right Conduct, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Meditational Attainment.

3. Buddha

Buddha is not a god, but an Enlightened man. Statues of Buddha are popular and inspirational decorative items for people who follow the Buddhist religion.

2. Divisions

Buddhism is divided into three major divisions and these are: Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana

1. Enlightenment

Ultimate goal of Buddhism is to obtain Nirvana or reach Enlightenment. Those who practice Buddhism believe they are constantly reincarnated until reaching this ultimate goal. Pilgrimages aid in this discovery of oneself, as does the use of meditation beads and a prayer wheel.

More than a religion, Buddhism is a lifestyle, adapted to its truths and paths, which will guide you (hopefully) towards Nirvana.