Religion, Buddhist

BUDDHISM IS THE leading religion of east and southeastern Asian countries. With about 400 million adherents, it exercises great religious, cultural, and social influence in Asia and beyond.

Buddhism was founded by Siddhartha Gautama around 2,500 years ago in northern India. After he achieved enlightenment, he was hailed as the Buddha, “the enlightened one.” Although the Buddha could have entered a state of bliss at a higher level of existence, he remained on earth out of compassion for the sufferings of his fellow human beings until he experienced a natural death through accidental food poisoning.

For many centuries after the Buddha's death, his teachings were transmitted orally. When they were committed to writing, the earliest texts were in the Indian language of Pali. Buddhist schools compiled the Buddhist traditions into the Tripitika (“Three Baskets” of teachings). The first basket, Basket of Discipline, records the rules of operation for a Buddhist order. The second basket, Basket of Discourses, preserves many of the Buddha's sermons. The third basket, Basket of the Higher Dharma, contains his teachings.

Many Buddhist schools have developed through the centuries. The Theravada school (“Way of the Elders”) is the oldest. It developed in India but is now strongest in Ceylon, Burma, Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand. It emphasizes the Buddha and the monastic life, where arbats achieve enlightenment through many reincarnations.

The Mahayana (“Great Vehicle”) school encourages its followers in China, Korea, and Japan to become “little Buddhas” (Bodbisattvas) or embodiments of the Buddha's teachings. Mahay—anas refer to Theravada Buddhism as Hinayana (“lesser vehicle”) Buddhism.

The Mantrayana (“Sacred Recitation Vehicle”) school has been strongest in Tibet, Mongolia, and Japan, where it is called Sbingon. Mantrayanas accept much of the Mahayana school but emphasize a relationship with a guru, small groups of disciples, and the use of mantras. They use many sacred rituals, dances, and meditation practices but also keep many beliefs and practices secret. They also believe in devils, goblins, and other evil forces.

Zen Buddhism is strongest in Japan but originated in China, where it is called Chan. Zen Buddhists often use meditation practices including “riddles” (koans) to achieve enlightenment (satori).

In recent decades, Buddhism has spread into the West, including America, often through the immigration of adherents who brought Zen and other forms with them. The Dalai Lama also has influenced many people. Some convertors have adopted Tibetan forms of Buddhism. Buddhists in the United States and Canada are estimated to number around a half million individuals.

The teachings of the Buddha do not rest on divine authority. Instead, Buddhism is usually described as an atheistic religion. It does not recognize the existence of gods or goddesses, nor does it care whether they exist because they do not participate in the Buddhist system of salvation.

The authority for the Buddha's teachings was his enlightenment through his meditations. The teachings that he presented were naturalistic and philosophical. These are called the Dharma, which is founded on what he believed were the immutable laws of nature and the moral order. Buddhists follow the Dharma as members of the Buddhist community (Sangha).

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