Buddhist

Buddhism (Pali/Sanskrit: बौद्ध धर्म Buddha Dharma) is a faith and philosophy encompassing a spread of traditions, beliefs and practices, largely primarily based on teachings attributed to Siddhartha Gautama, commonly referred to as the Buddha (Pāli/Sanskrit "the woke up one"). The Buddha lived and taught within the northeastern Indian subcontinent a while between the 6th and fourth centuries BCE.[2] he is recognized by Buddhists as an woke up or enlightened teacher who shared his insights to help sentient beings end suffering (or dukkha), achieve nirvana, and escape what is seen as a cycle of suffering and rebirth.


Two major branches of Buddhism are recognized: Theravada ("The school of the Elders") and Mahayana ("The nice Vehicle"). Theravada—the oldest surviving branch—has a widespread following in Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia. Mahayana is found throughout East Asia and includes the traditions of Pure Land, Zen, Nichiren Buddhism, Tibetan Buddhism, Shingon, Tendai and Shinnyo-en. In some classifications Vajrayana—a subcategory of Mahayana practiced in Tibet and Mongolia—is recognized as a 3rd branch. whereas Buddhism remains most popular inside Asia, both branches are now found throughout the globe. Estimates of Buddhists worldwide vary considerably depending on the manner Buddhist adherence is defined. Lower estimates are between 350–500 million.[3] however, when including East Asian ancient faiths which has historically consisted of kinds of Mahayana Buddhism alongside Chinese folks religion, Taoism, Shinto, Shamanism, etc. the amount would vary from 1–1.6 billion.[4][5][6][7]

Buddhist schools vary on the exact nature of the path to liberation, the importance and canonicity of assorted teachings and scriptures, and especially their respective practices.[8] The foundations of Buddhist tradition and follow are the three Jewels: the Buddha, the Dharma (the teachings), and the Sangha (the community).[9][10] Taking "refuge within the triple gem" has historically been a declaration and commitment to being on the Buddhist path and generally distinguishes a Buddhist from a non-Buddhist.[11] other practices may embody following moral precepts, support of the monastic community, renouncing typical living and turning into a monastic, the event of mindfulness and follow of meditation, cultivation of higher knowledge and discernment, study of scriptures, devotional practices, ceremonies, and within the Mahayana tradition, invocation of buddhas and bodhisattvas.