Tell me about Buddhisim, i am sincerly interested and would like to know more about the religion!?

Answer 1

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism

Answer 2

Buddhism is based on the teachings of the Indian prince Siddhartha who became the Buddha (the enlightned one) after a long search, learning and meditation around 500 BC.

Very basic teachings of the Buddha include

1. Impermanance - Everything changes
2. Therefore unsatisfactorinesss - Suffering
3. Soullessness

Four Noble Truths

1. Unsatisfactoriness - Suffering
2. Reason for suffering - Greed/attachment
3. Cessation of suffering - Nirvana
4. Path to end suffering - Eightfold

Eightfold Path

1. Right understanding
2. Right thought
3. Right speech
4. Right action
5. Right livelyhood
6. Right effort
7. Right mindfulness
8. Right concentration

Buddhism does NOT require u to believe in anything.

The Buddha has said that one should not believe something just because it is written, or said so by pundits, or even it is said so by the Buddha himself.

One is expected to investigate, make sure in ones own mind if it is true and wholesome or false and then only believe it.

Acoording to Buddhism happiness or unhappiness is based on the good or bad thoughts (mind) and resulting actions of ppl.

There are many branches and sects of Buddhism today just like in other religions.

Buddhism is a vast and deep philosophy/religion/way of life and
what I have indicated are the bare essentials.

I strongly recommend the following books:

1. Buddhism without Beliefs:Stephen Batchelor
2. What the Buddha Taught - Dr. Walpola Rahula
3. Dhammapada - English translation

May u be happy!!!

Answer 3

Ben knows not of which he speaks. I am Buddhist, my wife whom is "Chinese" is Buddhist and there are millions of Buddhists in China, Japan,Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia etc....
Buddhism was really never meant to be a religion. When you read the teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha, it becomes apparent that this is a philosophy. If you ignore the added "religious dogma" the philosophy is quite simple. Read Buddhism for Dummies for a good introduction. (It really isn't for dummies)! And Teachings Of The Buddha, Edited by Jack Kornfield, (which is a bit harder reading) for further knowledge.
Do not expect any easy answers, nor a philosophy which is easily followed. If you are able to incorporate Buddhism into your daily life you will have less which shall become more. May you be healthy and happy.

Answer 4

Buddhism is a great religion / philosophy. They do not push you to believe in any particular history or dictations or otherwise made up stuff. It isn't about control and manipulation. It is about harmony. Striving to be a good person following generally accepted guidelines, such as do not kill, cheat, steal, etc.

You can find a list of Buddhist temples in the USA from this website.
http://www.thaiembdc.org/directry/wat_e.htm

Answer 5

Well, it's the idea of where you just basically follow the teachings of Buddha. And it's not like Christianity of Catholicism. With Buddha you try to reach the state of Nirvana. Buddhist believe in things such as not being materialistic, being peaceful, and kind of finding your spiritual self. And to that person who made that comment about the Chinese. Buddha was an INDIAN, so get your facts straight. And you can just go to Wikipedia to get more information.

Answer 6

The widipedia citation is fairly good on the subject.

Buddhism invites us to save ourselves through our own efforts, and end suffering through our own efforts. So it is partly a set of instructions, and partly a psychology, and can stand as a philosophy and as a science, as well as a religion.

Gotama the Buddha refused to answer such questions as whether there is a god, a creator, etc., because the answer to such questions must be discovered by oneself by one's own efforts.

I was quite surprised to learn recently that there is Greco-Buddhist art, and as it turns out, Buddhism reached all the way to Greece and beyond, influencing and being influenced by cultures in the West.

Answer 7

Buddhism believes there is no God as depicted by other religions. The belief is that god is all that exists.

They also believe through self denial and self awareness one can reach the identical state of a god. There is an eightfold pathway to reach that self awareness state.

Concisely put the aim of Buddhist practice is to put an end to this mass of suffering we call existence. "I teach one thing and one thing only: suffering and the end of suffering" (The Buddha).

One who reaches that perfect state of enlightenment is considered a Buddha.

Answer 8

The Dalai Lama would tell you to first see if you can fulfill your religion of birth. That one religion isn't better than another, so why make the change?

If you have no religion or origin, then Buddhism is as good as any.

Answer 9

I don't think Buddhism is a religion, it is more of a philosophy.

Buddha did not want to be worshipped.
He had no answers to questions about the afterlife or the length of existence or of the universe.

Answer 10

Good for you Ben. You are right, it is just a made up religion. Try Going to a Baptist church and asking a minister about it.

Answer 11

Don't waste your time with it. Siddhartha was a prince who went for a walk. He ran into three people who had bad luck. And so he concluded that life is all about suffering. Don't waste your time with it.