Buddhism Past and Present Essay - 665 Words

Overtime many significant events have shaped history, from natural disasters, wars and the never ending feud of politics they have all played a significant role in history. But there is one that has had the most influential effect of all, religion. Throughout time there has been an abundance of different religions and practices formed over the years, from Christianity to Judaism, each of them having their own impacts on culture and society, one of the major religions that formed was Buddhism. Today we will discuss how Buddhism was founded, the practices of it, and how it has changed as it has entered a new area and interacted with a new people. Buddhism was founded by or Siddhartha Gautama also known as â€Å"Buddha† was born about 2565†¦show more content†¦The Four Noble Truths include suffering and anxiety are caused by human desires and attachments, people can understand triumph over weaknesses, and finally triumph is possible by following a simple code of conduct. The Eightfold Path was a path that could lead towards liberations, â€Å"beginning with right conduct and ending with right contemplation† (McKay, 2012). Those who were able to reach the point of liberation would become free from the cycle of birth and death and reach a state known as nirvana, a state of blissful nothingness and freedom (McKay, 2012). To reach nirvana one has to perfume the following, â€Å"believe right, desire right, think right, live right, do the right efforts, think the right thoughts, behave right and to do the right meditation†(Philosophy of Religion). Over twelve centuries after Buddha’s death, early communities transformed into permanent Mona static Institutions in India, it also began to spread through Asia and became commonly recognized by Buddhist scholars, which include Theravada Buddhism or â€Å"the way of the elders† which is very close to the early teachings taught by Buddha. It thrives in areas of Sri Lanka, Thailand, Burma and parts of Southwest China. (Namgyal Monastery Institute). Which leads into the final point of how Buddhism has transformed and changed over the years and began to interact with new people. One of the lasting strengths of Buddhism that has become some influential over the years has been theShow MoreRelatedThe Nature Of The Buddhist s Claim Of Suffering1098 Words   |  5 PagesAs a result of asceticism and hedonism being deemed irrational, Buddhism was born, the middle way between the two. Siddhartha Gautama (later known as the Buddha) is the rishi (founder) of Buddhism which is built on the doctrine that humans are forever burdened with suffering or dukkha. The teachings of Buddha serve as a tool to overcome desire, which is the root of all suffering. 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