Buddhism
Definition
Buddhism is a nontheistic religion or philosophy that encompasses a variety of traditions, beliefs and spiritual practices largely based on teachings attributed to Gautama Buddha. It emphasizes personal spiritual development, mindfulness, and understanding the true nature of life.
Analogy
Think of Buddhism like going to the gym for your mind. Just as you'd work out different muscles for overall fitness, Buddhism encourages practicing mindfulness, compassion, and wisdom to achieve mental and spiritual health.
Related terms
Four Noble Truths: These are the core teachings of Buddhism which talk about suffering, its origin, how to end it and path leading towards it.
Nirvana: In Buddhism, this term refers to ultimate enlightenment where individual's desires & sense of self cease to exist leading to liberation from cycle of rebirth.
Dharma: The teachings and doctrines of Buddha forming guide for Buddhist practices aiming at achieving enlightenment.
"Buddhism" appears in:
Study guides (4)
Practice Questions (13)
- To which of the following places did Buddhism diffuse between 1200 and 1450 CE?
- What was one of the primary teachings of Buddhism, a belief system that dominated several land-based empires in Asia?
- Who brought Buddhism to China in the period between 1200 and 1450?
- Which societal change did Buddhism undergo in Japan during the Kamakura period (1185–1333)?
- What effect did the spread of Buddhism have on East Asia from 1200-1450?
- Who played similar roles in the spread of Buddhism in East Asia and Islam in West Africa during this period?
- Who was responsible for the spread of Buddhism into East Asia during the period of 1200-1450?
- What primary role did merchants play in spreading Buddhism along the Silk Roads?
- What was a distinctive feature between Buddhism's spread eastwards along the silk roads during Gupta India versus during Mauryan Empire?
- What was one significant impact of Buddhism on East Asia between the years 500 CE and 1000 CE?
- What shared element can be found in both Buddhism and Christianity?
- Who was primarily responsible for spreading Buddhism throughout Southeast Asia?
- What impact did Buddhism have on the social structures in Tokugawa Japan?
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