| Buddha Dharma, known by many as Buddhism, is also | | | | and actions, both resulting in good and bad. |
| referred to as "the teachings of the awakened one." | | | | - the idea of a permanent self or soul being illusion. |
| It revolves around the teachings of Gautama Buddha | | | | Buddha did not say he was God, and founded the |
| or Pali Gotama Buddha, an India native from | | | | religion without God; some say Buddha Dharma is, "A |
| approximate fifth century, before (the) Common (or | | | | religion without a God." After about forty-five years, |
| Christian) Era, and is also referred to as a religion, | | | | having supposedly finding an end to suffering, Buddha |
| psychological discipline and a passage of life. | | | | died (88 years old). His departing instructions to |
| History has it that Buddha was born a prince in Nepal, | | | | followers were, "Strive on with diligence." |
| formerly Lumbini, to a wealthy family. Indulging in a | | | | After the death of Gautama Buddha, Buddha Dharma |
| life of luxury, he grew discontent at 29 years of age, | | | | spread across the country and continued across the |
| and found that life's pleasures were temporary and | | | | entire continent covering the major areas; Southeast, |
| would never bring about lasting joy because of | | | | Central and East Asia. It is now a modern day religion |
| sickness, aging and death that must meet everyone | | | | among 350 + million people, possibly even over 700 |
| regardless of circumstance. | | | | million, by some statistics, and ranks fifth among |
| So Buddha left his family palace life, even his wife | | | | religions worldwide, following Christianity, Islam, |
| and child. He became a wanderer seeking peace for | | | | Hinduism and traditional Chinese, in that order. Among |
| nearly five years until he was enlightened while | | | | organized religions worldwide, Buddha Dharma ranks |
| meditating under a tree at Bodh Gaya. His | | | | fourth; their Sangha (monk order) ranks the oldest. |
| enlightenment brought about ideas which he | | | | Buddha Dharma continues to grow and in the modern |
| eventually decided to teach to others, including about: | | | | day world consists of three traditions: |
| - the nature of existence. | | | | Mahāyāna, Sanskrit: Sthaviravāda |
| - a path leading to release from inherent suffering. | | | | or Theravāda and Vajrayāna Buddhism. |
| - our re-birth many times, depending upon our deeds | | | | |