As we talked about in class, Buddhism is an ancient and well known religion that was created around 528 BC by Gautama Siddhartha, or “The Buddha” as a way to deviate from Hinduism. Buddhism at the creation was based on Buddhist Dharma that appealed to low class citizens and merchants, and it was an opportunity for anyone to achieve enlightenment. The Buddhist Dharma was based on 4 noble truths, and 8-fold path, and the ultimate stage of nirvana. Buddhism grew from it’s humble roots into a universal religion or salvation religion on the same ranks as Christianity.
Today however Buddhism has a different approach and different followers. With the fast paced world, high demands, and for some, no hope of salvation, many people have chosen to turn to Buddhism, or a form of Buddhism in order to achieve a sense of enlightenment and spiritual connection. Today there are many types of Buddhism, such as the authentic Buddhism, which is rare, religious Buddhism, which offers religion, Buddhism was not started as a religion but now has become one, philosophical Buddhism, in which Buddhist teaching are put into a philosophical context, and externalized Buddhism, which is a large deviation from the formal teachings that brings with it’s teaching ill intentions.
It is most common today however to see people using a lighter form of Buddhism, without formal teaching and readings as way to achieve their own version of inner peace. This practice could include meditation, yoga and breathing exercises as a way to connect to your inner being. Buddhist study groups can be found all over the world today along with meditation retreats in which individuals receive special training to guide them to self-empowerment. Overall the purpose of Buddhism has remained true to the spirit of the religion, yet it has been altered to work with the current hussel and bussel of life in the present.
http://www.amtb.org.tw/E-BUD/releases/4kinds.htm
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