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Buddhism is a world religion practiced predominantly in the East. It is based on the teachings of Buddha, or the Enlightened One, rather than the Western religious belief in a supreme being, or God. Meditation and reincarnation play major roles in an adherent's life. more »
Nichiren Buddhism includes the largest divisions, which are Nichiren Shu, Nichiren Shoshu, and Soka Gokkai International. Each branch has its own specific practices. However, there are general practices that all branches recognize as true to Nichiren Buddhism. The practices are considered to be the secret to true happiness. more »
The funeral industry did not emerge until after the Civil War when the process of embalming became widespread and more accepted by the general public. Before the mid-19th century, the dead were often displayed in the family home in the "parlor," hence the term "funeral parlor" that is still in use today. more »
Vietnamese music includes a mix of traditional, patriotic music, and ensembles used for theater and religious purposes. Traditional music in the early 20th century adopted Western techniques and became very popular. It evolved into poetry and theater, which was brought to the United States and other countries. Older styles of music... more »
The Buddha is perhaps one of the more iconic images in world religion. Despite being a religion which at its heart encourages leaving behind all material concerns, iconography is widespread in Buddhist cultures. There are a variety of traditional poses in which statues of the Buddha are often found, each with its own meaning. more »
From the first time to the 500th, sex is a special occasion that, for those looking to make the...
To convert to Buddhism is not as easy as most would think. It is another religion that is different from many others. As a Buddhist, one must... more »
As you join an estimated 500 million other Buddhists around the world in the quest for spiritual enlightenment, you'll be answering a number of... more »
The religion founded by Siddhartha Gautama Buddha, the prince turned enlightened holy man, does not consist of one monolithic philosophy. It is... more »
If you admire the Dalai Lama and the way he lives you may want to find out more about Buddhism. In order to find out more about this way of life... more »
Buddhism is a universalistic approach to spirituality that, to paraphrase the Dalai Lama, helps people become better at what they already are.... more »
Buddhism is a religion or spiritual philosophy encompassing a variety of traditions, beliefs and practices, largely based on teachings attributed to Siddhartha Gautama, commonly known as the Buddha (Pali/Sanskrit "the awakened one"). Adherents recognize the Buddha as an awakened teacher who shared his insights to help sentient beings end suffering, achieve nirvana, and escape what is seen as a cycle of suffering and rebirth. However, Buddhist schools disagree over the historical teachings of the Buddha, and on the importance and canonicity of various scriptures. Robinson et al., Buddhist Religions, page xx; Philosophy East and West, vol 54, ps 269f; Williams, Mahayana Buddhism, Routledge, 1st ed., 1989, pp. 275f (2nd ed., 2008, p. 266)
Two major branches of Buddhism are recognized: Theravada ("The School of the Elders") and Mahayana ("The Great Vehicle"). Theravada, the oldest surviving, has a widespread following in Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia, whilst Mahayana, which is found throughout East Asia, includes the traditions of Pure Land, Zen, Nichiren Buddhism, Tibetan Buddhism, Shingon, Tendai and Shinnyo-en. In some classifications, a third branch, Vajrayana, is recognized, although many see this as an offshoot of the Mahayana. Other movements have appeared in recent times, sometimes classified as Buddhist modernism.
While Buddhism remains most popular within Asia, both branches are now found throughout the world. Various sources put the number of Buddhists in the world at between 230 million and 500 million.U.S. State Departments International Religious Freedom Report 2004. http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2004/ Accessed 20 September 2008.Garfinkel, Perry. "Buddha Rising," National Geographic Dec. 2005: 88–109.
The foundation of all Buddhist practice is ethical conduct and altruism. Further practices can vary widely, but may include renunciation, meditation, the cultivation of mindfulness and wisdom, the study of scriptures, physical exerc read more at » http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism
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