Buddhism is one of the great oriental religions. It was founded in India in the sixth century BC by a Hindu prince , who was called the buddha , or ' Enlightened One ' . He left his palace and his wife and child because he wanted to think about the problem of human suffering. After six years of studying, he sat down under a tree (the Bo-tree) , and finally he understood the reason for people ' s unhappiness. According to Buddha, we are unhappy because we are attached to people and things in a world where nothing is permanent. We can find peace of mind by following the right path, and through meditation. Buddha is not a god; he is a guide to truth and self-knowledge.
Buddhism was introduced into Sri Langa over 2200 years ago by the son of an Indian Emperor, and beautiful Buddhist temples were built all over the island. Today, over tow-thirds of the population of Sri Lanka are Buddhists