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 Lanka over 2,200 years ago by the son of an Indian Emperor, and beautiful Buddhist temples were built all over the
island. Today, over two-thirds of the population of Sri Lanka are Buddhists.