A Five Minute Introduction
What is Buddhism?
Buddhism is a religion to about million people around the world. The word comes from "budhi","to awaken". It has its origins about 2,500 years ago when Siddhartha Gotama, know as the Buddha, was himself awakened (enlightened) at the age of 35.
Is Buddhism a Religion?
To many, Buddhism goes beyond religion and is more of a philosophy or 'way of life'. It is a philosophy because philosophy 'means love of wisdom' and the Buddhist path can be summed up as:
(1) to lead a moral life.
(2) to be mindful and aware of thoughts and actions, and
(3) to develop wisdom and understanding.
How Can Buddhism Help Me?
Buddhism explains a purpose to life, it explains apparent injustice and inequality around the world, and it provides a code of practice or way of life that leads to true happiness.
Why id Buddhism Becoming Popular?
Buddhism is becoming popular om western countries for a number of reasons, The first good reason in Buddhism has answers to many of the problems in modem materialistic societies. It also includes (for these who are interested) a deep understanding of the human mind (and natural therapies) which prominent psychologists around the world are now discovering th be both very advanced and effective.