Buddhism originated in 563 BC, teaches spiritual peace and renouncement. Prince Siddhartha Gautama laid the foundation of this religion. 

Buddhism is a way of life, a practical approach to finding peace with oneself. Followers of Buddhism do not worship idols or Gods instead follow an eightfold path to live a meaningful life. Non-violence, correct speech, conduct, efforts, livelihood and aspirations are some of the teachings that make Buddhism the fourth largest religion in the world today. 

How did Buddhism originate?

The founding father of Buddhism, Siddhartha Gautama was born a Kshatriya prince in Lumbini (present-day Nepal) in 623 B.C. Asceticism and meditation led him on a path of moderation, away from extreme self-indulgence and self-mortification. After years of meditation, he gained enlightenment under Pipal tree (Bodhi tree) in Bodh Gaya in state of Bihar, India. Henceforth, he was recognized as Samyaksambuddha - The Perfectly Self-Awakened One.

Buddha found benefactor in emperor Bimbisara, ruler of Magadha. He accepted Buddhism and propagated several Buddhist viharas. Buddha delivered his first sermon to five of his disciples at Deer Park in Varanasi, North India. Soon they formed the first Saṅgha (group of Buddhist monks), referred as Triple Gem - Buddha, Dharma and Saṅgha.

Buddha travelled across Gangetic Plains in North-Eastern India and other parts of the country sowing seeds of his Eightfold path. He attained parinirvaṇa in the deserted jungles of Kusinara.

Before his death, he instructed his followers to preach his doctrines as a religion. Henceforth, these doctrines would guide the followers for leading a pious life. Even though his disciples slogged hard to formulate and transmit his teachings accurately, yet no collection has survived. Followers can only read glimpses of crystallized scripture in Pali, Sanskrit, Chinese and Tibetan.

Facts about Buddhism

Buddhism is not a religion, rather a lifestyle that teaches us the four Noble Truths – life is filled with suffering, caused by human desires and attachments, and can be eliminated by following on the Eight-fold path.

Eightfold Path is a practical guideline that describes the way to the end the worldly suffering by liberating self from delusions and attachments and understanding the truth about life. Along with four Noble Truths, it constitutes the essence of Buddhism.

The righteous eightfold path includes right beliefs, right speech, right livelihood, right aspirations, right conduct, right mindfulness, right attainment and right effort.

Prior to converting to Buddhism there are four vows that followers must take - vow to rescue the living beings from suffering, vow to end infinite misery of living beings, vow to learn  vast Dharma-doors and vow to realize supreme path of Buddha.

The sacred Buddhist texts identified as Tripitaka or Pali Canon also include several Mahayana sutras (doctrines). Based on the eightfold path there exist eight auspicious symbols, each with significant meaning. These include: Gold Fish (representing people who practice the dharma should not fear to drown in the ocean of suffering, as they can freely chose their rebirth), Parasol (signifies protection from suffering, as it would protect people from the sun’s heat), Eternal Knot (signifies the interrelation of every phenomena, and the union of compassion and wisdom), Vase (symbolizes long life and prosperity), Conch Shell (represents the sound of the Dharma reaching far and wide, awakening beings from ignorance), Wheel (with its eight spokes represents the eightfold path), Lotus (represents the true nature of beings, who rise through the suffering with the clarity and beauty of enlightenment) and Victory Banner (victory over demon- passion, fear of death, pride and lust).

The three jewels of Buddhism include Buddha, Sangha (Monks community) and Dharma (Buddhism doctrines). The religion is segregated into three sects - Mahayana, Najrayana and Theravada and Buddhist followers worship in a temple.

Buddhism and the Globe

Several encounters between Buddhism and the West produced stupendous Greco-Buddhist art and architecture. Its striking similarity with other religions like Christianity, Hinduism and Islam made it more attractive to followers.

Buddha's life and his doctrines have been translated into several languages across the globe. For instance, John of Damascus in Greece has interpreted his teachings into Greek.

Festivals

Buddhist festivals are centred on Buddha and his doctrines- Bodhisattvas. It is believed that Buddha himself initiated these festivals, which are more religious and spiritual in nature as compared to other Indian festivals that hold social significance.

Buddha Purnima, Hemis Gompa, Losar and Ullambana are the festivals celebrated that remind the followers of the righteous path they need to follow.