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Buddhism
Introduction to Buddhism
Buddhism, coming from the word ‘budh’ meaning to
understand or be awakened, originated in northern India over
2500 years ago in the teachings of Siddattha Gotama, the
Buddha (‘Awakened or Enlightened One’). Over its years of
development in various countries, Buddhism has adapted and
changed in a number of ways, giving rise to a variety of forms
of Buddhism, or schools of thought.
Early Buddhism (represented most clearly today by
Theravada Buddhism) held the Buddha and his teachings as
central authority and had no belief in a supreme, creator god.
Theravada Buddhists maintain these key ideas and are the most traditional in their
thinking. They believe the Buddha to have been an exemplary human and that the
best way to live is to give up worldly things, become a monk as part of the Sangha
(the Buddhist community of monks and nuns) and live life in the same way as the
Buddha did. This is seen as the major way to attain enlightenment (Nibbana) in this
life.
Mahayana Buddhism originated five centuries after the Buddha’s death, yet claims
that its teachings were secretly taught by the Buddha, in preparation for the time
when people would be ready for them. Mahayana Buddhists believe that the Buddha
was the fourth of five incarnations of the celestial Buddha, an eternal being worthy
of worship. They also believe that Nibbana (the state of peace) can be attained
without becoming a monk. An important focus for devotion are the Bohisattas, saints
who attain Nibbana in this world, but remain within it to help others conquer
suffering, desire and selfishness.
Tibetan and Zen Buddhism, among others, are further
schools of thought, with different systems of beliefs and
interpretations of the basic teachings of Buddhism. In
Britain, Theravada Buddhism predominates and although
the number of monks is small there are many lay members,
totalling around 100,000. Buddhist temples and centres can
be found, in some cases the local Buddhist community
supporting the monks and nuns who may live there.
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