Buddhism is an ancient religion of wisdom and compassion

Summary of Buddhism

It is one of the oldest and most widespread religions in the world, with about 300 million followers today. Buddhism is not only a religion, but also a philosophical thought. At the core of this thought are altruism, non-attachment to material goods, compassion and inner peace, allowing one to walk the Path of Enlightenment in accordance with the Buddha's teachings.

Buddhism can be defined in many different ways as it goes through different types of approaches and is extremely malleable in terms of "adaptability" to the different populations and cultures it has come into contact with over the centuries. Today, Buddhism has about 300 million followers and is represented by various schools and movements based on the teachings transmitted orally by Sakyamuni Buddha, who lived about 2,500 years ago. In the East, the term "Buddhism" is not widely used; the term "Buddhadharma" is preferred, where dharma means the teachings taught by the Buddha and the Path leading to enlightenment.

What is Buddhism?

Based on the search for the Path that leads to liberation from the suffering in which all human beings find themselves, Buddhism is a religion of inner and outer peace, deep compassion and respect, dialog and patience. Unlike other religions, Buddhism does not emphasize the existence of God, but follows the path of inner inquiry to explore the self and the external world through meditation. What comes as a result of this search has a liberating significance as it helps to get rid of negative emotions that are the cause of all kinds of suffering. Developing compassion and love for others, as well as altruism and non-attachment to material goods, is very important.

Where and when did Buddhism originate?

Buddhism originated in India in the 6th century BC. This is the period when man began to ask questions about the great mysteries of existence: life and death, the origin of good and evil. Historical information about the life of Buddha is rather scarce and unreliable, but some archaeological findings suggest that the founder of Buddhism was born in the south of Nepal, in Lumbini, around 565 BC.

Who is the founder of Buddhism?

The founder of this religion is Buddha, but before he became Enlightened, his name was Siddartha Gautama and he was a prince. One day he met an old, sick and dead man and was very impressed. Then he left his family and home to indulge in meditation. He lives in abject poverty, but soon realizes that hunger and cold do not allow him to reflect and meditate, that life must be lived with equanimity and a fair amount of compromise. After years of meditation, he declares that he has discovered the meaning of life and has attained absolute wisdom. Other people believe him, and Siddartha Gautama becomes the Buddha.

The sacred text of Buddhism

A feature of this teaching is the low importance of sacred texts, instead recognizing the importance of the oral transmission of knowledge passed down by various masters throughout history. Thus, there is no real sacred text in Buddhism, but only a series of teachings (Tripitaka) transcribed in Pali, the most popular language of India in the Buddha's time, or in Sanskrit, the most classical language.

Teachings of Buddhism: The 4 Noble Truths

Following are a few of the central teachings of the Buddha, known as the Four Noble Truths and fundamental on the path to enlightenment, namely:

1. The truth about suffering: life is bound up with suffering (old age, illness and death).
2. Truth about the origin of suffering: the origin of suffering is the strong desire for sensual pleasures or the wish that things were not as they really are.
3. The truth about the cessation of suffering: suffering ceases with the cessation of desires. Thus one attains enlightenment, Nirvana, which is the complete abandonment of the illusion that there is a permanent, independent self or soul. An enlightened person is called an arahant.
4. The truth of the path to the cessation of suffering: enlightenment is attained through gradual learning.

Having dealt with the topic of the Four Noble Truths, it is also necessary to clarify the concept of suffering. According to Buddhism, suffering should be understood not only as physical suffering, but above all as internal, and to a greater extent emotional and mental suffering. It is clear that no living being in the world wishes to suffer consciously, but there is a very strong attachment to concepts and actions that are the source of suffering. An example? Attachment to one's appearance, which can only bring suffering and frustration as one ages (it is no coincidence that in recent decades cosmetic surgery for many has become the "solution" to their problems...).

What is karma?

The concept of karma deserves a separate paragraph, as you have probably heard about it many times. The law of karma is based on the principle of cause and effect, so well known in the field of metaphysics. The word "karma" has the meaning of "action", that is, every action committed by a person is itself a cause that will lead to its consequences in the more or less near future, in the present or next life (according to Buddhism, reincarnation occurs after death). Thus, according to this current of thought, you are the author of your destiny and, alas, the author of your suffering.

Hence the necessity of always adhering to right behavior in life in order to be reborn in a better state on the Path to Enlightenment. Because of this thought, the Buddhist never blames external causes for his misfortunes, and is thus characterized by tolerance and compassion, as well as a calm acceptance of what happens.

Where is Buddhism practiced?

Buddhism is particularly widespread in Asian countries. In at least seven countries (Sri Lanka, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Burma, Bhutan and Mongolia), the majority of the population is Buddhist; depending on estimates of the number of adherents to the religion in western China and elsewhere, this number could increase significantly to include other countries, most notably Tibet.

Buddhism is also the state religion of Cambodia and Bhutan, and is prominent in the constitutions of Thailand and Sri Lanka.