History of Buddhism

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Joshua J. Mark
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Buddhism began in the region of modern-day India, founded by Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha, l. c. 563-c. 483 BCE), and developed between c. 400-383 BCE before it spread to other regions through the efforts of the Mauryan king Ashoka the Great (r. 268-232 BCE). Understood as both a philosophy and a religion, Buddhism today attracts adherents around the world.

This collection presents a brief history of the belief system, including two of the most famous works associated with it.

Articles & Definitions

Siddhartha Gautama
Definition

Siddhartha Gautama

Siddhartha Gautama (better known as the Buddha, l. c. 563 - c. 483 BCE) was, according to legend, a Hindu prince who renounced...
Buddhism
Definition

Buddhism

Buddhism is a non-theistic religion (no belief in a creator god), also considered a philosophy and a moral discipline, originating in...
The Dates of the Buddha
Article

The Dates of the Buddha

The dates of the Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama, have been a concern of, primarily, Western scholars for well over 100 years...
A Short History of the Buddhist Schools
Article

A Short History of the Buddhist Schools

The different Buddhist schools of thought, still operating in the present day, developed after the death of...
Mahasanghika
Definition

Mahasanghika

Mahasanghika (“Great Congregation”, also given as Mahasamghika) was an early Buddhist school of thought which is thought to have...
Mahayana Buddhism
Definition

Mahayana Buddhism

Mahayana Buddhism is the largest Buddhist sect in the world, and its beliefs and practices are what most non-adherents recognize...
Esoteric Buddhism
Definition

Esoteric Buddhism

Esoteric Buddhism is the mystical interpretation and practice of the belief system founded by the Buddha (known as Sakyamuni...
Four Noble Truths
Definition

Four Noble Truths

The Four Noble Truths are the foundational tenets of Buddhism, which spark awareness of suffering as the nature of existence...
Lumbini
Definition

Lumbini

Lumbini is a village, archaeological site, and place of pilgrimage honored as the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha, l. c...
Kapilavastu
Definition

Kapilavastu

Kapilavastu (“Place of Kapila”) is the name of the city where Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha, l. c. 563-483 BCE) grew up and lived...
Perfection of Wisdom
Definition

Perfection of Wisdom

Perfection of Wisdom is the foundational text of the Mahayana Buddhist school, a kind of anthology of works, thematically...
Tibetan Book of the Dead
Definition

Tibetan Book of the Dead

The Tibetan Book of the Dead is the English translation of the Tibetan texts known as bar-do thos-grol (Bardo Thodol) –...

Illustrations

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External Links

Getting to Know the Four Schools of Tibetan Buddhism - Mandala Publications
fpmt.org
Introduction to Buddhism | FSI
spice.fsi.stanford.edu
Buddhism Religious Holidays — Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion — Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences
agsci.psu.edu
20th WCP: Zen Buddhist Perspectives on Modern Education
www.bu.edu
The Four Main Schools of Tibetan Buddhism - Tibetan Nuns Project
tnp.org

Questions & Answers

Who is the founder of Buddhism?

Buddhism was founded by Siddhartha Gautama (l. c. 563-c. 483 BCE) known as the Buddha, "the enlightened one."

Where did Buddhism begin?

Buddhism was established in India before it was spread to other regions by the Mauryan king Ashoka the Great in the 3rd century BCE.

How could the basic vision of Buddhism be summed up?

The central vision of Buddhism is that suffering is caused by demanding permanence in an impermanent world and to stop suffering one must stop making such demands.

What are the three main Buddhist schools of thought?

The three main Buddhist schools are Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana.
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