A Short History of Buddhism

Buddhism as a religious tradition started during the lifesixth century but in the far distant past, perhaps even
of Buddha who was known as Siddhartha Gautama,at the beginning of time.
also known as Shakyamuni. Buddha was born in IndiaAfter the death or Nirvana of Siddhartha Gautama, A
around the end of the sixth century.group of followers followed his instructions and had his
The teachings of Buddha were an inspiration to manybody cremated, they then distributed his ashes as
and soon started to spread. Buddhism spread fromrelics, which were enshrined in funerary mounds also
India on to Sri Lanka, from their, it soon covered mostknown as stupas. Veneration of his remains is what
of Southeast Asia.gave rise to the tradition of Buddhism as we know it
Sometime during the first or second century as moretoday.
and more people embraced the teachings of Buddha, itA popular Buddhism Saying:
was brought north and into China. From here it wasThere's a reality even prior to heaven and earth;
not to long before it spread to Korea, Japan andindeed it has no form, much less a name; eyes fail to
Vietnam.see it; it has no voice for ears to detect. To call it mind
In the seventh century, teachers of Buddhism travelledor Buddha violates its nature.
North across the Himalayas and brought the BuddhistAbsolutely quiet, and yet illuminating it allows itself to be
faith into Tibet. Buddhism today is practiced by peopleperceived only by the clear eyed. It is Dharma beyond
in many countries the world over.form and sound; it is Tao without words. Wishing to
Although we believe THE Buddha to be Siddharthaentice the blind The Buddha has playfully let words
Gautama, Ancient texts known as Jataka show thatescape his golden mouth; Heaven and Earth are ever
he was also taught by previous Buddhas. Buddhistssince filled with entangling briars.
believe that the Buddhism tradition did not begin in the