| Millions of people follow Buddhist studies but there are | | | | person to enter into a Zen like state in which they |
| still many people in the Western culture that are | | | | search for the meanings of life. |
| unfamiliar with Buddhism. It is a religion that dates back | | | | Many people who practice this religion will have a |
| thousands of years and has helped many people | | | | Buddha statue as a reminder of the trials and |
| overcome their suffering and has taught countless | | | | tribulations that Gautama Buddha went through on his |
| others how to help end the suffering of their fellow | | | | journey to enlightenment. No one is asking you to fast |
| man. This religion can seem difficult to understand | | | | and remain still for forty-nine days, as the Buddha did, |
| when you first begin but if you take the time to learn | | | | but it does require some discipline. |
| the basic tenants, then you can find your own | | | | One of the main tenants of this philosophy and religion |
| happiness and sense of self-fulfillment that many miss | | | | is that you should not cause harm to others. The |
| in life. | | | | religion and spirituality Buddhism teaches is that the |
| There are two main schools of Buddhism. There is the | | | | way to spiritual enlightenment is through letting |
| Mahayana and the Theravada. Each of these facets | | | | transgressions go. |
| of Buddhist teachings is different but they have many | | | | Yes, there will be pain and suffering in life but each |
| of the same similarities. Perhaps the biggest difference | | | | person should hold nothing against others for their |
| is in how bodhi or enlightenment is reached and what is | | | | wrongdoings. To hold transgressions and hatred close |
| required to aspire to the level of the Dali Lama. | | | | to the heart only stops the person from growing |
| The Buddhist religion and philosophy is based on the | | | | spiritually. |
| teachings of Gautama Buddha. There are four main | | | | Buddhism is experiencing an awakening in the West as |
| beliefs that the Mahayana and Theravada believe in. | | | | more people are turning to aspects of this philosophy |
| These are: the Middle Way, Dependent Origination, the | | | | and applying them to their lives. They are finding that |
| Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path. The | | | | the Buddhist practice of meditation is actually a huge |
| journey to Buddhahood is the highest attainment that | | | | stress reliever. There are even classes, such as in |
| anyone following the religion Buddhism can attain. | | | | Yoga, which offer some of the Buddhists practices |
| Many people associate the Buddhist religion with | | | | into a way that Westerners can utilize in their lives. If |
| meditation practice, a Buddha statue and Buddhist | | | | you are suffering from stress and a feeling of |
| practice. These are all true for this belief. Meditation is | | | | emptiness, then perhaps you should give the Buddhist |
| a huge part of attaining enlightenment. It requires the | | | | philosophy a try. |