What is Buddhism?

Buddhism is often thought of as a religion, however others consider it a way of life, because unlike, for example, Judaism, Hinduism or Islamic religions, Buddhism doesn't have a God. It isn't centered on a relationship between God and humans. 

Buddhism itself has been around for hundreds of years. It was 'founded' by Siddhartha Gautama. Nowadays, the head 'Buddhist' (if you want to call it that) is the 'Dalai Lama'. The 'Dalai Lama' is the head monk of Tibetan Buddhism.

The 14th Dalai Lama

Siddhartha Gautama was born in around 566 BC, he was born as the Prince of the Sakya tribe in Nepal. However, when he was 29 years old, he decided to leave his life of riches and comfort to seek the meaning of the suffering he saw around him. After six years of this, he sat under a bodhi tree and entered a mindful meditation. He then became 'Buddha' and travelled around India for 45 years, spreading his knowledge and teaching others the path for Enlightenment. 

 

Buddha under the Bodhi tree

To this day, people have practiced the way of the Buddha as a way of life. Of a way to find peace and enlightenment into the true nature of life. Buddhism is studied as a way to personal spiritual development alongside this, they believe in showing love and compassion to everybody possible. Buddhists believe that nothing is fixed, nothing is permanent and change is always possible and of course, Karma.

Buddhists who are on the path to Enlightenment use varying practices such as meditation, development of morality and wisdom. 

Buddha statue in Japan