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    Buddhism

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    drpriyanksharma7

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    Buddhism

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    Buddhism

    Uploaded by

    drpriyanksharma7

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    © All Rights Reserved
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    Buddhism: A Path to Enlightenment and Compassion

    Buddhism, one of the world’s great spiritual traditions, was founded by Siddhartha Gautama,
    known as the Buddha, in the 6th–5th century BCE in ancient India. Rooted in the principles of
    non-violence, self-discipline, and mindfulness, Buddhism emphasizes liberation from suffering
    (dukkha) and the attainment of enlightenment (nirvana). Over centuries, it has evolved into a
    diverse and influential philosophy and religion practiced globally.

    Origins and Life of the Buddha

    Siddhartha Gautama was born into a royal family in Lumbini (modern-day Nepal). Sheltered
    from the harsh realities of life, he lived a life of luxury until he encountered the "Four Sights"—
    an old man, a sick person, a dead body, and an ascetic. These sights awakened him to the reality
    of suffering and the transient nature of life.

    At the age of 29, he renounced his princely life to seek answers to life’s suffering. After years of
    ascetic practices, he attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya. The Buddha then
    spent the rest of his life teaching the path to liberation, known as the Dharma.

    Core Teachings of Buddhism

    Buddhism is based on the following foundational teachings:

    1. The Four Noble Truths

     Dukkha (Suffering): Life is inherently filled with suffering and dissatisfaction.


     Samudaya (Origin of Suffering): Desire and attachment are the root causes of suffering.
     Nirodha (Cessation of Suffering): Liberation is possible by overcoming desires and attachments.
     Magga (Path to the Cessation of Suffering): The Eightfold Path leads to liberation.

    2. The Eightfold Path

    The Eightfold Path is a practical guide for ethical living, mental discipline, and wisdom. It
    includes:

     Right View
     Right Intention
     Right Speech
     Right Action
     Right Livelihood
     Right Effort
     Right Mindfulness
     Right Concentration

    3. The Middle Way

    Buddhism advocates a balanced approach to life, avoiding the extremes of indulgence and severe
    asceticism.

    Philosophy and Cosmology

    Buddhism teaches that existence is characterized by impermanence (anicca), suffering (dukkha),


    and the absence of a permanent self (anatta). It rejects the idea of a creator god, focusing instead
    on individual effort and mindfulness to overcome the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara).

    Spread and Development

    Buddhism spread rapidly across Asia through the efforts of missionaries and traders. Emperor
    Ashoka of the Mauryan Empire played a crucial role in its dissemination, sending emissaries to
    countries like Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and beyond.

    Over time, Buddhism diversified into three major traditions:

     Theravada (The Teaching of the Elders): Practiced in Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia, it emphasizes
    individual effort and the earliest teachings of the Buddha.
     Mahayana (The Great Vehicle): Popular in East Asia, it emphasizes compassion and the role of
    Bodhisattvas, enlightened beings who help others attain liberation.

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