A Brief History of Buddhism - 1417 Words

Buddhism is one of the major religions of the world. It was founded by Siddhartha Guatama (Buddha) in Northeastern India. It arose as a monastic movement during a time of Brahman tradition. Buddhism rejected important views of Hinduism. It did not recognize the validity of the Vedic Scriptures, nor the sacrificial cult which arose from it. It also questioned the authority of the priesthood. Also, the Buddhist movement was open to people of all castes, denying that a persons worth could be judged by their blood. The religion of Buddhism has 150 to 350 million followers around the world. The wide range is due to two reasons. The tendency for religious affiliation to be nonexclusive is one. The other is the difficulty in getting†¦show more content†¦Historians are not sure if it was held at either Kasmir or Jalanhar. Both divisions of Buddhism are said to have participated in the council. The council tried to establish peace between them. However, neither side was willing to give in. Because of this, the religion divided into many sects, including the traditional eighteen schools. The traditional eighteen schools of Buddhism were a result of different interpretations of Buddhist teachings. Together, these divisions were seen as too conservative and literal towards the teachings of Buddha. Theravada was considered too individualistic and unconcerned with the needs of the laity. It caused a liberal wing of the sangha to break away from the rest of the monks during the second council. Original group of monks continued their honoring of Buddha as a perfectly enlightened human teacher. However, the liberal Mahasanghikas developed a new interpretation. They began to think of Buddha as an eternal, all powerful being. Believing the human Buddha was an apparition sent down for human benefit, the Mahasanghikas began Mahayana. Not even the names of Mahayanas founders are known. Historians argue whether or not the new sect began in southern or northwestern India. However, they have narrowed the date to in between the 2nd century BC and the 1st century AD. Beliefs in a godlike Buddha continued well past the era of Christianity and came together in the MahayanaShow MoreRelatedSymbolism In Buddhism : The Symbols Of Buddhism1009 Words   |  5 PagesBuddhism is a very peaceful religion with many worldwide followers. Buddhism also has a lot of symbolism within the folds and paths. These symbols play a big part in helping to understand the religion and what it is truly about. Siddhartha Gautama was prince, a very peaceful man who viewed life as a beautiful, loving place-- at least before he left the palace walls. When Siddhartha went to go discover new life outside of his kingdom, he saw people suffering and in pain. He saw death and illness,Read MoreA Visit At San Jose Buddhist Church1640 Words   |  7 Pag esAwakening For this experience, I decided to explore Buddhism in order to enhance my involvement with the religion and build a strong understanding. What intrigued me about Buddhism was the social aspect and diversity that it had to offer. In order to explore this religion from a critical and analytical viewpoint, I decided to attend a weekend service offered at San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin. The San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin main temple is located in the Japantown section of Central San JoseRead MoreDharma in Service to Vinaya Essays1540 Words   |  7 Pageslandscape is defined by the struggle between those who would insist that religion is nationality (Islam) and those who maintain that, as a historical entity, India is essentially Hindu and all other faiths are interlopers. 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