Asian Buddhism

What exactly is Buddhism? Buddhism is classified by many as a religion , with an estimated following of nearly half a billion people according to estimates. However, some people disagree on the nature of Buddhism as a religion, saying that it should rather be considered a philosophy or a way of life. Buddhism originates from Siddharta Gautama, whom was called the Buddha by his followers. This is a title that means the awakened one or the enlightened one.

The Buddha is thought to have lived in Northern India around the year 500 BC. There is little historical documentation about him, but it's definitely known that he existed and lived in India. The Buddha was a prince of the Shakya tribe, son of King Suddhodana and Queen Maya. It has been common in the Buddhist world to refer to him as Shakyamuni, "the sage of Shakya tribe".

After some time of living as a prince, he decided to pursue enlightenment, which he eventually achieved. He started to talk about his experience to others on the roads of Nortern India. Along this journey, Buddhism was established and founded. The most ancient of Buddhist scriptures are called the Pali Canon or Tripitaka, they are written in Pali, a language very similar to the one spoken by the Buddha. These scriptures are given different levels of significance by different schools or branches of Buddhism, but they are considered the base of all Buddhist scriptures.

The Theravada School, the most ancient and conservative of Buddhist branches, considers the Tripitaka the only true scripture. The Theravada try to imitate what they consider were the practices and beliefs of the early followers of the Buddha. Many consider Theravada Buddhism more of a philosophy, as it doesn't include any worship of gods. Theravada Buddhism is particularly widespread in southeast Asia.

Mahayana Buddhism, is the larger of Buddhist branches, which includes more sub-branches such as Pure Land, Zen, Nichiren Buddhism, Shingon, Tibetan Buddhism and Tendai. The Mahayana changes dramatically the beliefs and practices of what is considered traditional Buddhism. They hold more importance to devotion of what are called celestial bodhisattvas and Buddhas. These are people who achieved enlightenment or certain degree of wisdom. They have godlike powers and can help you achieve salvation. The Mahayana Buddhism has the character of a traditional religion. Today, Mahayana Buddhism has a large following in east Asia.

As Buddha tried to achieve enlightenment, he first tried meditation, which he learned from two teachers. He felt that these were valuable skills. However, he realized that meditation could not be extended forever, and he eventually had to return to normal waking consciousness and face the unsolved challenges relating to birth, sickness, old age and death. The Buddha then joined a group of similarly-minded students of Brahmanism in a forest where he practiced breath control and fasted intensely for six years. He almost brought himself to the edge of death by only eating a few grains of rice each day. Some sources say that he ate only a spoonful of bean soup per day. This technique produced various physical discomforts. Ultimately, the Buddha rejected this difficult path as well. He realized that neither the extremes of the mortification of the flesh or of hedonism would lead to enlightenment. The Buddha determined that a better way to achieve the state of Nirvana -- a state of liberation and freedom from suffering -- was to pursue a "Middle Way." This path was mostly defined by moderation and meditation.

One night, at the age of 35, the Buddha sat under a large tree -- later known as the Bodhi tree (species Pipal or ficus religiosus). And he began to experience some major spiritual breakthroughs.

During the first watch of the night, he developed the ability to recall the events of his previous reincarnations in great detail. During the second watch, he was able to visualize how the good and bad deeds that many living entities performed during their lifetimes eventually yield to the nature of their subsequent reincarnation into their after life. During the third watch, he understood that he had progressed beyond "spiritual defilements," craving, desire, hatred, hunger, thirst, exhaustion, fear, doubt, and delusions. He had finally attained nirvana. He would never again be reincarnated into a future life. And that was the defining moment in Buddha's life. He had attained enlightenment, something he had longed for years, through several ordeals. The Buddha became a savior, deliverer, and redeemer. The events under the Bodhi tree are often described in mythological terms in Buddhist literature and art. His groundbreaking experiences are often illustrated as a battle with Mãra, the Buddhist equivalent of the Judeo-Christian-Islamic Satan, or a symbol of evil.