Buddhism Faith Essay

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The Buddhist Faith is one of the world’s oldest and major religions. It originated in India (fifth century B.C.E.) and has spread throughout Asia. Buddhism developed as an alternative to the strict adherence of Hinduism. The common follower of Hinduism saw the steps involved in the Hindu Wheel of Rebirth (rituals, worship practice, & sacrifices) as impossible to achieve. Buddhism was another path that could be followed in the search for salvation. Founder & Followers:
Siddhartha Gautama (known as Buddha, or the Awakened One) is seen as the Founder of Buddhism. The son of a prince, he was born in what is today Nepal in 653 B.C.E. There are two versions of the correct story of Buddha. The Theravadin viewpoint paints Buddha as a ‘down to earth’ example of an exceptional man and the Mahayana viewpoint as a divine character. Following a …show more content…

Understanding constant change, a lack of permanent identity, and the existence of suffering will ultimately help lead a follower to inner peace and joy. Attaining this state of peace and joy is known as reaching nirvana and is the ultimate goal of Buddhism.. The World, Humans, and the Human Condition: Buddhists believe that no one can escape suffering but each person can decide how to cope with it as stated in the Four Noble Truths: (1) suffering exists (2) it has a cause (3) it has an end and (4) release from suffering can be obtained by following the Noble Eightfold Path. Religious Solutions: Following the Noble Eightfold Path : (1) Right Understanding (2) Right Intention (3) Right Speech (4) Right Action (5) Right Work (6) Right Effort (7) Right Meditation and (8) Right Contemplation will lead a follower to freedom from impermanence and suffering. Together these steps describe the three main goals of facing life objectively, living kindly and cultivating inner peace. Ethical

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