What is Buddhism and Why is it in the Program? Year 1 Date Updated: May 13 2021 Introduction ψ Buddhism is a religion and philosophy that addresses as a religion a set more, rules, principles, and ethics that serve to guide one’s daily living choices. As a philosophy, it is a wider picture which addresses metaphysics, knowledge, truth, and the meaning of life. (http://www.differencebetween.net/miscellaneous/religion-miscellaneous/difference-between-philosophy-and-religion/#ixzz6uoI1WBjT) It originated in eastern and central Asia and stems from the teaching of the last Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama from India, and the teaching of his predecessors, which espouse wisdom, virtue, happiness and compassion. During the 6th and 4th centuries BCE, Buddhism spreading through much of Asia. Buddhism encompasses a variety of traditions, beliefs and spiritual practices largely based on the Buddha's teachings (born Siddhartha Gautama in the 5th or 4th century BCE) and resulting interpreted philosophies. Two major extant branches of Buddhism are generally recognized by scholars: Theravāda (Pali: "The School of the Elders") and Mahayana (Sanskrit: "The Great Vehicle"). It has become the world's fourth-largest religion with over 520 million followers, and 7{e7eab526991de3e23c5cd833328c82ea3bf471dbcaea39ca9ede82db0fce1a08} of the global population. And thee are probably main reasons for its popularity. They are: It is a family tradition with holidays and religious precepts that bring harmony into the core family unit and extends out to the community. Buddhist precepts are practical and realistic for creating a joyful, peaceful life with less suffering. Emotional encouragement for social relationships are fundamental with kindness and compassion as choices and skills that can be developed with practice. Buddhism provides two major legs of lifestyle choices which are the Ascetic, and the Mainstream person. This gives the person choices without guilt of materialism. As a Buddhist the person has Choice, Accountable and No Authority of a teacher unless they actively seek one and there is no intermediary to heaven or hell. There were no religious wars to force people to convert to Buddhism or relating to power struggles. Everyone has choice. There are no mandatory beliefs that a "good Buddhist" should follow. Men and women are treated and regarded equally and have the same choices…
