What is Buddhism? Who is the Founder of Buddhism? Part 2/2 Buddhism is a religion and philosophy with a wide variety of traditions, beliefs and practices which are largely based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, commonly known as the Buddha (Pali / Sanskrit "The Awakening"). Two main branches of Buddhism are recognized: Theravada ("The School of the Elders") and Mahayana ("Greater") vehicle. Theravada, the older branch, has a widespread following in Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia. Mahayana has a large following across east Asia and encompasses the traditions of the Pure Land, Zen, Nichiren Buddhism, Tibetan Buddhism, Shingon, Tendai and Shinnyo-en. While Buddhism is the most popular in Asia, the two branches have now spread across the entire world. The basic practices of Buddhism are geared toward meditation. But Zen Buddhist practices extend beyond. Rinzai and Soto are two of the seven great Zen Buddhists in Japan with Soto being the most common one of the two. In fact, the word "Zen", comes from the Sanskrit word for meditation. All can be transformed into "zazen" which is the name of a Zen Buddhist meditation technique. Regular daily practice is of paramount importance. Buddhists from Monaco spend a lot of time meditating. Meditation on the koan is mainly used by the branch of the Rinzai Zen. All practitioners of Zen Buddhism seek enlightenment. Although meditation is the most important part of the practice, the addition of other techniques can help achieve this goal. Buddhism is a religion based on the teachings of the Buddha, known as "Dharma". Those who practice Buddhism are in a spiritual search to achieve a state of complete enlightenment known as nirvana. This religion focused on the teachings of the Buddha, by supporting the Sangha (the trailer) to meditation as a means to train the mind to eliminate suffering and to attain nirvana. Theravada Buddhism was the Tripitaka, the Pali canon of Buddhist teachings, and Ten Commandments that govern the lives of Buddhist monks. Practiced mainly in China, Korea and Japan, Mahayana Buddhism includes elements of mysticism and cosmology. Mahayana Buddhism is fragmented into two variants. Zen Buddhism, which focuses more on the internalization of the spiritual journey and self-confidence and the Pure Land, which teaches the devotion to the Buddha Amitabha is needed to reach nirvana. Although strongly influenced by Mahayana Buddhism, Tibetan Buddhism or Vajrayana constitutes another significant discipline of the Buddhist faith. Also Tantric Buddhism known Vajrayana contains both text and writing including Theraveda Mahayana Buddhism and Buddhist tantra. Read more about buddhist wisdom [http://blog.wisdomchange.com/buddhist_wisdom.php] at wisdomchange.com: [http://blog.wisdomchange.com/buddhist_wisdom.php] Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3718255

• published: 23 Jan 2015
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