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Origins Of Buddhism - Online Term Papers

Origins Of Buddhism

Today's Western religions revolve around a central God that is one and the same for all of the followers of that religion. For instance, a Catholic goes to Church and prays to the same God as the person sitting beside them. There are many Eastern religions where that is not the case. Buddhism, one of the world's oldest religions, is one such instance. Buddhism, in fact, stresses a more individual approach to spirituality. In 563 B.C., in India, a man named Siddartha Guatama was born into the ruling family of the Sakya people. Because of his elevated position in society he was forced to live a life of seclusion. When he was twenty-nine years old, he ventured out into the world and ...

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one). He was the fourth man recorded to have done so, but is credited with the creation of the Buddhist religion. Today Buddhism is one of the most commonly practiced Eastern religions. It is also one of the most misunderstood. Its characteristics are simple and strive only for spiritual enlightenment. The critical element of Buddhism is what Buddha called the Four Noble Truths. The First Noble Truth as related by Buddha is that suffering is unavoidable and universal to all beings. It is suffering that teaches us the lessons we need to learn to become enlightened. The Second Noble Truth reveals the root of that suffering; desire. Desires for things such as sex, wealth and power are what blind us to the true nature of reality. The Third Noble Truth is the way in which we alleviate suffering. By clearing oneself of desire, one can reach a state of mind known as Nirvana. The Fourth Noble Truth is knowing the path taken by Buddha himself, the Middle Way.The Middle Way ...

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PAPER DETAILS

Added: 11/13/2006 02:32:33 PM
Category: World History
Type: Premium Paper
Words: 1164
Pages: 5

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