Buddhism

Buddhism

Buddhism is a term that is used to describe the philosophical and religious beliefs and practices of a tradition that is based upon the teachings and life of the historical Buddha (the enlightened one), Siddhartha Guatama, over 2000 years ago. As with Christianity, over time, different sects or schools of Buddhism evolved. There are three distinct major historical forms of Buddhism. These are classified upon doctrinal and institutional differences, however they also represent different geographical areas.

1. The Theravada � the �Doctrine of the Elders�. This sect of Buddhism is now located primarily in Ceylon and Indochina. This tradition is the only surviving ancient Indian school and is based upon the Pali canon; the earliest surviving record of the Buddha�s teachings.

2. The Mahayana � the �Great Vehicle�. This sect of Buddhism is located primarily in Nepal, Sikkim, China, Korea, and Japan.

3. The Tantrayana � the �Esoteric Vehicle�

The Buddha named his religion or philosophical practice, �Dharma-Vinaya�- The Doctrine and Discipline. Subsequent to this, the Buddha established the order of the bhikkhus (monks) and bhikkhunis (nuns) to provide a social structure in which to practise Dharma.

By 250 B.C.E., the teachings of the Buddha had been arranged into three categories.

1. The Vinaya Pitaka � the �Basket of Discipline�.

This contained the texts in relation to the customs and rules of the bhikkhus and bhikkhunis.

2. The Sutta Pitaka � the �Basket of Discourses�.

This contained the texts in relation to the sermons and statements made by the Buddha and the �Noble Ones�.

3. The Abhidhamma Pitaka � the �Basket of Higher (or special) Doctrine�.

The contained the texts in relation to the philosophical and psychological analysis of the Dharma.