Origins and Founder

• Buddhism originated in the north of India in around 500 BCE.
• The founder of Buddhism is Siddhartha Gautama, more commonly known as the Buddha.
• After a profound spiritual awakening under a Bodhi tree, the Buddha spent the rest of his life teaching others the path to such awakening.

Core Beliefs

• The central tenet of Buddhism is the Four Noble Truths, which diagnose the problem of human suffering and provide a prescription for its cure.
• Samsara is the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth that all beings are caught up in.
• Karma refers to the consequences of a person's actions, which affect their future existence in samsara.
• Nirvana is the ultimate goal of Buddhist practice, representing liberation from samsara.
• Buddhism promotes the Middle Way, a path of moderation, avoiding extremes of both indulgence and asceticism.

Key Practices

• Meditation is a crucial practice for Buddhists, helping to cultivate mindfulness and understanding of the Four Noble Truths.
• Observing moral precepts, including not taking life, not stealing, not lying, and avoiding intoxicants.
• The Buddha's teachings, known as the Dharma, guide all aspects of Buddhist life.
• Many Buddhists participate in sangha, or religious community activities.

Major Sects

• Theravada Buddhism is more conservative, aiming to preserve the original teachings of the Buddha.
• Mahayana Buddhism is known for its bodhisattva ideal, emphasising compassion and the collective liberation of all beings.
• The Vajrayana or Tibetan Buddhism incorporates esoteric rituals alongside the traditional teachings.

Buddhism in the World

• Buddhism spread throughout India and then to other parts of Asia, including China, Japan, and Southeast Asia.
• It is estimated that there are between 300 and 500 million Buddhists in the world today.
• Modern Buddhism has adapted to local cultures, resulting in diverse traditions and practices.

Social and Ethical Teachings

• Buddhism prioritises non-violence and compassion towards all sentient beings.
• Buddhism encourages mindfulness in daily life, and promotes detachment from material possessions.
• Equality and inclusiveness are also integral to Buddhist teachings, with the understanding that all beings possess Buddha-nature.