The Relevance of Buddhism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The Relevance of Buddhism - Essay Example The main goal of Buddhism is to reach the ultimate state of Nirvana, which is through the negation of rebirths and end the human suffering, which is attached to the soul. Siddharta Gautama, who died in the year 400BC, taught the attainment of salvation through the application of an ethical code of conduct, unselfish behavior, ceremonies, devotional practices, meditation, reincarnation of worldly matters, study, physical exercises, cultivation of wisdom and the negation of suffering by understanding the true meaning of our natural phenomena. CIA, The World Factbook shows that While Buddhism is quite popular amongst people in the Asian countries; it also has branches across the globe. It is also believed that Buddhism has over 400 million followers across the world. At present, Buddhism is subdivided into two forms and has two main distinct branches. First being the Theravada branch that is a form of Buddhism which is mostly followed in the Southeastern regions of Asia. And second, the Mahayana that is a form of Buddhism which is widely followed throughout East Asian countries. Theravada is a Sanskrit word which means â€Å"way of the elders† (Reynolds, 2009). Founded in India, spreading in the third century BCE, through to Sri Lanka and Burma then to Laos, Cambodia and southern Vietnam and most recently to Indonesia and Australia. It is the oldest surviving Buddhist school and is a closely guarded school that is supposed to be the closest to the original teachings of Buddhism and is the main religion of Sri Lanka. It is widespread in South East Asia, wherein countries such as Laos, Cambodia, Burma, and Thailand have been following its practices for centuries.