Buddhism is a religion based on the teachings of Buddha which are referred to as “Dharma” or “the Dharma.”  Buddhist believe they are on a spiritual journey to Nirvana, a state of complete enlightenment.    Like all religions, Buddhism has evolved over time, fractured and adapted as the religion spread to the continent of Asia and around the globe.  There are three main sects of Buddhism today along with several lesser-known denominations of the religion.

These different Buddhist religions are all united under some core Buddhist principles. They all accept Buddha as their spiritual teacher.  The Four Noble Truths are core to their philosophies and teachings.  Those who practice Buddhism follow the principles of the Eightfold Path and believe that Buddhahood is

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More than 2,500 years ago, Prince Siddharta Gautama was born in what is now called Lumbini in Nepal. He was born a prince and his birth was heralded with a lot of special signs that indicated a destiny of greatness. The prince's father went to a wiseman who lived inside the kingdom for advice concerning his boy.  The sage man theorized that the prince, Siddharta Gautama, would likely either follow in his father's  footsteps and turn out to be a great king or he would become a spiritual leader.

Praying that his son would develop into his successor, the king did his best to separate the prince from those activities that could encourage him toward a spiritual life.  The prince was bombarded by extravagance  and excess, so many advantages that his royal status could offer.  Siddharta Gautama

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