Buddhism2B

A statue Gautama Buddha in Bodhgaya, India. Bodhgaya is traditionally considered the place of his awakening.

Two major branch of buddhism is recognized: theravada(“the school of the elders”) and mahayana(“the great vehicle”)

Foundations of buddhist traditions and practice are the three jewels: the buddha, the dharma(the teachings), and the sanga(the community)

Buddhist schools vary on the exact nature of the path to liberation, the importance and canonicity of various teachings and scriptures, and especially their respective practices.

While Buddhism remains most popular within Asia, both branches are now found throughout the world. Estimates of Buddhists worldwide vary significantly depending on the way Buddhist adherence is defined.

The evidence of the early texts suggests that the Buddha was born in a community that was on the periphery, both geographically and culturally, of the northeastern Indian subcontinent in the 5th century BCE.

The Three Marks of Existence are impermanence, suffering, and not-self.

Nirvana (Sanskrit; Pali: "Nibbana") means "cessation", "extinction" (of craving and ignorance and therefore suffering and the cycle of involuntary rebirths (saṃsāra), "extinguished", "quieted", "calmed"; it is also known as "Awakening" or "Enlightenment" in the West. The term for anybody who has achieved nirvana, including the Buddha, is arahant.

Mahabodha Temple in Bodhgaya, India, where Gautama Buddha attained Nirvana under the bohdi tree.

In the Mahayana, the Buddha tends not to be viewed as merely human, but as the earthly projection of a beginningless and endless, omnipresent being (see Dharmakaya) beyond the range and reach of thought.

Devotion is an important part of the practice of most Buddhists. Devotional practices include bowing, offerings, pilgrimage, and chanting.

Info found on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism