Buddhism is the second most followed religion in Nepal. Buddhism is also one of my favorite religions.
Table of Contents
Buddhism has excellent principles and philosophies. In this article, I am listing the origin and the primary characteristic of this religion.
Origin
Buddhism was founded in Nepal. The origin of Buddhism dates back to a time when prince Siddhartha Gautam was born in Lumbini in Nepal. He was born to the King and Queen of Lumbini in a royal family. It is believed that Gautam Buddha walked seven steps right after his birth which was considered a big miracle. Since his birth, he has been known to be unique and special. He spent his childhood in the palace in the most luxurious lifestyle. He never saw the pain of common people, for he spent his entire childhood amidst all facilities inside his place. Later as he grew up, he was introduced to the outer world. When he swathes the sufferings of humanity, he starts worrying for them. He wanted to find a solution to all the suffering of humankind.
He was a prince, so he had a luxurious lifestyle but constantly worried about other people. Buddha wanted to find a solution to human sadness, old age, disease, and even death.
Finding the solution to humanity’s suffering became his ultimate goal in life, so he left his throne, his wife, and his son behind in search of an answer. He left his palace and started wandering in search of knowledge. He spent years trying to find his answer. Later he went to Bodhgaya, a place in India, and meditated under a big Pipal tree. During that meditation, he got enlightenment. He received knowledge, and he got an answer to all his questions. He found out the four noble truths: there is sorrow, cause of suffering, grief can be removed, and ways to remove the sorrow. He started spreading his knowledge to people and gained many followers. That is how Buddhism as a religion evolved. He preached about the four truths.
Major Traits of Buddhism
Here are significant traits of Buddhism religion that a follower must understand.
Eightfold paths
Not just the four noble truths, Budhha also found a solution to all humanity’s problems. According to Gautam Buddha, all problems can be eliminated by following the eightfold paths. The eightfold paths are right vision, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, proper determination, right mindfulness, and right meditation. These are the remedy to any desire, any sorrow, or any greed.
Here’s the list of those 8 Eightfold paths:
- Right understanding (Samma ditthi)
- Right thought (Samma sankappa)
- Right speech (Samma vaca)
- Right action (Samma kammanta)
- Right livelihood (Samma ajiva)
- Right effort (Samma vayama)
- Right mindfulness (Samma sati)
- Right concentration (Samma samadhi)
