Buddism

BUDDHISM
Buddhism is both a world religion and a philosophy with between 230 and 500 million adherents worldwide.[1] It is based on the teachings of Gautama Buddha, sometimes known simply as "the Buddha", who lived c. 5th century BCE in ancient India, in parts of what is now Nepal and the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
Buddhism has spread through two main traditions; Theravada which extended south and east and now has widespread following in Southeast Asia, and Mahayana, which diffused first west, then north and later east throughout East Asia. Both traditions have since spread throughout the world. The Pali Canon is the base volume of Buddhist scriptures, but there are other complimentary scriptures adopted only in some traditions. Other differences is their emphasis on specific parts of Gautama Buddha's teachings (Dharma), and their subsequent interpretations as well as in the practices they consider most beneficial.
All traditions recognize the Gautama Buddha as an enlightened teacher who shared his insights in order to help sentient beings end their suffering (see The Four Noble Truths) in accordance with the laws of Karma by realizing the true nature of phenomena and thereby escaping the cycle of involuntary rebirths known to Buddhists as Samsara. Among the methods Buddhist schools apply towards that goal are ethical conduct, altruistic behaviour, renunciation of wordly matters, the training of one's mind through learning and meditation, devotional practices and the invocation of holy beings to seek their help in achieving Enlightenment. A Buddhist is one who takes refuge in The Three Jewels: Buddha; The Enlightened or Awakened One, Dharma; The Teaching (of Buddha), and Sangha;