Buddhism: An Overview

Paper Summary:

This paper provides a brief overview of the history of Buddhism and its beliefs. The writer explains how Buddhism began and split into liberalist and traditionalist streams, little more than a century after Gautama's death, and traces its spread to China, Korea, Japan, and finally to the Western world. Its practices and essential doctrines are summarized and the paper concludes that in addition to its traditional beliefs, Buddhism was formed from different cultural and social influences, notably from the countries where it became an important religion.

Outline:
History of Buddhism
Founder (Founders)
Religious Practice
Major Doctrines
Background Philosophy
Cultural Social Influences

From the Paper:

"Following the liberal sect that had broken away at the beginning of Buddhist history, Mahayana continued the liberal tradition into the 1st century BC. With new scriptures to complete the old Sutras, the liberal tradition had as theoretical background texts such as Perfection of Wisdom or Pure Land Sutra. Often esoteric, these texts also helped forged the two main pillars of Mahayana: Madhyamaka and Yogachara, coming about during the same period."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Boeree, George.1999. The History of Buddhism. On the Internet at http://webspace.ship.edu/cgboer/buddhahist.html. Last retrieved on September 24, 2008
• Lama Surya Das. 1998. Awakening the Buddha Within: Tibetan Wisdom for the Western World. Doubleday.
• Buddhism - The Buddha And The Fundamental Doctrines Of Buddhism, Formation Of Theravada Buddhism, Mahayana Buddhist Doctrines And Traditions. On the Internet at http://science.jrank.org/pages/7533/Buddhism.html. Last retrieved on September 24, 2008
• Ross, Kelley. 2007. The Basic Teachings of Buddhism. On the Internet at http://www.friesian.com/buddhism.htm. Last retrieved on September 24, 2008

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