Buddhisum

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Approximately .7 percent of the population in the United States are Buddhists (Pew Reporton Religion and Public Life, 2009). Adherents stretch from one of the globe to the other, but are concentrated in mainly in Asia. It is the fourth largest religion in the world, and many of its principles have been translated into many other religions, though there have been arguments regarding whether it should be considered a religion or a philosophy by intellectuals in today's society (Center for Religious Tolerance, 2009). Though the stories may vary slightly, Buddhists share the same goal of becoming enlightened in hopes of freeing their and countless other bodies into nirvana, the complete freedom of earthly desires.

Buddhism and Its Foundations.

Buddhism was founded by Siddhartha Gautama (Center for Religious Tolerance, 2009). Contrary to what was taught in class, the Center for Religious Tolerance offers a different story about the origins of Buddhism and its founder, Buddha. It was originally argued that he was born in Nepal, however current archeological information suggests that he may have been born in India (Center for Religious Tolerance, 2009). Within this society, he was born into an aristocratic warrior family (Center for Religious Tolerance, 2009). Astrologers prophesied to his parents stating that Siddhartha would either become a universal monarch or a monk, so the parents gave him every luxury in hopes that he would become a king (Center for Religious Tolerance, 2009). He enjoyed a rather easy life, and was soon married with a child when he was sent on four journeys (or as some argue were visions) that would change his life (Center for Religious Tolerance, 2009). The first journey (vision), he saw "an elderly, helpless, frail man," which disturbed him (Center for...