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Buddhism, based on the
teachings of Siddhartha Gautama

A very helpful quotation by Siddhãrtha Gautama (Buddha):

"Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it.

Do not believe in anything simply because it is spoken and rumored by many.

Do not believe in anything simply because it is found written in your religious books.

Do not believe in anything merely on the authority of your teachers and elders.

Do not believe in traditions simply because they have been handed down for many generations.

But after observation and analysis, when you find that anything agrees with reason and is conducive to the good and benefit of one and all, then accept it and live up to it."

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Background:

Buddhism currently has about 376 million followers and is generally listed as the world's fourth largest religion after Christianity, Islam and Hinduism. It was founded in Northern India by Siddhartha Gautama (circa 563 to 460 BCE) and has spread into much of the far East. It is now making major inroads into North America.

Topics covered in this section:

	Overview & quotes.
	Is Buddhism a religion or a philosophy?
	A brief overview of the Buddha's life
	An essay "About Buddhism" donated by Reema Singhal
	Core Buddhist beliefs A summary of Buddhism
	Comparison of Buddhism with Christianity
	Buddhist traditions in the East and West A brief discussion Theravada Buddhism (Southern Buddhism) Mahayana tradition (Northern Buddhism) Vajrayāna Buddhism(Tantric or Esoteric Buddhism) Tibetan Buddhism (Being written) Tantric sex Chán and Zen Buddhism
	Buddhism and violence -- a rare combination
	Buddhism and homosexuality
	Differences and similarities between Hinduism and Buddhism
	Buddhism and homosexuality
	Sources of Buddhist information and materials

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For an introduction to Buddhism, we recommend the following books. All have been rated at four or more stars out of five stars by Amazon.com visitors:

• Thubten Chodron, "Buddhism for Beginners." Read reviews or order this book safely from Amazon.com online book store
• Bhante Henepola Gunaratana, Mindfulness in Plain English." Read reviews or order this book
• Steve Hagen, "Buddhism Plain and Simple." Read reviews or order this book
• Tich Nhat Hanh, "The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching." Read reviews or order this book
• Dalai Lama, "How to Practice: The Way to a Meaningful Life." Read reviews or order this book

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Latest update: 2016-NOV-11
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