Buddhism: From Siddhartha to Today

Explanation: Siddhartha Gautama was born a prince in Nepal around 563 BCE. After discovering the world's suffering, he attained Enlightenment (bodhi) under a fig tree and became the Buddha, "the Awakened One."

Explanation: The Four Noble Truths are: 1) life is suffering (dukkha), 2) suffering arises from desire (tanha), 3) it is possible to end suffering, 4) the path to cessation is the Noble Eightfold Path.

Explanation: Nirvana is the state of ultimate liberation, the extinction of suffering and the cycle of rebirths (samsara). It is not a place like Paradise, but a state of absolute peace and cessation of desire.

Explanation: Karma ("action" in Sanskrit) refers to the law of cause and effect: every action (good or bad) has consequences on present and future lives. It is the driving force of the cycle of rebirths (samsara).

Explanation: Thailand has over 93% Buddhists and Theravada Buddhism is the state religion. The country has more than 40,000 temples and about 300,000 monks.

Explanation: The Noble Eightfold Path comprises 8 principles: right view, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness and right concentration.

Explanation: Siddhartha Gautama attained Enlightenment under a sacred fig tree (Ficus religiosa) at Bodh Gaya. This tree, called the Bodhi tree, became a symbol of Buddhism. A descendant of the original tree is still venerated there.

Explanation: The Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana). The current Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, is the 14th. He has lived in exile in India since 1959 after the Chinese invasion of Tibet.

Explanation: The lotus grows in mud but blooms into an immaculate flower on the water's surface. This metaphor illustrates humanity's ability to rise above suffering to attain Enlightenment.

Explanation: Vesak (or Visakha Puja) is celebrated during the full moon of May. This festival simultaneously commemorates the three major events in the Buddha's life. It has been recognized by the UN since 1999.

Explanation: Zazen ("seated meditation") is the fundamental practice of Zen Buddhism. The meditator sits in lotus position facing a wall, focused on breathing and observing thoughts without attachment.

Explanation: The Three Jewels (Triratna) are: the Buddha (the Awakened One), the Dharma (his teaching) and the Sangha (the monastic community). Taking refuge in the Three Jewels is the fundamental act of becoming Buddhist.

Explanation: Buddhism is described as a non-theistic religion: it does not necessarily deny the existence of gods, but is not based on belief in a creator god. The Buddha is a guide, not a deity to be worshipped.

Explanation: Theravada monks wear a saffron (orange) robe made of three pieces of cloth. This color symbolizes renunciation and simplicity. Zen monks typically wear black or gray robes.

Explanation: Buddhism has about 500 million practitioners, or 7% of the world population. It is the 4th largest religion after Christianity, Islam and Hinduism. The majority live in Asia.