What are the followers of Buddhism called?
Buddhism, one of the world’s major religions, has a diverse and rich history spanning over two millennia. Its followers, known as Buddhists, are spread across various cultures and regions around the globe. The term “Buddhist” itself is derived from the Pali word “Bhikkhu,” which means “one who has gone to the other shore,” symbolizing the spiritual journey towards enlightenment. This article aims to explore the different denominations and practices within Buddhism, highlighting the commonalities and distinctions among its followers.
Buddhism originated in ancient India during the 5th century BCE, with the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, who later became known as the Buddha, or “the enlightened one.” The word “Buddha” itself means “awakened” or “enlightened.” Over time, Buddhism has evolved into several distinct traditions, each with its own unique practices, beliefs, and rituals.
The Major Buddhist Traditions
1. Theravada Buddhism: Also known as the “Way of the Elders,” Theravada is the oldest surviving Buddhist tradition. It is primarily practiced in countries such as Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia. Theravada Buddhists follow the teachings of the Buddha as recorded in the Pali Canon, which is the oldest complete Buddhist text.
2. Mahayana Buddhism: This tradition emerged in India around the 1st century CE and spread to China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. Mahayana Buddhists believe in the bodhisattva ideal, which emphasizes the path of compassion and the pursuit of enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings. The Mahayana Canon includes a vast array of texts, including the Lotus Sutra and the Diamond Sutra.
3. Vajrayana Buddhism: Also known as Tantric Buddhism, Vajrayana is the youngest of the major Buddhist traditions. It originated in India and is primarily practiced in Tibet, Bhutan, Nepal, and Mongolia. Vajrayana focuses on the use of mantra, meditation, and ritual practices to achieve enlightenment in a shorter period.
Common Practices Among Buddhists
Despite the diverse traditions, there are several common practices and beliefs shared by Buddhists worldwide:
1. The Five Precepts: These are the basic ethical guidelines that Buddhists follow, including refraining from taking life, stealing, engaging in sexual misconduct, lying, and intoxication.
2. Meditation: Meditation is a central practice in Buddhism, helping followers cultivate mindfulness, concentration, and insight. Different meditation techniques are used across the various traditions, such as mindfulness of breathing, loving-kindness meditation, and Vipassana meditation.
3. The Eightfold Path: This is a guide to ethical and mental development that leads to the cessation of suffering. It includes right understanding, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration.
4. The Three Marks of Existence: These are impermanence, suffering, and non-self. Understanding these marks is crucial for Buddhists in recognizing the nature of reality and the path to enlightenment.
In conclusion, the followers of Buddhism, known as Buddhists, are a diverse group of individuals united by their shared belief in the teachings of the Buddha. While there are distinct traditions and practices, the core principles of compassion, mindfulness, and the pursuit of enlightenment remain central to the lives of Buddhists worldwide.
