Buddism the faith really centers on correct understanding of human nature and ultimate reality.

Human nature refers to the distinguishing characteristics, including ways of thinking, feeling and acting, that humans tend to have naturally. Ultimate reality is a term used in philosophy to indicate the underlying nature of reality reality is the state of things as they actually exist,
The Buddha, after all, was called the "Enlightened One." After he became enlightened, he taught that the way to eliminate suffering begins with understanding the true nature of the world. However, the Buddha considered knowledge important only insofar as it remains practical. He rejected speculation about such matters as God, the nature of the universe, and the afterlife, urging his followers to focus instead on the Four Noble Truths by which they can free themselves from suffering 1. 2. 3. 4. The Buddha is our only Master. We take refuge in the Buddha, the Dhamma and the Sangha. We do not believe that this world is created and ruled by a God. Following the example of the Buddha, who is the embodiment of Great Compassion (mahaa-karunaa) and Great Wisdom (mahaa-prajnaa), we consider that the purpose of life is to develop compassion for all living beings without discrimination and to work for their good, happiness, and peace; and to develop wisdom leading to the realization of Ultimate Truth. We accept the Four Noble Truths, nameley Dukkha, the Arising of Dukkha, the Cessation of Dukkha, and the Path leading to the Cessation of Dukkha; and the universal law of cause and effect as taught in the pratiitya-samutpaada (Conditioned Genesis or Dependent Origination). We understand, according to the teaching of the Buddha, that all conditioned things (samskaara) are impermanent (anitya) and dukkha, and that all conditioned and unconditioned things (dharma) are without self (anaatma). 7. 8. We accept the Thirty-seven Qualities conducive to Enlightenment (bodhipaksa-dharma) as different aspects of the Path taught by the Buddha leading to Enlightenment. There are three ways of attaining bodhi or Enlightenment, according to the ability and capacity of each individual: namely as a disciple (sraavaka), as a Pratyeka-Buddha and as a Samyak-sam-Buddha (perfectly and Fully Enlightened Buddha). We accept it as the highest, noblest, and most heroic to follow the career of a Bodhisattva and to become a Samyak-sam-Buddha in order to save others. 9. We admit that in different countries there are differences with regard to the life of Buddhist monks, popular Buddhist beliefs and practices, rites and ceremonies, customs and habits. These external forms and expressions should not be confused with the essential teachings of the Buddha. 10.

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6.

What the Buddha taught is that reincarnation in the first sense is a total impossibility. Reincarnation is when a "soul" or self is born again, and has a new life. Rebirth is when the sense of self is generated as an ongoing process, as a result of clinging to conditions. This can happen in this lifetime (what I am now is not the same "person" as five years or five minutes ago; I have been "reborn" as a result of different causes which are creating me now). And some (more traditional?) Buddhists claim that it takes place between lives; that the flow of clinging continues, and generates new senses of self in the future beyond personal death.

Origins & History

Adherents Worldwide (approx.)

Human God(s) and Situation and Universe Life's Purpose Purpose is to avoid suffering and gain enlightenmen t and release from cycle of rebirth, or at least attain a better rebirth by gaining merit.

Afterlife

Practices

Text s

Founded 360 by millio Siddhart n a Gautama (the Buddha) in c. 520 BC, NE India.

Varies: Theravada atheistic; Mahayana more polytheistic . Buddha taught nothing is permanent.

Reincarnation (understood differently than in Hinduism, with no surviving soul) until gain enlightenmen t

Meditation , mantras, devotion to deities (in some sects), mandalas (Tibetan)

Tripitaka (Pali Canon); Mahayana sutras like the Lotus Sutra; others.

In Hinduism, the soul, or atman, is an eternally existing spiritual substance or being and the abiding self that moves from one body to the next at rebirth. The Buddha rejected this concept.

Adherent s Origins & Worldwid History e (approx.) Indigenou 900 s religion million of India as developed to present day.

God(s) and Universe

Human Situation and Afterlife Practices Life's Purpose Humans are in bondage to ignoranc e and illusion, but are able to escape. Purpose is to gain release from rebirth, or at least a better rebirth. Reincarnation until gain enlightenmen t. Yoga, meditation , worship (puja), devotion to a god or goddess, pilgrimage to holy cities, live according to one's dharma (purpose/ role).

Texts

One Supreme Reality (Brahman ) manifeste d in many gods and goddesse s

The Vedas, Upanishads , Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana, etc