History
Buddhism began in northern India with a prince named Siddhartha Gautama around 500 years before Christ. Dissatisfied with Hinduism, he began a quest to find truth and meaning in life and the source of pain and suffering in this world. At the age of 35, Siddhartha Gautama became known as the Buddha, meaning "Awakened One.”
Beliefs
The middle path
Life is best lived on the middle path, avoiding both extreme wealth and extreme want.
Life is suffering
All of life is suffering, and that suffering is caused by cravings and desires for this world and its pleasures.
Karma
Karma is the belief that the quality of a person's life today has been determined by the fruit of intentional good or bad works of past lives.
Enlightenment
Ultimately, the goal is enlightenment, escaping the cycle of death and rebirth completely, through following the Eightfold Path.
Buddhism Around the World
This is just a basic overview, and there’s so much more to learn. Check out Buddhism 101 from Change the Map for more insight. Plus, you’ll find more resources below to help you keep learning.
Change the Map is a movement of prayer partners who love Buddhist people and want them to experience the love and hope of Jesus. Find community, resources, and challenges you can participate in.
This is just a basic overview, and there’s so much more to learn. Check out Buddhism 101 from Change the Map for more insight. Plus, you’ll find more resources below to help you keep learning.
Change the Map is a movement of prayer partners who love Buddhist people and want them to experience the love and hope of Jesus. Find community, resources, and challenges you can participate in.
Be Curious
3 questions you can use to start conversations
01
What’s something that’s meaningful to you about your path?
02
How is your faith shared in your family and/or what are some daily practices?
03
If someone else knew nothing about your faith, what would you tell them?