1. Briefly describe the historical context of the emergence of the religion (where, when, who, why?)
Buddhism is a religion to about 300 million people around the world. The word comes from 'budhi', 'to awaken'. It has its origins about 2,500 years ago when Siddhartha Gotama, known as the Buddha, was himself awakened (enlightened) at the age of 35.
Siddhartha Gotama was born into a royal family in Lumbini, now located in Nepal, in 563 BC. At 29, he realised that wealth and luxury did not guarantee happiness, so he explored the different teachings religions and philosophies of the day, to find the key to human happiness. After six years of study and meditation he finally found 'the middle path' and was enlightened. After enlightenment, the Buddha spent the rest of his life teaching the principles of Buddhism — called the Dhamma, or Truth — until his death at the age of 80
2. What are the main distinctive beliefs of its adherents now?
To many, Buddhism goes beyond religion and is more of a philosophy or 'way of life'. It is a philosophy because philosophy 'means love of wisdom' and the Buddhist path can be summed up as:
(1) to lead a moral life,
(2) to be mindful and aware of thoughts and actions, and
(3) to develop wisdom and understanding.
Buddhism explains a purpose to life, it explains apparent injustice and inequality around the world, and it provides a code of practice or way of life that leads to true happiness.
3. For adherents of the religion, which is more authoritative; spiritual leaders alive now, sacred texts, individual perspectives?
Buddhist teachings can be understood and tested by anyone. Buddhism teaches that the solutions to our problems are within ourselves not outside. The Buddha asked all his followers not to take his word as true, but rather to test the teachings for themselves. ln this way, each person decides for themselves and takes responsibility for their own actions and understanding. This makes Buddhism less of a fixed package of beliefs which is to be accepted in its entirety, and more of a teaching which each person learns and uses in their own way.
4. What aspects of the religion do you find attractive and why?
I think this religion is very attractive because it allows oneself to explore deep within our subconscious in order to discover our own beliefs that we live by, as well as it is a very peaceful and calm religion. It allows anyone to be anyone that they want to be, and I think that is a valuable part of this religion itself.
5. What aspects of the religion do you disagree with and why?
To be quite honest, I have no come across anything within Buddhism that I disagree with. I find it a very peaceful loving religion and I think that it allows personal freedom of choice, which I truly admire.
6. How well do the TOK ways of knowing handle the approach to knowledge within the religion?
I think that Buddhism teaches the basic principles of understanding and knowing, sought within us. This in turn reflects the TOK ways of knowing.
