Buddhisms

Buddhisms, in common usage, refers to the diverse traditions within Buddhism, though the more common form is Buddhism. The traditions trace their origins to the teachings attributed to Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha, who is traditionally dated to around the 5th century BCE in the Indian subcontinent. The central aim is to end suffering and attain liberation from cyclic existence through ethical conduct, meditation, and wisdom. Over the centuries these traditions spread across Asia and beyond, evolving into a range of practices and schools.

Core teachings include the Four Noble Truths, which diagnose suffering and outline its cessation, and the Noble Eightfold Path, a practical guide to ethical conduct, mental discipline, and wisdom. Key concepts across traditions include karma, rebirth, impermanence (anicca), and non-self (anatta), with dependent origination serving as a unifying framework for how phenomena arise.

The major traditions are Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana. Theravada emphasizes monastic discipline and the Pali Canon as a primary scriptural authority for individual liberation. Mahayana broadens the path with the bodhisattva ideal and a larger array of sutras, aiming for enlightenment for all beings. Vajrayana adds tantric practices, ritual methods, and guru-led instruction, and is closely associated with Tibetan Buddhism. Practices vary by tradition but commonly include meditation, ethical precepts, and participation in monastic or lay communities.

Today Buddhism is practiced worldwide and has influenced philosophy, art, education, and modern mindfulness movements, while maintaining a broad spectrum of beliefs, rituals, and organizational forms.