Click for suggested readings, or download our frequently asked questions. Over 100 questions included.

SAMPLE of Frequently asked questions.
1. What is Buddhism?
Buddhism is a way of life based on the profound and wholesome teachings of Sakyamuni Buddha. The Buddha's teaching, called the Dharma, reveals the nature of life and the universe. "Life" refers to us and "the universe" refers to our living environment. Buddhism is a religion of wisdom where examining one's own mind is the principal practice.

2. How old is Buddhism?
Buddhism has been established for around 2,500 years.

3. Where and when did Buddhism originate?
Buddhism originated in India in the sixth century BC.

4. Who was the founder of Buddhism? Can you tell me a bit about him?
Buddhism was founded by Sakyamuni Buddha. He was born in northern India (currently Nepal) as a wealthy prince of the Sakya family with the given name Siddhartha Gautama. His father had political and military ambitions for the boy, which meant Siddhartha spent his adolescence and young adulthood insulated from the hardships most people experience.

When he was 29, he encountered four sights. These sights marked a turning point in his life. The first three sights - of people suffering from old age, disease and finally death showed him the inexorable nature of life and the universal ailments of humanity. The fourth sight - a hermit with a serene countenance - showed that the attainment of peace was indeed possible.

Understanding the temporary nature of political power and the worthlessness of sensual pleasures, he left his family and all his wealth in search of the truth of life and eternal peace. He followed various wandering teachers and gurus, constantly searching for a means by which the sufferings of humanity could be alleviated. At one point, he attempted to survive on a single grain of rice a day. After six years of ascetic practices, he realized that one must practice a Middle Way - avoiding extremes of self-mortification that only weaken the intellect and the other extreme of over-indulgence that retards one's moral progress.

At the age of 35 (in about 525 BCE), while sitting under a Bodhi tree by the light of the full moon, he suddenly had a dramatic break-through in understanding. He realized the ultimate truth of the universe and gained deep insight into the ways of life. Buddhists call this understanding "enlightenment". Upon enlightenment, he was given the title of Sakyamuni Buddha. Sakyamuni means "sage of the Sakya clan". "Buddha" is best translated as "one who is fully awaken and enlightened".

To share the benefit of his enlightenment, the Buddha travelled all over India with his disciples, teaching and spreading his principles to people for 45 years. He passed away at the age of eighty.

5. Is the Buddha a God?
The Buddha is not a God. He was a human being who attained enlightenment through his own practice.