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Buddhism Research Paper

In: Religion Topics

Submitted By mkolbe14
Words 2148
Pages 9
Research Paper
Topic: Buddhism

Michael Kolbe
July 21, 2010
Research Paper
Religions of the World
MW 6:00-9:15

Abstract/Thesis: The Religion Buddhism comes from the story of Gautama Siddhartha. Siddhartha was prophesized to be a world ruler or a spiritual leader, and despite his parents attempts to facilitate the former he chose the latter. It was originally founded in India, but spread to other parts of Asia, Including China and Japan. In China and Japan the differences in culture force Buddhism to be changed slightly in some cases and a little more in others. Bothe China and Japan have started schools/sects that differ from the original Buddhism. In this paper I will explain the teachings and Origin of Buddhism and briefly describe some of the schools/sects that have sprouted up in China and Japan. After describing these schools/sects I will compare them and their principals to those of the original Buddhist teachings from India. This paper will describe how Buddhism spread across Asia and became known as a religion rather than just teachings.

Buddhism is a Religion, founded in India, which came from the teachings of Gautama Siddhartha or “the Buddha”. Although no missionary movements were developed, Buddhism was still spread around Asia. The spread occurred because of Shakyamuni Buddha, who was a teacher. He traveled around to different kingdoms sharing his teachings to those that would listen. (The Spread of Buddhism in Asia 1) Even though he instructed his monks to do the same he never expected anyone to denounce their beliefs. However the teachings began to spread and later they became known as a religion. The Religion spread to China and then from there to Japan, along with many other places in Asia. Since Buddhism never had a direct head (other than “the Buddha”) or hierarchical system in the world, it could easily be adapted. (The

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