Buddhism Central Ohio: About Buddhism

Buddhism is a system of spiritual practice and beliefs first taught by Shakyamuni Buddha in India around 500 BCE. The word “Buddha” means “Awakened One” and refers to a state of spiritual illumination called “enlightenment,” characterized by an understanding of the nature of mind (wisdom) and deep compassion for all beings. The Buddha taught that all beings—animals, humans and others—possess mind, and therefore possess the potential for spiritual awakening. The path to achieve this awakening is contained in the Dharma, or teachings of Buddha. Simply put, these teachings are: Do no harm to other beings, practice virtue and selflessness, and tame the mind through meditation and other practices. It is through these disciplines that beings can attain the same spiritual illumination as the Buddha. The community of Buddhist adherents, called the Sangha, is considered vital in helping beings along the spiritual path. Buddhists believe every moment of life is important because beings are constantly forming patterns with their thoughts and actions. These patterns, called Karma, determine the quality and nature of beings’ present and future lives. There are 650 million Buddhists in the world, with 6 million in the US. There are more than a dozen different traditions of Buddhism being practiced in central Ohio.