Buddhism Religious Data Adherents: About 388 million as of 2009 (Buddhism is often practiced in conjunction with Confucianism and Taoism; also, there are no formal congregations, so numbers are hard to pin down there is no consensus on the number) Ranking: most sources put it at 4 Growing or shrinking? According to Religion Link, The ever- growing number of U.S. practitioners is estimated at 1.5 million or more. Throughout the world, Buddhism is growing both by birth and conversion.estimated Growth by birth: 3, ; growth by conversion: 6,214,895 Religious Data Continued Conversion: Buddhists are not exclusivist they believe that the goal of becoming enlightened may be achieved by going down many paths. Having said that, there are certain beliefs and practices that Buddhists believe will aid in achieving enlightenment: Eightfold Path, Four Noble Truths, Five Prohibitions. Religious Diffusion Religious Hearth: Northern India Ganges Valley (Nepal area) Distribution of Buddhism Main areas include China, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, North and South Korea, Mongolia Religious Diffusion Continued Types of Diffusion: First, Mahayana Buddhism diffused through contagious diffusion as word spread from person to person Buddhism also diffused through hierarchical diffusion as kings and emperors adopted the religion and ordered it spread throughout their kingdoms. Missionaries were sent out after the leader of the powerful Magadhan Empire in India became a Buddhist. Religious Diffusion Continued Areas growing the most: China there is a resurgence of interest in Buddhism in the country, and since there are so many people there, this is the major growth area. Core area still the hearth? The hearth area is NOT still the core area for the religion. The hearth was in Northern India and the core area now is in China, Japan, etc. Reasons the core shifted While expanding abroad, Buddhism declined back in India where it became absorbed into Hinduism which had revived. Buddhisms dominance in northern India ended when Islam conversions increased Religious Beliefs Central Beliefs: Four Noble Truths 1. Life is filled with suffering 2. The cause of suffering is desire we always look for something outside ourselves to make us happy. 3. Through diligent practice, we can get rid of cravings/desire 4. Follow the Eightfold Path to gain Enlightenment Buddhists believe in kharma, dharma and reincarnation Religious Beliefs Continued Eightfold Path 1. Right view (understand things as they are) 2. Right intention (intention of good will, harmlessness, intention not to give in to desire) 3. Right speech (no hurtful, harmful, violent words) 4. Right action (act selflessly, mindfully, compassionately) 5. Right livelihood ( earn a living in a way that does no harm to others) 6. Right effort (make effort to prevent greed, anger and ignorance) 7. Right mindfulness (to be mindful is to be fully present not lost in daydreams, worry, anticipation, etc.) 8. Right concentration (achieved through meditation cleansing mind of impurities)