Founded in India 2,500 years ago, Buddhism remains the dominant world religion in the East and is becoming increasingly popular in the West. Over its long history, Buddhism has grown into a variety of forms, ranging from an emphasis on religious rituals and the worship of deities, to a complete rejection of both rituals and deities in favor of pure meditation. Yet all forms of Buddhism share respect for the teachings of the Buddha.

When it comes to Buddhism, many people have questions like: What does Buddhism teach about people and the universe? Do Buddhists believe in God? Are they atheists? What of a spiritual realm and an afterlife? What are Buddhism's values, traditions, and ethics? Who are its leaders and what are its followers like? What is Buddhism's history? And what are the symbols of Buddhism and what do they mean?

The table of contents below will direct you to various topics on the Buddhist religion, from beliefs to practices to important literature to symbols. (Note: Category headings go to the home page for that subject.)

New and Featured Articles: The Buddhist View on Homosexuality, The Tibetan Book of the Dead

Lotus Flower in Buddhism

Zen Buddhism

Comparison Chart: Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism

Is Buddhism really atheistic?

What do Buddhists believe about the afterlife?

Also see this Comparison chart of Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism

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