#How_to_travel | where to travel for Buddhism | #How_to_make_travel destinations | #Temples
#Buddhism (/ˈbʊdɪzəm/ BUUD-ih-zəm, US also /ˈbuːd-/ BOOD-), also known as Buddha Dharma, and Dharmavinaya (transl. ”doctrines and disciplines”), is an #Indian religion or philosophical tradition based on teachings attributed to the Buddha. It originated in the eastern Gangetic plain as a śramaṇa–movement in the 5th century BCE, and gradually spread throughout much of Asia via the Silk Road. It is the world’s fourth-largest religion, with over 520 #million followers (Buddhists) who comprise seven percent of the global population.
The Buddha’s central teachings emphasize the aim of attaining liberation from, or release of, the fetters and hindrances, which cause attachment or clinging and mental unstableness or unease (dukkha). He endorsed the Middle Way, a path of mental development that avoids both extreme asceticism and hedonism. A summary of this path is expressed in the Noble Eightfold Path, a cultivation of the mind through observance of meditation and Buddhist ethics. Other widely observed practices include: monasticism; “taking refuge” in the Three Jewels: the Buddha, the dharma, and the saṅgha; and the cultivation of perfections (pāramitā).
Buddhist #schools vary in their interpretation of the paths to liberation (mārga) as well as the relative importance and ‘canonicity’ assigned to various Buddhist texts, and their specific teachings and practices. Two major extant branches of Buddhism are generally recognized by scholars: Theravāda (lit. ’School of the Elders’) and Mahāyāna (lit. ’Great Vehicle’). The Theravada tradition emphasizes the attainment of nirvāṇa (lit. ’extinguishing’) as a means of transcending the individual self and ending the cycle of death and rebirth (saṃsāra), while the Mahayana tradition emphasizes the Bodhisattva-ideal, in which one works for the liberation of all beings. The Buddhist canon is vast, with many different textual collections in different languages (such as Sanskrit, Pali, Tibetan, and Chinese).
The #Theravāda branch has a widespread following in Sri Lanka as well as in Southeast Asia, namely Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia. The Mahāyāna branch—which includes the traditions of Zen, Pure Land, Nichiren, Tiantai, Tendai, and Shingon—is predominantly practised in #Nepal, #Bhutan, #China, #Malaysia, #Vietnam, #Taiwan, #Korea, and #Japan. Additionally, Vajrayāna (lit. ’Indestructible Vehicle’), a body of teachings attributed to Indian adepts, may be viewed as a separate branch or tradition within Mahāyāna. #Tibetan Buddhism, which preserves the Vajrayāna teachings of eighth-century India, is practised in the Himalayan states as well as in #Mongolia and Russian Kalmykia. Historically, until the early 2nd millennium, Buddhism was widely practised in the Indian subcontinent; it also had a foothold to some extent elsewhere in Asia, namely #Afghanistan, #Turkmenistan, #Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan
Buddhism is one of the world’s oldest religions and has numerous sacred sites. Here are some of the most renowned Buddhist worship places across different countries:
India:
#Bodh_Gaya: It’s the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage site, where Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree.
Sarnath: Where Buddha gave his first sermon after enlightenment.
#Kushinagar: Where Buddha achieved Parinirvana after his death.
Nepal:
#Lumbini: The birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama.
Swayambhunath and Boudhanath: Ancient stupas located in Kathmandu.
Sri Lanka:
Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa: Ancient cities with numerous Buddhist temples, stupas, and statues.
Temple of the Tooth (Dalada Maligawa) in Kandy: It’s said to house a tooth relic of the Buddha.
Thailand:
Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok: It houses the Emerald Buddha.
Ayutthaya and Sukhothai: Historical cities with ancient Buddhist temples.
Myanmar (Burma):
Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon.
Bagan: An ancient city with over 2,000 temples, pagodas, and stupas.
Cambodia:
Angkor Wat: While primarily a Hindu temple, it has significant Buddhist influences and sculptures.
China:
Longmen Grottoes in Henan: Features thousands of Buddha statues and inscriptions.
Mount Emei: One of the four sacred Buddhist mountains in China.
Tibet:
Potala Palace in Lhasa: Former residence of the Dalai Lama.
Jokhang Temple in Lhasa: Considered the most sacred temple in Tibet.
Japan:
Kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto.
Tōdai-ji in Nara: It houses the world’s largest bronze Buddha statue.
Bhutan:
Tiger’s Nest (Paro Taktsang): A monastery perched on the side of a cliff.
These are just a few of the countless sacred and historical Buddhist sites around the world. Each of these places has its unique architecture, history, and significance within the Buddhist tradition. If you’re considering a visit, it’s essential to research further and respect local customs and rituals.