there; It was always the same yet every moment it was new"(Hesse pg.83). Breaking this cycle was the main goal of the Buddha. This has been the way of thinking in Buddhism, since its beginning. "Buddhism emerged in India more than 2.5 thousand years ago as a religious and philosophical teaching"(Buddhism pg.1). In fact "Buddhism is the most ancient of the four world religions"(Buddhism pg.1). They have many followers. Although an exact number cannot be calculated, for various reasons, "one can speak of approximately 400 billion lay practitioners and 1 billion Buddhist monks and nuns in the world"(Buddhism pg.1). Buddhism was not started by the first Buddha, for " there have been many Buddha"(Buddhist Basics pg.1), but by the historical Buddha. Siddartha fasting as a Samana. "The historical Buddha was born in approximately 563 B.C.E. in Northern India"(Who is Buddha pg.1). His birth took place "in the towm of Kapilavastu (located in todays Nepal)"(Introduction to Buddhism pg.2). He was named " Siddartha, which means he whose aim is accomplished"(Introduction to Buddhism pg.2). "Siddarthas parents were King Shuddhodana and Queen Maya, who ruled the Sakyas"(Introduction to Buddhism pg. 2). Being the historical Buddha, "his compassion and patience were legendary"(What is Buddhism pg. 3). He "is seen as a timeless mirror of minds inherent potential"(Who is Buddha pg.1). "His teaching make being fearless, joyful, and kind"(Who is Buddha pg 1). Although Buddha felt that "nobody finds salvation through teachings"(Buddhism FAQs pg.1), he did have "Dharma, the teachings of the Buddha; the law of the Buddha"(FAQS pg.1). Because of the way he felt about teachings, "Buddha strongly encouraged his followers to be a lamp unto themselves and put his teachings to a test"(Buddhist Basics pg.2). His Dharma consisted of The Four Noble Truths and The Eightfold Path. "These are the central teachings of the Buddha"(Tokyo n.pag.). Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka The F...
