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Buddhism - Dictionary Definition and Overview |
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Buddhism : (noun)
1: a religion represented by the many groups (especially in
Asia) that profess various forms of the Buddhist
doctrine and that venerate Buddha [syn: Buddhism]
2: the teaching of Buddha that life is permeated with suffering
caused by desire, that suffering ceases when desire
ceases, and that enlightenment obtained through right
conduct and wisdom and meditation releases one from desire
and suffering and rebirth [syn: Buddhism]
Based on WordNet 2.0
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Buddhism : \Bud"dhism\, n.
The religion based upon the doctrine originally taught by the
Hindoo sage Gautama Siddartha, surnamed Buddha, ``the
awakened or enlightened,'' in the sixth century b. c., and
adopted as a religion by the greater part of the inhabitants
of Central and Eastern Asia and the Indian Islands. Buddha's
teaching is believed to have been atheistic; yet it was
characterized by elevated humanity and morality. It presents
release from existence (a beatific enfranchisement,
Nirv[^a]na) as the greatest good. Buddhists believe in
transmigration of souls through all phases and forms of life.
Their number was estimated in 1881 at 470,000,000.
Based on WordNet (r) 2.0 (August 2003)
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