Buddhism at a glance

Buddhism is a spiritual tradition that focuses on personal spiritual development and the attainment of a deep insight into the true nature of life.

Buddhism teaches that all life is interconnected, so compassion is natural and important.

• Buddhism is 2,500 years old
• There are currently 376 million followers worldwide
• There are around 151, 816 Buddhists in Britain according to the 2001 census
• Buddhism arose as a result of Siddhartha Gautama's quest for Enlightenment in around the 6th Century BCE
• There is no belief in a personal God. It is not centred on the relationship between humanity and God
• Buddhists believe that nothing is fixed or permanent - change is always possible
• The two main Buddhist sects are Theravada Buddhism andMahayana Buddhism, but there are many more
• Buddhism is a very colourful faith with many festivals throughout the year
• Buddhists can worship both at home or at a temple

The path to Enlightenment is through the practice and development of morality, meditation and wisdom.