Buddhism is unlike any other religion I have learned about during my time on this course. There is no god in Buddhism and Buddhists do not worship any supernatural beings. Buddhism is based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama. His teachings, the Dharma, are a guide to follow to achieve definitive liberation. Understanding the four noble truths and following the noble eightfold path would lead to nirvana. As with any religion, there are different types of Buddhism such as Theravada, Mahayana and modern Buddhism. Starting from Asia, Buddhism spread to the West and throughout the world. I hope to convey my thoughts on the past, present and future of Buddhism. Much of what we know about the Buddha has been passed down for generations through word of mouth and teachings, which were probably not written down until long after his death (Fisher). Buddha like many other religious figures was born without human relationships, was born into a very rich family and lived a life of luxury. He married and had a son, but Buddha's life changed when he saw "the four visions": a sick man, an old man, a dead man, and finally a man seeking lasting happiness. He later inspired the Buddha to leave behind his life of luxury and seek total liberation, also known as nirvana. After traveling for many years and being deprived of all desires and many needs, including food, for long periods of time, Buddha had what is known as awakening. While meditating under a tree he saw all his past lives and how good and bad deeds can make future lives effective (Fisher). The awakening also showed how to end suffering and afterwards the Buddha was radiant with light (Fisher). From then on he traveled around Asia teaching everyone he encountered what he now knew. Many of those he taught... middle of paper... who place a high value and self-worth on "things", I think this is why many Americans are attracted to the simplistic views taught in Buddhism. Buddhism is not only a religion but also a way of life for millions of people around the world. Unlike any other religion, Buddhism requires a lot of self-reflection and self-motivation to follow. From the life of Gautama to modern Buddhism, it has always been steeped in ritual and following the teaching of dharma. Knowing the truths and using that knowledge to follow the eightfold path is at the heart of Buddhism. Learning about the different branches of Buddhism and their origins has given me greater knowledge of Buddhism around the world. While reading the text over and over I can say that I have gained not only greater knowledge but also an appreciation for those who choose to follow the teachings of the Buddha..