How has Buddhism changed over time?

How was this originally practiced and what were key beliefs that are traced to scriptures and texts?

Buddhism was originally practiced by the awakened one who taught them to end their sufferings, to get rid of ignorance, and to reach nirvana. Most Buddhists practice the Three Jewels:

1. The Buddha

2. The Dharma(teachings)

3. The Sangha(community)

Once the Buddhists follow the three jewels, they will take a path that can distinguish them from a non Buddhist. These teachings are linked to the Dhammapada and the Sutta Readings.

Was there more than one turning point? What were some key events that led to the change in the practice?

There were more than one turning point in Buddhism.

1. His teachings were written down in many councils and spread all over.

2. Emperor Ashoka of India introduced the teachings to Southeast Asia (3rd century). This became Theravada Buddhism.

3.Mahayana Buddhism appeared in India in the 1st century CE. This type of Buddhism was a harsher version

4.Buddhism spread to China, Japan, and Korea in the 1st century. It then spread to the west in the 20th century.

Three Jewels

A Chinese Monastery

Conclusion

What were some key decisions made by key leaders that may have changed the original intent and practices of the founder?

Buddhism has not really changed over time. It's main focus has stayed the same. The main focus is to maintain enlightenment and to reach Nirvana.

Buddhism has come a long way from since Buddha was born til now. Even though many people have lost sight of his teachings, nuns and monks still teach his teachings and still try to find enlightenment in their life to reach Nirvana.

What were some wider consequences when the changes were in place? Were there key changes as the religion spread across the globe?

Once Buddhism was spread over in the West, the people started to put their own twist to it. They lost touch of the main focus which was to reach enlightenment .

A stone sculpture of "the awakened one"

Sources

• Google Images (toy buddha, stone sculpture, three jewels, monastery, picture of Buddha)
• "Following the Buddha's Steps" "http://online.sfsu.edu/rone/Buddhism/footsteps.htm
• "How has Western Buddhism changed in the last 50 years?"http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/belief/2012/mar/16/western-buddhism-10-things-learned

How does the religion stand now?

If you go into a nail shop, you will see a statue of Buddha. Everyone just thinks he is a happy man. When you ask most people about the depth of Buddhism, all they can say is that it is the bald fat man sitting on a type of seat. Buddhism is being modernize and losing it's original focus and that is to reach enlightenment .

If the original founder of the religion were to evaluate how the religion is practiced today, would they recognize it?

If Buddha was to evaluate the religion now, he would be ashamed and wouldn't recognize it. His followers see it as a fad that is popular. They still are greedy and ignorant, the total opposite way to be if you want to reach enlightenment and Nirvana

This is an example of how the modern day is changing the imagine of Buddha.

How has Buddhism changed over time?

By: Zariah Cain