Buddhism
This essay is one of a series exploring other sacred belief systems and thereby deepening our insights into the words and concepts of "Unity."
Buddhism is one of the world’s oldest and most influential wisdom traditions, originating in northern India around the 5th century BCE with Siddhartha Gautama, who came to be known as the Buddha, meaning “the awakened one.” At its heart, Buddhism is a path of understanding the nature of suffering, the causes of suffering, and the possibility of liberation from it. While it has religious expressions, it is equally accurate to describe it as a philosophical, psychological, and ethical system aimed at transforming human consciousness. All recognized Buddhism schools trace their roots to the teachings of the historical Buddha.
Religion or Self‑Help System?
Buddhism occupies a unique space. In some cultures, it functions as a religion with rituals, temples, monastic orders, and devotional practices. In others it is= embraced as a system of self‑understanding, mindfulness, and ethical living. Unlike a Dale Carnegie book, however, Buddhism is not focused on success, persuasion, or personal achievement. Its aim is liberation from the cycle of suffering through insight into the nature of reality and peacefulness.
Many scholars describe Buddhism as a “non‑theistic religion.” It offers a comprehensive worldview, a moral code, a community structure, and a path of spiritual/creative practice, yet it does not require a belief in a creator god.
Does Buddhism Have a Deity?
Classical Buddhism does not center on any outside god who created or governs the universe. Instead, it teaches that all phenomena arise through thought, producing causes and conditions. There are celestial beings in Buddhist cosmology—bodhisattvas, devas, and enlightened Buddhas—but these are not gods in the Western sense. They are spiritual non-physical beings on the continuum of existence, subject to karma and impermanence. The focus is on awakening through one’s own insight, not on divine intervention.
Primary Branches of Buddhism
Over centuries, Buddhism developed into several major traditions, each emphasizing different aspects of the Buddha’s teachings
1. Theravāda (“Teaching of the Elders”)
Predominant in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia
Emphasizes early writings/scriptures and monastic discipline
Focuses on personal enlightenment (the arahant ideal)
2. Mahāyāna (“Great Vehicle”)
Found in China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam
Introduces the bodhisattva ideal: awakening for the sake of all beings
Includes Zen, Pure Land, and Nichiren traditions
3. Vajrayāna (“Diamond Vehicle”)
Centered in Tibet, Bhutan, and Mongolia
Uses ritual, mantra, visualization, and esoteric practices
Aims for awakening through advanced meditation
Their Dalai Lama (leader) has encouraged reaching out to Western Cultures
02/15/26