Buddhism on the go!

Reading about where Buddhism spread to after Siddhartha's death.

It's gone to India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and following the Silk and Spice Routes - Russia, and China, just to name a few. It would also go on to other areas, such as Japan, Vietnam, Korea, Tibet, and more.

Okay, but, what have I gotten out of Buddhism's adventures across the East - and of course, much later, the West?

*It adapted. Wherever Buddhism went, whatever culture it made its way into, it adapted to those different cultures, the teachings being made to suit the people and lives of that culture.

No matter where Buddhism makes its home, it works WITH that culture, but no matter what form it takes on, the basis of Buddhism is still there - freedom.


*It's often called "The Gentle Religion" for a reason. Just think of how many wars have been fought in the name of Buddhism? None.

This "gentle religion" as it is nicknamed teaches tolerance. How much better off would we be if we stopped letting ourselves get worked up at that person who annoys us every day at work? Or by letting someone get under our skin with their difference of opinion? Tolerance can mean the difference between fighting and peace. Next time someone's annoying you with something trivial, just take a breath and remember - the reason they're saying it or doing it is because it means something to them. Let them go, don't let it anger you, they continue on, and you, in your now not-stressed state because you have tolerated them even though you may not agree or see it - can feel free.