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Buddhism (which was commonly spelled "Boudhism" in early 1,800 CE) is a non-aggressive polytheistic religion and philosophy that originated in the mid-500s BCE and was popularized at this time when a prince named Gautama abandoned royal life to begin a spiritual quest with designs to end suffering for all forms of life.

Although there are different types of Buddhism, including Indian Buddhism and Tantric Buddhism, our focus is on the most widely-known, and by far the most popular by sheer population numbers alone, Chinese Buddhism (as time permits, we'd like to elaborate on the other variations in the future also).

Deities:		Supernatural agents:		Beliefs:		Traditions:
Buddhas Kuan Shih Yin P'usa (avalokiteshvara) Hotei (Happy Buddha) Amitabha (boundless light) Yao Shih Fwo (healing and medicine) Lung-Nu (jade maiden) Hoan Shen-Tsai (golden youth) Wen-Shu-Shih Li P'usa (manjushri) Pu Hsien P'usa (samantabhadra) Ti-Tsang Wang P'usa (ksitigarbha) Mi-Lo Fwo (maitreya and happiness) Protectors Kuan Ti (sangharama; protector of Buddhism) Wei-To (skanda; protector of Dharma) Guardian kings Mo-Li Ching (east) Mo-Li Hai (west) Mo-Li Shou (north) Mo-Li Hung (south)		Amitabha Dhammadinna Khema Maha Pajapati Gotami Maya Devi Moggallana Sariputta (a.k.a., Sariputra) Sujata 18 Lohans or Arhats (of wisdom, courage, and power) Pindola the Bharadvaja Kanaka the Vasta Kanaka the Bharadvaja Nandimitra Nakula Bodhidruma Kalika Vajraputra Gobaka Pantha the Elder Rahula Nagasena Angida Vanavasa Asita Pantha the Youngling Nantimitolo Pindola 500 lesser Lohans		Karma Nirvana Reincarnation		Devotional practices bowing chanting meditation offerings pilgrimage Meditation Vegetarianism (extremists)

Buddhism has 5 fundamental precepts that influence the attitudes of many Buddhists of preferring peace and non-violence.  The use of the word "precepts" as voluntary, which differs from "edicts" or "commandments" imposed by a powerful deity.  These precepts are regarded by many as a set of general guidelines that are believed to favour the betterment of society:

1. refrain from killing, and causing harm (ahimsa) to all forms of life, including people, animals, plants, and the environment; compassion for ourselves and all living beings is encouraged
2. refrain from theft, exploitation, overconsumption, wasting resources, and taking that which is not offered to you; generosity (dana) is encouraged
3. refrain from sexual misconduct, sexual assault, infidelity, and promiscuity; responsibility and integrity in personal relationships is encouraged
4. refrain from lying, and decption; seeking truth and wisdom is encouraged
5. refrain from intoxicants (drugs, smoking, alcohol, etc.) that interfere with clarity of mind and impede self-mastery; a healthier approach of "looking inward" is encouraged

Buddhism has its roots in Vedism, and generally accepted the Vedic pantheon of "Devas" (male deities), but specifically rejects the concept of creator deity Brahman (which means to be somewhat akin to the highest supernatural state).

See also

• Jain Dharma
• Vedism