Buddhism, primarily practiced in countries like Thailand, Japan, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka, is often regarded as both a religion and a philosophy, focusing on the pursuit of enlightenment through practices such as meditation and ethical living. Key ideas include the Four Noble Truths, which outline the nature of suffering and the path to liberation, along with the Eightfold Path as a guide to ethical conduct and mental discipline. Buddhism has significantly influenced the cultures of its followers through art, literature, and social values, promoting ideals of compassion, mindfulness, and the interconnectedness of all life.
Choose one of the following belief systems and describe its characteristics:
• Buddhism
• Confucianism
• Daoism
• Shinto
Consider the following questions while writing your response:
• Where is this belief system practiced?
• Is it a religion or a philosophy?
• What are some of its key ideas?
• How has it influenced the cultures who follow its teachings?
Explain in three sentences.
1 answer