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Historical texts suggest one man, Siddhartha Gautama, as the original Buddha. Gautama lived in India during the 5th century B.C.E., a time when profound social, political, and religious change was sweeping through the nation. A strong opposer against the current religion in India, the Vedic faith, Gautama had begun to build a community around him and teach those who followed him. After Gautama passed away, his teachings had spread through the country amongst many groups and tribes. It slowly turned into a religious-like movement, and his words became the first pedagogies of Buddhism.

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There were three major turning points in the religions history. The first large turning point in the religion was when the four vows and the eightfold path was introduced. this showed buddhist how they should live their lives. The third turning had used new parts of the religion and integrated it into the other turnings of the religion, expanding Buddhism as a whole.

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Buddhism is rapidly growing in today's society due to the fast paced lifestyle, high stress levels, and major anxiety issues. Many are eager to learn how to meditate and willingly embrace the new beliefs that come with Buddhism. Surprisingly in a religious system that has been around for thousands of years, Buddhism hasn't really shifted at all in its teachings and how it's practiced. If Siddhartha Gautama were to look at the religion he created now, he would see one that closely resembled the original thousands of years prior.

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Over the years, Buddhist art and architecture has followed in the steps of the earliest known monuments, buildings, and temples. There isn't much change in architecture, as most temples, or more commonly known as stupas, wats, pagodas, or viharas, are similarly built. Included below are pictures of some notable shrines, artwork, and stupas that are popular amongst Buddhists around the world.

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Located in Bangkok, Thailand, the Pha That Loung is one of the most religious Buddhist spots in Thailand. Also boasting a large, golden stupa, it serves as a testament to the importance of the stupa in Buddhist architecture. Each level in the Pha That Loung represents a different stage in the Buddhist enlightenment.

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The holiest shrine in all of Burma, the Shwedagon Pagoda was built sometime between the 6th and 10th century B.C. The 326 foot tall stupa in the middle, covered in gold, attracts many Buddhists every year.

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The largest and most famous Buddhist temple in the world, Borobudur, located on the island of Java, is built in the form resembling a ziggurat.

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Constructed in 1993 in Hong Kong, the statue closely resembles most other Buddhist art. The Buddha meditating has been a core symbol of Buddhist artwork since its beginnings.

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Siddhartha Gautama, the first Buddha

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In Buddhism, there were three things you had to study or practice. They were as following: learn the importance of karma and good deeds, understand the karmic consequences of bad deeds, and study the concept of Dharma. The practice of Dharma is widely revolved around being grateful for everyday life and all the things it has to offer.

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The Bodhisattva Vow was a series of vows mandatory to make in order to fulfill the process of becoming a Buddhist. The four vows include striving towards ending suffering, living and abiding by the Eightfold Path, living without lust and craving, continue the studies and teachings related to Buddhism, and to aspire for Nirvana each and every day of your life.

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Buddhists were required to live by five rules. These rules included avoiding killing, to never steal from your neighbors, never engage in sexual misconduct, always tell the truth, and to never take mind altering substances such as drugs or an excess of alcohol.

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“About Buddhism.” History of Buddhism | About Buddhism, www.aboutbuddhism.org/buddhism-today.php/.

Ackerman, Cecilia. “The 12 Most Beautiful Buddhist Artworks.” Culture Trip, 25 Apr. 2016, theculturetrip.com/asia/india/articles/the-12-most-beautiful-buddhist-artworks/.

“Buddhism: Practices.” Religion Philosophy and Ethics at Abraham Darby Academy, www.abdabrs.com/buddhism-practices.html.

“Siddhartha Gautama Was a Spiritual Teacher from India. During His Age He Was Known as the Supreme Buddha. He Was Raised in Royalty Sheltered... | ANDY HO | Pinterest | Buddha, Spiritual Teachers and Buddhism.” Pinterest, www.pinterest.com/pin/400257485602092495/.

Tandukar, Junee, et al. “10 Famous Buddhist Temples.” Touropia, www.touropia.com/famous-buddhist-temples/.

“The Bodhisattva Vow.” Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind, www.dailyzen.com/vows/.

Violatti, Cristian. “Buddhism.” Ancient History Encyclopedia, Ancient History Encyclopedia, 1 Sept. 2018, www.ancient.eu/buddhism/.