Facts and Stats on Buddhism

Meaning of name:

System taught by the Buddha

Date founded:

c. 520 BCE

Place founded:

Northeastern India

Founder:

Siddharta Gautama ("the Buddha"), an Indian prince

Adherents:

360 million {1}

Size rank:

Fourth largest world religion {2}

Main locations:

China, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia

Major divisions:

Theravada, Mahayana, Vajrayana

Sacred texts:

Pali Canon (Tripitaka), numerous Mahayana sutras

Original language:

Pali

Spiritual leader:

Monk (lama in Tibetan Buddhism)

Place of ritual:

Temple, meditation hall.

Theism:

Varies: Theravada is atheistic; Mahayana is more polytheistic.

Ultimate reality:

None. Nothing is permanent.

Human nature:

There is no self or soul. Human existence is nothing more than a combination of five impermanent components (khandas).

Purpose of life:

Theravada - Become an arhat, escape the cycle of rebirth, and attain nirvana. Mahayana - Become a boddhisatva then help others attain enlightenment.

Afterlife:

Rebirth or nirvana. Nirvana is seen simply as the cessation of suffering by some and as a heavenly paradise by others.

Holidays:

Vary by region, but often include Buddha's birthday, Buddha's enlightenment, lunar quarters

References

1. As of 2002, according to Adherents.com.
2. Ibid.