World Religions

In Buddhism, the more well known tales of Buddha and other holy members of Buddhism are full of moments of miracles. Buddhism associates more accounts of miracles towards Buddha than most other World Religions. It is said that when Buddha was born, the impossible became possible, the lame walked and mutes sang, and lights across the world lit themselves. Throughout Buddha’s life, he committed many miracles himself: walking on water, flying, traveling miles instantaneously, and calming beasts.

• Have there ever been any Ceremonial Sacrifices in the Buddhist Religion?

In truth, religious sacrifice was looked down upon by Buddha himself, as he considered the practice religiously empty. Later, many Buddhist people considered animal sacrifice a necessary part of their practices. Today though, when Buddhists make offering of flowers, incense and other symbols of their faith, they do so not as a sacrifice, but a sign of praise and a personal reminder of life’s shortness.

• Since Buddhism’s origin was in India, how did the religion become important in places like China, Korea and Japan?

During a time commonly known as C.E.(Christian Era), missionary efforts branched out from India to China. Within a century Buddhist monks and translators were educating both the Chinese and themselves on each others' religions. By 450 C.E., over half of the Chinese had accepted this religion and was teaching it in many schools. A Chinese monk in turn introduced Buddhism to the Korean regime around the late fourth century, and by the mid-sixth century it had been accepted there as well. Then, in 552 C.E., the Korean monarch sent a gift to the Japanese emperor. What was it? An image of Buddha and Buddhist sacred texts were received by the emperor, who welcomed the religion.

Do Buddhists not believe in any god whatsoever?

Buddhists do not necessarily believe in no god. Instead, they consentrate on gaining enlightenment and nervana. This means that they wish to ascend above desire and suffering. After several months following death, Buddhists believe that they will be reincarnated, or come to life again on Earth as a new person.