Buddhism is an Indian religious and philosophical belief system based on a set of original teachings attributed to Gautama Buddha, originally from India. It was brought to the west by the Buddhism movement in the second century CE. It spread through much of Asia, especially China, first professing itself as the Vehicle of Tantra. Later, it evolved into Jataka tales, a literary genre that depicts the Buddha’s deeds and non-virtue. Nowadays, however, there are several schools of Buddhist thought, each with its own merits.
Buddhism believes that all life is impermanent, arising and ceasing within the context of karma, which is incessant change. This is contrary to traditional ideas of a fixed world where all things are permanent such that changing things will cause suffering. Buddhists believe that those who have knowledge of this truth will be able to transform suffering within themselves and in others, rendering the path of existence less demanding and therefore more easy. By changing the current of causality and by eradicating karmas, Buddists believe that suffering will be eliminated. They also believe that this process can be achieved through meditation, which they say is the method of realizing the enlightened mind, which can enable one to benefit from karma removal.
Although most modern scholars do not agree with all the basic beliefs and theories of buddhism, such as the existence of karmas, the nature of suffering, and the benefits of meditation, buddhism still has followers today. Some of these followers are very devoted to the practice of buddhism, adhering to its principles and engaging in meditation. Others have become disillusioned by its inconsistencies with the realities of the present age and the necessity of enlightened wisdom.