Background and beliefs: A religion and philosophy founded by Siddhartha Guatama (Buddha), possibly in the 5th century BC. According to his Four Noble Truths, the human condition is one of suffering caused by the craving for temporary things. The fourth Noble Truth espouses a search for enlightenment and nirvana - a deliverance from human existence, which is itself temporary. Buddhism suggests a "middle way" between worldly life and the extremes of self-denial. The path to enlightenment is eight-fold: a rightness of views, aspirations, speech, conduct, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and meditational attainment.
Mahayana Buddhism claims the highest and most complete account of Buddha's message; its followers strive constantly for the welfare of others. Mahayana is the dominant form of Buddhism in China, Vietnam, Korea and Tibet. The Japanese Zen school of Buddhism is a derivative of Mahayana Buddhism.
Theravada Buddhists claim to hold the most ancient traditions. Their ideal is the arahat, who found release from the cycle of birth and death. The tradition is characterised by regulations for the community, meditative techniques and rituals, and stages leading to arhatship - the peak of spiritual attainment. It is the predominant form in Sri Lanka and South-East Asia.

Leaders: The 14th Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso is the head of state and spiritual leader of Tibetans. At the age of two he was recognised as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama, and enthroned three years later in 1940. Since 1960 he has lived in exile in India, considering himself a simple Buddhist monk.

Places: The tree where Buddha attained enlightenment is one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites.

Community profile: There are between 30,000 and 130,000 Buddhists in the UK. There are 134 Buddhist groups with 55 centres.

Important dates:
February 15: Parinirvana - marking the final passing of the Buddha.
May 29: Wesak - celebrates the birthday, enlightenment and death of Buddha.
July 28: Dhammacakka/Asala - commemorating Buddha's first sermon at Benares in India.
December 8: Bodhi Day - celebrating Buddha's attainment of enlightenment (nirvana).

Buddhist Society UK