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Definition of Buddhism
1. Noun. A religion represented by the many groups (especially in Asia) that profess various forms of the Buddhist doctrine and that venerate Buddha.
Specialized synonyms: Zen, Zen Buddhism, Mahayana, Hinayana, Tantrism
Member holonyms: Buddhist
Derivative terms: Buddhist, Buddhistic
2. Noun. The teaching of Buddha that life is permeated with suffering caused by desire, that suffering ceases when desire ceases, and that enlightenment obtained through right conduct and wisdom and meditation releases one from desire and suffering and rebirth.
Generic synonyms: Faith, Religion, Religious Belief
Specialized synonyms: Mahayana, Mahayana Buddhism, Theravada, Theravada Buddhism, Lamaism, Tibetan Buddhism, Zen, Zen Buddhism, Shingon, Tantra, Tantrism
Derivative terms: Buddhist, Buddhistic
Definition of Buddhism
1. n. The religion based upon the doctrine originally taught by the Hindoo sage Gautama Siddartha, surnamed Buddha, "the awakened or enlightened," in the sixth century b. c., and adopted as a religion by the greater part of the inhabitants of Central and Eastern Asia and the Indian Islands. Buddha's teaching is believed to have been atheistic; yet it was characterized by elevated humanity and morality. It presents release from existence (a beatific enfranchisement, Nirvâna) as the greatest good. Buddhists believe in transmigration of souls through all phases and forms of life. Their number was estimated in 1881 at 470,000,000.
Definition of Buddhism
1. Noun. The religion and philosophy founded by the Indian teacher Gautama Buddha ¹
¹ Source: wiktionary.com
Medical Definition of Buddhism
1. The teaching ascribed to gautama buddha (ca. 483 b.c.) holding that suffering is inherent in life and that one can escape it into nirvana by mental and moral self-purification. (webster, 3d ed) (12 Dec 1998)