Brief history of Buddhism

Buddhism is one of the major religions of the world. It was founded by Siddhartha Guatama (Buddha) in Northeastern India. It arose as a monastic movement during a time of Brahman tradition. Buddhism rejected important views of Hinduism. It did not recognize the validity of the Vedic Scriptures, nor the sacrificial cult which arose from it. It also questioned the authority of the priesthood. Also, the Buddhist movement was open to people of all castes, …

…and practice of Buddhism. Zen has grown in the United States to create more than a dozen meditation centers and a number of monastaries. Interest in Vajrayana has also increased. As its influence in the west slowly grows, Buddhism is once again changing and adapting to the new environment. Although its influence in the United States is still small, it seems that if Buddhism repeats its history, new forms and sects of Buddhism may develop.