buddhism
buddhism
Pronunciation
buddhism (American English): /ˈbʊ.dɪ.zəm/
First syllable (bud-):
/ˈbʊ/ - "bud" like in "bus" (close your lips briefly, then release with a voiced puff of air)
Second syllable (-dhis-):
/d/ - voiced alveolar stop (touch the tip of your tongue to the ridge behind your upper front teeth and release)
/ɪ/ - short "i" sound (like in "in")
Third syllable (-ism):
/z/ - voiced alveolar fricative (place the tip of your tongue near the ridge behind your upper front teeth and force air through the narrow opening, creating a buzzing sound)
/əm/ - schwa sound (a neutral vowel sound, like the final "a" in "sofa")
Word Form Variations
Buddhism is a mass noun. This means it doesn't have separate forms for singular and plural. It refers to the entire philosophy and practise itself, regardless of the number of followers or schools of thought.
Here's why separate forms aren't typically used:
Collective noun: It functions similarly to collective nouns like "democracy" or "Christianity" that describe a whole system or belief structure.
Uncountable: Like concepts like "love" or "happiness," Buddhism represents a broader concept that isn't easily quantified.
Therefore, you would use "Buddhism" for both singular and plural contexts.
Here are some examples:
"The teachings of Buddhism emphasise mindfulness."
"There are many different schools of Buddhism practised around the world."
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Definitions, Synonyms, Antonyms
Noun:
Primary Definition: A philosophical and spiritual tradition originating in ancient India, founded by Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) that focuses on achieving enlightenment through the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.
Synonyms: Dharmavinaya (Sanskrit), Buddhist philosophy, Buddhist teachings
Antonyms: (There are no direct antonyms for Buddhism as a religion, but opposing belief systems could be theistic religions with a focus on worshipping a deity.)
Secondary Definition: The practices, beliefs, and culture associated with the Buddhist tradition.
Synonyms: Buddhist way of life, dharma practice
Adjective:
Related to the religion or philosophy of Buddhism.
Example: "The temple held a Buddhist ceremony."
Synonyms: Buddhist-related, Zen (informal, for Zen Buddhism)
Antonyms: Non-Buddhist, secular
Examples of Use
Books:
Fictional: "In Siddhartha by Herman Hesse, the protagonist journeys through various life experiences in his search for enlightenment within the framework of Buddhism." (This is a fictional story but uses the real-world concept of Buddhism)
Non-Fictional: "What the Buddha Taught by Walpola Rahula provides a clear introduction to the core teachings of Buddhism." (This book explains the core tenets of Buddhism)
Newspapers:
"The Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, spoke about the importance of compassion at a peace conference." (This headline uses "Buddhism" to identify the religious tradition the Dalai Lama is associated with)
Online Publications:
Headline: "Meditation Apps on the Rise as People Seek Mindfulness and Stress Relief - Influenced by Buddhist Practices" (This online article highlights the connection between mindfulness practices and Buddhism)
Website: "The website of The Tricycle: The Buddhist Review offers articles and teachings on various schools of Buddhism."
Entertainment Mediums:
Movie: "Kung Fu Panda" (animated film) features a panda named Po who trains in a monastery following the principles of Buddhism. (This is a fictional portrayal but uses Buddhist concepts)
Television: "Mindhunter" (drama series) - A character explores Buddhist meditation techniques to manage stress. (This depicts a real-world application of Buddhist practices)
General Public Discourse:
Conversation: "My friend is interested in learning more about Buddhism and is attending a meditation class." (This is a casual conversation about someone's interest in Buddhism)
Social Media: "A social media post with the hashtag #Buddhistquotes shares a quote from the Buddha on the importance of letting go." (This example uses "Buddhism" in a social media context)
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10 Famous Quotes Using the term Buddhism
"Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without." - Buddha (This quote highlights a core principle of Buddhism)
"The mind is everything. What you think you become." - Buddha (This quote emphasises the power of thoughts in Buddhist philosophy)
"Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned." - Buddha (This quote uses an analogy to explain the harm of anger)
"Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared." - Buddha (This quote speaks to the value of compassion and sharing)
"We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves." - Buddha (This quote reiterates the connection between thoughts and happiness)
"In the sky, there is no distinction of east and west; people create distinctions in their minds and then argue about them." - Buddha (This quote highlights the potential for unnecessary conflict)
"Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment." - Buddha (This quote emphasises the importance of mindfulness)
"A disciplined mind brings happiness." - Buddha (This quote connects mental discipline to well-being)
"The way is not in the sky. The way is in your heart." - Buddha (This quote suggests enlightenment can be found within)
"Better than a thousand hollow words, is one word that brings peace." - Buddha (This quote emphasises the value of meaningful communication)
Etymology
The word "Buddhism" comes from the word "Buddha" which itself comes from an ancient Indian language called Sanskrit. Sanskrit has a word "budDHA" which means "awakened one" or "the enlightened one."
The earliest known use of "Buddha" in English showed up in writings around the late 1600s. Back then, people weren't sure of the exact spelling, and it took some time before "Buddha" became the standard way to write it.
Since "Buddha" refers to the awakened teacher Siddhartha Gautama, it makes sense that "Buddhism" refers to the teachings and practices he shared with the world. So, "Buddhism" is basically a way of saying "the way of the awakened one."
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Phrases + Idioms Containing the term Buddhism
To take refuge in Buddhism: This means to formally convert to Buddhism and embrace its teachings as a guiding principle in life.
Buddhist monk/nun: These are individuals who devote their lives to studying and practicing Buddhism, typically living in monasteries.
Zen Buddhism: This is a specific school of Buddhism known for its emphasis on meditation and achieving enlightenment through direct insight.
To find inner peace: This phrase isn't exclusive to Buddhism, but it is a common goal within Buddhist practice, focusing on achieving mental calmness and freedom from suffering.
Karma: Though not exactly an idiom, "karma" is a concept deeply rooted in Buddhism. It refers to the idea that actions have consequences, both positive and negative.
The Middle Way: This refers to the Eightfold Path, a central principle in Buddhism outlining a balanced approach to life that avoids extremes.
To be present in the moment: This is a core Buddhist practice of mindfulness, focusing your attention on the current experience without dwelling on the past or future.
A lotus flower in a muddy pond: This metaphor describes a person who remains pure and uncorrupted despite challenging circumstances. (The lotus flower grows in muddy water but produces beautiful blooms)
To sweep the floor of the mind: This metaphor refers to the practice of meditation where you clear your mind of unnecessary thoughts and distractions.
To break the cycle of suffering: This refers to the Buddhist goal of achieving liberation from the cycle of rebirth and suffering (samsara) through enlightenment.
Posts Related to Buddhism
Source Information
Definition of buddhism from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
