How is Buddhism expressed in the United States?
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In the United States the dominant form of Buddhism is Mahayana Buddhism, and Theravada Buddhism is confined to a few viharas. \nBuddhism in the West is a relatively recent development made possible by the breakdown in the State protection accorded to Christianity in Europe. When Buddhism became first known in the West it evoked great interest, especially as it came at a time when Darwinism and other areas of scientific discovery had considerably eroded the basis of Christianity. However this initial spurt of enthusiasm has not been kept up, and since then the Dhamma has been in regression in most of the West, at least amongst the native populations. \n\nTwo dangers confront the spread of Buddhism in the West in the present period. One is the spread of ethnic Buddhism which in some instances has transformed the universal message of the Buddha into a parochial cult. The other is the attempt to transform Buddhism into a minor meditation therapy by certain "teachers" who have not understood the role that "meditation" plays in the Buddha's scheme of liberation, as most of these "teachers" of Buddhism have learnt their "meditation" from Eastern gurus.\nBuddhism in Western countries have taken up two main routes. One is the formation of Buddhist Societies mainly amongst lay-persons centered on the study of texts, and lectures by experts or exponents of Buddhism. The other route was to establish Viharas which have been the usual units around which Buddhists have congregated in Theravaada countries. In most Asian countries the institutional mode is almost exclusively the Vihara model, but in the West it was normal for secular Societies to be established. However both modes can and indeed should exist in the West, but the Viharas established in the West should be in the mainstream of Buddhism, not replicas of ethnic temples imported from the East. We shall consider both these modes of institutional Buddhism in the West, but with the greater emphasis on the Vihara mode.
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No, Buddhism is not right for everyone...\n\n“One country, one ideology, one system is not sufficient. It is helpful to have a variety of different approaches. We can then make a joint effort to solve the problems of the whole of humankind”\n- The Dalai Lama -\n\n- Atmadeepo Bhava -
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oh ! you didnt read from the website....?\n\nits buddhism....
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It comes from buddism
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Buddhists don't have their own language ! It's a religion ! Most will bow when meeting another person. Sometimes with the palms of the hands together in front of them. It's a sign of respect for the other person.
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It's spelled "Buddhism".  Wikipedia is a good start.  There are in general two forms of Buddhism: Mahayana <great/wide path or \nHinayana <narrow path.\nMahayana practitioners are to wait for all other sentient beings to attain Buddhahood/Nirvana before they go themselves.  \nHinayana practitioners are working toward their own individual Buddhahood/Nirvana.
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Vajrayāna Buddhism (Also known as Tantric Buddhism, Mantrayana, Tantrayana, Esoteric Buddhism, Diamond Vehicle, True Words Sect,) is an extension of Mahayana Buddhism consisting of differences in the adoption of additional techniques (upaya, or 'skilful means') rather than in philosophy. The Vajrayana is often viewed as the third major 'vehicle' (Yana) of Buddhism, alongside the Theravada and Mahayana.\n\nVajrayana Buddhism claims to provide an accelerated path to enlightenment. This is achieved through use of tantra techniques, which are practical aids to spiritual development, and esoteric transmission (explained below). Whereas earlier schools might provide ways to achieve nirvana over the course of many lifetimes, Vajrayana techniques are said to make full enlightenment or buddhahood possible in a shorter time, perhaps in a single lifetime. Vajrayana Buddhists do not claim that Theravada or Mahayana practices are invalid, only that they represent slower paths. It should also be noted that the goal of the Mahayana and Vajrayana sects is to become a bodhisattva, whereas the goal for Theravada practice is liberation from the cycle of rebirth (samsara) by achieving nirvana.\n\nVajrayana relies partially on various tantric techniques rooted in scriptures known as tantras, written in India. The most important aspect of the tantric path is to 'use the result as the Path', which means that, rather than placing full enlightenment as a goal far away in the future, one tries to identify with the enlightened body, speech and mind of a buddha. The buddha-form which one can best relate to is called the yidam (Tibetan) or ishtadevata (Sanskrit) or 'personal buddha-form'. In order to achieve this self-identification with a buddha-form, much symbolism and visualization is used in Buddhist tantric techniques.\n\n \nDetail of the mandala shown above. This is a Garbhadhatu mandala, representing Vairocana Buddha surrounded by eight Buddhas and bodhisattvas (clockwise from top: Ratnaketu, Samantabhadra, Samkusumitaraja, Manjusri, Amitabha, Avalokitesvara, Dundubhinirghosa, Maitreya).Secrecy is a cornerstone of tantric Buddhism, simply to avoid harming oneself and others through practising without proper guidance. It is not even allowed to explain the full symbolism and psychology of the practice to the uninitiated, which leads to misunderstanding and dismissal. Tantric techniques may appear initially to consist of ritualistic nonsense. They should only be practiced on the basis of a thorough understanding of Buddhist philosophy and strict adherence to the traditions.
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That question cannot be answered fully in a few sentences. So please visit the following pages to read the entire thing:\n\nhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism\nhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindu_philosophy\nhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jainism
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Buddhism is a religion and philosophy based on the teachings of the Buddha.\n\nThe Four Noble Truths\n\nThe Buddha taught that life was dissatisfactory because of craving, but that this condition was curable by following the Noble Eightfold Path ( This teaching is called the Four Noble Truths )\n\nDukkha: All worldly life is unsatisfactory, disjointed, containing suffering. \n\nSamudaya: There is a cause of suffering, which is attachment or desire (tanha) rooted in ignorance (avidya). \n\nNirodha: There is an end of suffering, which is Nirvana. \n\nMagga: There is a path that leads out of suffering, known as the Noble Eightfold Path. \n\nThe Noble Eightfold Path\n \n In order to fully understand the noble truths and investigate whether they were in fact true, Buddha recommended that a certain path be followed which consists of:\n\nRight Understanding \nRight Thought  \nRight Speech\nRight Conduct \nRight Livelihood  \nRight Effort \nRight Mindfulness  \nRight Concentration \n\n Buddhist texts\n\nThe Buddhist canon of scripture is known in Sanskrit as the Tripitaka \n\nThese terms literally mean "three baskets" and refer to the three main divisions of the canon, which are:\n\nThe Vinaya Pitaka, containing disciplinary rules for the Sangha of Buddhist monks and nuns, as well as a range of other texts including explanations of why and how rules were instituted, supporting material, and doctrinal clarification. \n\nThe Sutra Pitaka , contains the actual discourses of the Buddha. \n\nA third type containing commentaries or systematic expositions of the Buddha's teachings. In the Theravada school, as well as in several others, this division is called the Abhidhamma Pitaka.
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There is no singular head of Buddhism. \nHis Holiness the Dalai Lama is only the religious leader of Tibet .
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The teachings of Buddha are simple. When you are hungry, eat, When you are thirsty, drink. When you are tired, sleep. Choose your way of life and stick to it with all your heart. Just keep it simple.
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You have to understand that Buddhism blends wherever it goes. Although the core teachings remain intact, but the outer bark--the "form" that the religion/philosophy expresses--adapts to the receiving culture. Therefore, iconic representations of ideas or teachings differ from area to area. Tibetan Buddhism has a unique flavor, and so do Japanese Buddhism, Chinese Buddhism, Thai Buddhism, Sri Lankan Buddhism, and so on. \n\nYou can think of Buddhist teachings as a vehicle, a car. You'd have all sorts of models, parts, designs, etc., but a car is still a car despite all its variable forms to choose from. \n\nTo get back to your question, the Fat Buddha ("Laughing Buddha") has been an image exclusive to Chinese Buddhism. It has come to represent good luck and wealth, which reconciles amicably with the Chinese merchantship. As for the actual, historical Fat Buddha.. we don't know if he did exist. He's as far back as a legend. I could be wrong though, about the legend part; I'm not an expert in Chinese Buddhism. You have to go dig history. \n\nThe Buddha--Siddhartha Gautama--has taught, and lived, a life of moderation so it is insensible for people from any culture to portray him as having a fat, gluttonous belly.
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Tripitaka, or Tipitaka (Sanskrit/Pali) is the earliest canon of Buddhism, made up of 3 parts.  This is held in high esteem by Theravada Buddhists, as well, I think, to all Buddhists.\n\nBut in addition to the Tipitaka, Mahayana Buddhists have MANY scriptures.  The Heart Sutra, the Lotus Sutra, etc.  And there are in fact so many Buddhist scriptures, that it would be difficult if not impossible to read them all in one lifetime.  Of course, particular scriptures are emphasized by particular groups of Buddhists.  Some works, like the Dhammapada, and sermons like the Turning of the Wheel of Dharma are going to be held in high esteem by most all Buddhists.
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Contemporary Buddhist practices differ from place to place. You should investigate which branch of Buddhism you're interested in and then research how well their practices reflect the foundations of either their branch or Buddhism as a whole.\nFor the most part, thought, Buddhists do practice what they teach.
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The Buddhist faith has many sects, as Christianity does, i.e., Catholics, Baptists (some sub-groups in that one), Latter Day Saints, etc.  Just as there are many "types" of bibles, such is true for Buddhism as well.  I belong to and practice Zen Buddhism, and Zen practitioners do not read some texts that say, Tibetan Buddhists do.\n\nJust my two cents...
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It appealed because of its emphasis on the uselessness of words and the insistence of action without thought.\n\nZen teaches the possibility of enlightenment in the here and now, unlike the tendency that have developed in other strands of Buddhism as far off goals. It teaches that enlightenment is a spontaneous event, totally independent of concepts, techniques or rituals. Zen Monks are based on doing things, learning through experience.\n\nEsoterically regarded, Zen is not a religion but rather an indefinable, incommunicable (fukasetsu) root, free from all names, descriptions, and concepts, that can only be experienced by each individual for him- or herself. From expressed forms of this, all religions have sprung. In this sense Zen is not bound to any religion, including Buddhism. It is the primordial perfection of everything existing, designated by the most various names, experienced by all great sages, saints, and founders of religions of all cultures and times. Buddhism has referred to it as the "identity of samsara and nirvana."
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In the U.S. ?\nSee the link below.