World’s Fasting Religions in 90 Seconds:Buddhism

Buddhism is the fourth largest religion in the world, with over 500 million followers.It was founded in India in the 6th century BCE by Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha.

Buddhism teaches that life is characterized by suffering, which is caused by desire and ignorance. The ultimate goal in Buddhism is to achieve enlightenment or Nirvana, representing the cessation of suffering and the cycle of rebirth.

Central to Buddhist thought are the Four Noble Truths:

• Life is suffering.

• Suffering is caused by craving.

• Suffering can end.

• The path to the end of suffering is the Noble Eightfold Path.

The Noble Eightfold Path encourages ethical conduct, mental discipline, and wisdom.

Fasting is not a compulsory practice in Buddhism. Instead, it is an optional, temporary method used for purification, cultivating self-discipline, and aiding meditation by reducing coarse desires.

It is commonly practiced as part of the Eight Precepts,and it emphasizes the development of compassion and the purification of karma.

Buddhism emphasizes meditation, mindfulness, and compassion for all beings.It has evolved into diverse traditions throughout the world. Today, Buddhism is respected for its teachings on peace, nonviolence, and personal transformation.

"This is a fast worthy of our attention as we reflect on the values that shape us as a nation. Out of many, we become one,"