Buddhism has been called a religion, a philosophy, an ideology, and a way of life. As with all the other great spiritual beliefs or religions that have survived the test of time, Buddhism offers many different paths for people with different kinds of sensibilities, needs, and capacities. The following paper will describe the beliefs in which Buddhism was basis was founded, and where it stands today in modern society while making some personal reactions about Buddhism.
             Some people may think that Buddhism is something that belongs to the past and can have no place in the modern world. However, this is not so, because Buddhism is as significant now as it was in the past. As a way of life, Buddhism shows people how to grow, mature, and be seekers of wisdom so they can understand themselves and the world in which they live. When people begin to learn what Buddhism is, they will see that they can benefit in many ways. At one level, Buddhism teaches the individual to cope with the events and circumstances of daily life. One develops good attitudes towards life that relations with one's family and with the members of the community could improve. At a higher level, Buddhism teaches you to develop your mind so that you finally see life for what it really is. From His own experience, the Buddha has shown that there is a way to end all suffering and attain utter happiness. Buddha's teaching offers hope and gives meaning to life.
             The Buddha, or Siddartha Gautama, was a seeker of knowledge that other religions would not offer him. He wanted to reach a higher level of consciousness or "Zen." He felt that if one really understood the meaning of life that one would achieve "Nirvana." Nirvana is the highest form of consciousness one could possibly achieve. Through nirvana, the individual could transcend space or time. Nirvana would allow the individual to experience great happiness. Nirvana may be equated to, a heaven in the Christian faith or a p...