Buddhism is a religious canon that propagates religious tolerance. It promotes the concepts of anicca, anatta and dependent origination. It is important for an individual to rise above the mundane attachments to attain salvation. The ways to attain it are laid down by the founder of this path-Buddha. His principles, teachings and philosophy are the ways through which one can be liberated.

Origin of Buddhism
Gautama Buddha, the Enlightened One, was the founder of Buddhism. Hailed as one of the greatest spiritual leaders of his time his philosophies completely shook the foundations of the older religion orders. Buddha was born in the 2nd or 3rd century as a Shakya prince. He is also known as Shakyamuni and his birth, teachings, death and the rules for the Sangha are to be found in the Buddhist canons.

Teachings of Buddhism
The Teachings of Buddha, steeped in spiritual aura are a step-by-step way towards lasting happiness. The four noble truths and the noble eightfold paths which are the cornerstone of Buddhism and also the fundamental idea of Buddha`s teachings are the simplest ways to understand the very essence of Buddhism. These are the principles which Gautama Buddha realized while he was meditating. The Four Noble Truths comprise the Nature of suffering, the Origin of Suffering or Samudaya, the Cessation of Suffering or Nirodha and the Way that leads to the Cessation of Suffering. The doctrine of the noble eightfold truth contours the very foundation on which the later philosophies of Buddhism evolved. Buddha preached that if one follows these principles then he would definitely attain enlightenment.

History of Buddhism in India
The copious tradition and the rich time line of Buddhism unveils the fact that the first Buddhist Council was the event where for the very first time the Buddhist principles were assimilated elaborately.

Buddhist Scriptures
Buddha himself is the most important part of the Buddhist Scriptures. He is as if the gospel for Buddhism. It is His teachings, which are further illustrated in the Buddhist texts belonging to various Buddhist schools.

Buddhist Philosophy
Buddhism is more than just being a mere religious concept. More than a religion Buddhism is a reality, which transports one further away from sheer realities and sufferings. It is a philosophy, which supports in understanding Truth. Attaining enlightenment is therefore the crux of Buddhist philosophy.
Anatta, Buddhist Philosophy
Anicca, Buddhist Philosophy
Nirvana, Buddhist Philosophy

Schools of Buddhism
Different Schools of Buddhism came into existence with the passage of time. The two primary schools of Buddhism were Theravada and Mahayana schools of Buddhism. Later from these two branches several forms of Buddhism came into existence. Though the form of expression in these schools differs but the basic principles remain the same.

Theravada Schools of Buddhism
Vajrayana Schools of Buddhism
Chinese Schools of Buddhism
Japanese Schools of Buddhism

Buddhist Festivals and Ceremonies
The numerous Buddhist festivals and ceremonies mirror the importance of the religion. Every festival in Buddhism is marked by an important event either in the life of the Buddha as well as the bodhisattvas. While some of these have their origin in the Theravada sect the other festivals and ceremonies are closely associated with Mahayana School.

Abhidhamma Day
Elephant Festival
Magha Puja
Songkran
Uposatha

Buddhist Pilgrimage Centers in India
There are several Buddhist pilgrimage centers in India as well as in other Asian countries. Starting from his birth town to the place where he attained parinirvana, all the important places involving the life of Gautama Buddha are vital religious centers for the Buddhists. While some are crucial because Buddha had visited there others are important because of the Buddhist temples or because of Buddha`s disciples. The most important Buddhist Pilgrimage Centers in India are Champanagar , Don ,Ghosrawan ,Gurpa, Hajipur Cave ,Indasala Cave, Jethian, Kesariya , Kosambi , Kurkihar, Kusinara, Lauria Nandangarh,Prabhosa, Pragbodhi ,Sankasya ,Savatthi ,Vikramshila , Lumbini, Khandagiri, etc.

Buddhist Temples in India
There are four principal Buddhist pilgrimage sites where most of the Buddhist temples and holy places are located. The most important of these are located primarily in the Ganges Valley of India. Buddhist temples in India are the physical expressions of the religion that took birth in India. It spread its wings to the far away lands speedily.

Indian Buddhist Sites
There are several historical Buddhist sites that are scattered throughout Asia. Most of these are closely associated with the life of Gautama Buddha. Most of these places have been visited by Buddha either for preaching Buddhist principles or for meditation.