Buddhism

Since the dawn of civilization, religions have expressed the concerns at the core of human existence: life's meaning and purpose the significance of birth and death moral commitments the proper conduct of life...and much more. These concerns define our self-understanding though often with many doubts and uncertainties. Beyond the daily clutter and bustle and routine, religion transcends making a living to guide us in how we should live life. Religions are rooted in culture and history. Far too often religious differences and tensions have been the source of corrosive hatred and terrible wars... the ultimate clashes of ultimate commitments. Yet in the increasingly connected modern world knowing the beliefs and commitments of others is essential to cooperation understanding and good will. In this series you'll learn about religious differences and also about their many similarities. It describes the beliefs practices and spiritual and moral commitments of the world's great religious traditions. It also examines each religion's scriptures identifies its outstanding thinkers and discusses its attitude and relationship to society. Narrated by Academy Award winning actor Ben Kingsley Buddhism began in the sixth century B.C.E. and has developed two chief forms: Theravada (or Hinayana) predominates in Sri Lanka Burma and Thailand; Mahayana in Japan China Korea and Indochina. Zen a more recent form of Buddhism is found throughout the world. Script by Dr. Winston King