Buddhism is a path of practice and spiritual development leading to Insight into the true nature of life. Buddhism is a religion to about 350 million people around the world. The word comes from 'budhi', 'to awaken'. It has its origins about 2,500 years ago when Siddhartha Gotama, known as the Buddha, was himself awakened (enlightened) at the age of 35. But all traditions are characterized by non-violence, lack of dogma, tolerance of differences, and usually, by the practice of meditation.

Buddhism does not include the idea of worshipping a creator god, it explains a purpose to life, it explains apparent injustice and inequality around the world and it provides a code of practice or way of life that leads to true happiness.

The experience developed within the Buddhist tradition over thousands of years has created an incomparable resource for all those who wish to follow a path. A path which ultimately culminates in Enlightenment or Buddha hood. Buddhist practices such as meditation are means of changing oneself in order to develop the qualities of awareness, kindness, and wisdom.

Buddhist teaching is straightforward and practical: nothing is fixed or permanent; actions have consequences; change is possible. Thus Buddhism addresses itself to all people irrespective of race, nationality, or gender. It teaches practical methods (such as meditation) which enable people to realize and utilize its teachings in order to transform their experience, to be fully responsible for their lives and to develop the qualities of Wisdom and Compassion.

There are many different types of Buddhism, because the emphasis changes from country to country due to customs and culture. But all Buddhist teaching the essence of the Dharma or truth.