Understanding Buddhism (Resources)

From a January 2006 ReligionLink article:

Buddha, from the Sanskrit language, means "awakened" -- and in the United States today, Buddhism has come wide awake. Originally spread from Asia, Buddhism is now considered the fourth-largest religion in the United States. The ever-growing number of U.S. practitioners is estimated at 1.5 million or more. That growth is bringing awareness, influence and some contentious issues.

Some links to learn more about Buddhism:

• About Buddhism at The BigView.
• A BBC Religions and Ethics page on Buddhism.
• The United States Center for World Mission recommends OMF International's One Billion Wait website to understand Buddhism.
• A World Religions Index article on Buddhism by Pat Zukeran.

According to the Famous Adherents page, these are some "famous Buddhists": Orlando Bloom, Leonard Cohen, Richard Gere, Frank Herbert, Phil Jackson, George Lucas, Oliver Stone.

Perhaps this episode of the Simpsons explains something of its appeal. The "whatever makes you happy" approach is also noted by So You Wanna Convert to Buddhism:

There's a story told in Buddhist lore about a follower of another religion who went to the Buddha to try to convert him. The man was so impressed by the words of the Buddha that he decided to become a follower of the Buddha. Buddha said to him, "Make a proper investigation first." Notice that the Buddha did not proselytize aggressively, but suggested that people should take it or leave it according to their own personal assessment without relying on hearsay or mere tradition. So study as broadly as you need to and make up your own mind. Keep this story in mind as you read about Buddhism; it strongly exemplifies its core values of achieving your own internal happiness instead of blindly following the words of others.