Religious Movements: 1000 BCE - 400 BCE

The core beliefs of Buddhism, explaining the nature of suffering and how to overcome it.

The inherent unsatisfactoriness or pain in life.

The path to end suffering, including right understanding, thought, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration.

The ultimate goal in Buddhism; a state of liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

The core principles of Buddhism: the Buddha (the enlightened one), the Dharma (teachings), and the Sangha (community).

A branch of Mahayana Buddhism emphasizing magical power (Vajra) for achieving enlightenment.

A being who postpones their own enlightenment to help others.

A compassionate Bodhisattva, often depicted as looking down and carrying a lotus flower.

Important sites in Buddhism, where significant events in Buddha's life occurred.

Buddhist structures including stupas (relic structures), chaityas (prayer halls), and others.

A meeting of Buddhist monks held in 483 BCE at the Saptaparni Cave in Rajgriha to compile the Buddhist scriptures.

A Buddhist council held in 383 BCE in Vaishali which resulted in a schism (split) between the Sthavira-vadins and Mahasanghikas.

Held in 250 BCE, this council, under Ashoka, compiled the Abhidhamma Pitaka and sent missionaries abroad.

A council held in 98 AD, resulting in the compilation of Mahavibhasha Shastra.

The collection of Buddhist scriptures.

Buddhist scriptures written in Pali.

An early Buddhist tradition emphasizing individual liberation.

A later Buddhist tradition emphasizing the salvation of all beings.