The Buddha, a man who uncovered the truths behind why we suffer and how to end suffering.
Thervada Buddhism focuses on the Buddha's wisdom, where as Mahayana Buddhism focuses on the Buddha's compassion.
Thervada Buddhism focuses on the Buddha's wisdom, where as Mahayana Buddhism focuses on the Buddha's compassion.
That Buddha was a god
Around 185 Million people are Mahayana Buddhists. Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism#Mahayana
To become a Buddha, you must cease to exist or become Non-self. While Mahayana Buddhists believe in 18 hells and a few paradises, these are all temporary, as the end goal is Nirvana or non-existence.
People who believe in Buddha are commonly called Buddhists. They practice Buddhism
The Mahayana and the Therauda
That Buddha was a god
They split into the Mahayana and Theravada
Although Buddhists do not believe in the existence of an omnipotent creator God, veneration of the ideal and noble ones is also seen as important. While Theravada Buddhists consider the Buddha to be a human being that attained nirvana or arahanthood, through his own efforts, Mahayana Buddhists consider him to be an embodiment of the Dharmakaya and not merely a human being. In addition to venerating the Buddha, Mahayana Buddhists venerate Bodhisattvas as an ideal. Nevertheless, all traditions of Buddhism venerate the Buddha, and other spiritually advanced beings with varying degrees of devotion. This however is not the same as devotion to an omnipotent, creator God as known in other religions[citation needed]. The Buddha, the Arahants and the Bodhisattvas do not have the power to control humans, but play a significant role in helping beings attain nirvana, by teaching the Dhamma.
He was a very important god after he was dead.
Buddha is not viewed as a god by Buddhists. He is revered as a great thinker and teacher as he identified the cause and remedy of human suffering.