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Demographics
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Buddhism ranked as India's chief religion in ancient times. Today, less than 1 per cent of its people practice Buddhism. Although Buddhists are a minority in India, the religion is of great importance as India is the birthplace of this religion. Strictly speaking, Buddhism is not a religion as it is not centred around any one particular God. It is a system of philosophy and a code of morality. Buddhism was founded in northern India, when prince Siddharta renounced the world and sought enlightenment. Buddhists believe that aschieving enlightenment should be the goal for every being. Today there are two major schools of Buddhism. The Hinayana, 'small vehicle', is an individual pursuit and hold the path to nirvana, the ultimate aim all Buddhists. The other school - Mahayana, 'large vehicle' school holds the belief that all followers will eventually lead to the salvation of the entire world. Emperor Ashoka was a great follower of Buddhism and he popularized Buddhism throughout India and abroad. The religion had a great influence on the architecture of India. Around 85,000 stupas or dome-shaped monuments, with the teachings of Buddhism engraved on rocks and pillars, were constructed. The famous Ashoka Pillar at Sarnath in Madhya Pradesh, attracts scores of visitors around the year.
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Fast Facts: - India is the birth place of Buddhism. |
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