Human world

The 'parinirvana' of the Buddha

The Buddha passed from this world at the age of 80, in a grove of sal trees. He had attained 'parinirvana' - literally blowing out or complete extinction.

Buddhists believe in:

• karma - the chain of cause and effect. What we did in our past lives determines our place in this life and our behaviour in this life determines the state of our rebirth.
• samsara - the worldly cycle of life, death and rebirth.
• nirvana - a state of peace and harmony, without beginning or end. This is only reached when freedom from samsara is achieved.

Portable shrine tashigomba - 'many auspicious doors'
Bhutan, 19th century

The spread of Buddhism

Monks carried shrines, like this one, on their backs from village to village. As they told Buddhist teachings, they opened and closed the appropriate doors of the shrine.

Many years after the Buddha passed away, his teaching (dharma) spread throughout Asia. Buddhism spread throughout Asia from 2nd century BC to 13th century AD. Travelling monks spread the teachings by word of mouth to traders and those living nearby. The monks often used portable paintings, shrines and religious dramas to teach those who couldn't read. Scholars wrote down the teachings and they were carried from country to country being translated on the way.

The success of Buddhism came from its ability to adapt to and co-exist with the belief systems of other cultures as well as its independent and non-violent approach.