Buddhism (BOOD-izm)
Buddhism is a non-theistic philosophical religion — meaning it does not center on worship of a creator god, but on the pursuit of liberation from suffering through insight, compassion, and discipline. Unlike polytheism (many gods) or monotheism (one god), Buddhism views gods as beings within the cycle of rebirth, not ultimate authorities. It is a dharmic path, teaching that all existence is shaped by karma (actions) and impermanence, and that liberation (nirvāṇa) comes from wisdom and compassion.
Origins & Historical Development
Founded by Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, Buddhism arose as a reformist movement within Indic society, critiquing ritual sacrifice and caste hierarchy while emphasizing mindfulness and ethical practice. In the Koina divergence, without the violent suppressions of later empires, Buddhism spreads more steadily through federative exchange — by monasteries, pilgrim networks, and merchant guilds — rather than imperial patronage or conquest. It remains closely tied to Hindu Dharma and Jainism, forming a triad of dharmic traditions at the heart of the Indic Sangha Federations.
Core Beliefs & Practices
Buddhism centers on the Four Noble Truths: that life involves suffering, that suffering arises from craving, that cessation is possible, and that the Eightfold Path provides a means of liberation. Practices include meditation, mindfulness, chanting, and ethical living. Compassion (karuṇā) and wisdom (prajñā) are cultivated as twin virtues. Unlike monotheistic traditions, Buddhism does not demand exclusive allegiance — many in Koina align with both Buddhist and Stoic schools, blending reason and compassion in daily life.
Sacred Texts & Traditions
The Buddhist canon varies: Theravāda preserves the Pali Tipiṭaka; Mahāyāna expands with sutras like the Lotus and Heart; Vajrayāna adds esoteric tantras. In Koina, no single canon dominates — federative pluralism ensures preservation of all textual lineages. Monasteries digitize their texts into the Net of Voices, making Buddhist sutras accessible worldwide. Schools of philosophy such as Madhyamaka (Middle Way) and Yogācāra (Mind-Only) become central to global philosophical debate, influencing logic, psychology, and metaphysics across the Accord.
Institutions & Structure
Monastic communities (saṅgha) remain central, but in Koina they integrate with guild structures. Monks and nuns are respected as teachers, mediators, and healers, often serving as Whispers in local councils. Lay Buddhists participate through ritual offerings, meditation halls, and festivals like Vesak. Because federations value rotation and accountability, monasteries adopt a cooperative model, with abbots elected for limited terms, preventing entrenchment.
Relation to the Accord
Buddhism aligns naturally with Accord values: its emphasis on compassion parallels restorative justice, while its doctrine of interdependence resonates with ecological stewardship. Councils often cite Buddhist reasoning in debates on law and ethics. Pilgrimage networks — Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, Kushinagar — become international hubs of dialogue, visited by adherents of many traditions, not only Buddhists. The Buddhist saṅgha thus becomes a global institution of philosophy, education, and social care.
Cultural Influence & Legacy
Buddhism shapes art, literature, and architecture across Asia and beyond. Stupas, statues, mandalas, and meditation gardens become common civic features in Koina cities. Concepts like mindfulness, impermanence, and compassion enter everyday vocabulary, influencing medicine, psychology, and education. Unlike in our world, where Buddhism sometimes declined under competing empires, in Koina it retains continuous vitality, respected as a philosophical path across federations.
Modern Presence
Today, Buddhism thrives from India to East Asia and well beyond, with monasteries and meditation centers present in every federation. Millions identify as Buddhist, but millions more engage with Buddhist philosophy as part of their layered identity. Meditation apps, digital sutra libraries, and mindfulness guilds make its teachings accessible to all. In the Cooperative Federation, Buddhism is not a minority or alternative, but one of the core ethical voices shaping the modern world.
Type
Religious, Other
Alternative Names
Dharma of the Buddha; The Compassionate Path
Demonym
Buddhists
Related Myths
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