Buddhism is one of the world's major religions. It began in northern India approximately 2,500 years ago. It is very different from other major world religions. It requires no belief in God, but simply a willingness to commit oneself to the following:
- the Buddha (the ideal of enlightenment)
- the Dharma (his teaching)
- the Sangha (the community of his followers)
Buddhists believe that everyone has to potential to become 'enlightened', that is to come to understand the truth about life.