What is Buddhism?

What is Buddhism? There is more than one way to answer this. Why? Because Buddhism has undergone much change since the time of Sakyamuni Buddha due to cultural and other influential aspects. In fact, there were many Buddhist sects with differing beliefs only several years after the Buddha's death.To me, true Buddhism is what Sakyamuni taught with regard to breaking through the cultural beliefs of his time, seeing life as it truly is, and developing a mind that makes it all possible.

In short, this is what the Buddha taught without all the 'mythical and mythical' additions. The Buddha himself made it clear that he was just a man. Scholars now believe that there are many additions to the suttas. These additions, although with good intentions, undermine the Buddha's actual intentions.
Whatever the case me be in regard to what Buddha did teach, there are many different sects of Buddhism alive and well in this modern era too. They range from Indian, Tibetan, all the way through Asia including Japan, China, Korea, Europe, to the Americas and beyond.
When someone says 'in Buddhism ...' and follows with a fact or supposed fact or belief, they need to clarify which sect or tradition of Buddhism they are speaking of. Nearly all, if not all traditions of Buddhism have been culturally enhanced. Or, they have been modified by a 'thinker' at some point.
Again, the best answer to what is Buddhism? Buddhism is what Sakyamuni Buddha, the Tathagata intended in his teachings or dhamma. This great sage's wisdom has been described as both a religion and a philosophy. Which is it? Is it both? I'll answer these questions.
To me Buddhism is the true teachings of Sakyamuni Buddha.
The Buddha taught in a manner that was meant to drill down through the layers and layers of cultural wrong-doing and wrong thinking of his time. His belief and teaching centered around understanding why we, as humans, suffer. He also sought the resolve to this perplexing aspect of life. This is the most important aspect of Buddhism. Or, the deepest intention of the Buddha.
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Buddhism can be mystical or it can be secular, or non-mystical. Now, don't dismiss Buddhism altogether because you don't understand this. Whether you choose to be a mystic Buddhist or a secular Buddhist will depend on your individual choice and internal feelings regarding the mysteries of life.
Buddhism is a practical path, a really good path, that makes total sense from a secular and non-mystical approach. Buddha Shakyamuni's teachings of the Four Noble Truths are clear as to why this is real and this is truth.
In my experience there are many people, both spiritual and non-spiritual, religious and non-religious, that would benefit by following the Eightfold Path. This is a path of truth and reality, especially when followed as Shakyamuni intended.
It may help to define 'real'. The dictionary states 'real' to mean that which is true, actual, genuine, sincere, existent, etc, as opposed to possibly apparent, imaginary, ideal, etc. These are good definitions. Basically, that which is, and without any doubt as to this fact.
It also will help to define 'truth'. The dictionary states 'truth' to mean the actual state of a matter. Also, conformity to reality, actual, honesty, etc. These are also good definitions. Basically, that which is real.
What is Buddhism? You see, there's no leap of blind faith required, or there should be none required. You simply learn to understand the way things really are in the world that you live and follow the Fourth Noble Truth. The Fourth Noble Truth is the Eightfold Path.
At first, when you hear this, you may laugh as you 'think' you do understand the way things are. And, like the Buddha said, "there are those with little dust in their eyes." This may be you, or you may not be there either.
What is Buddhism? Buddhism is an ancient tradition and belief. The core teachings of Buddhism apply to all traditions. This is why Buddhism exists in the East and the West. The same core premise exists. This is why people all over the globe are finding it useful as a secure path to follow in their life.
Now, this is important, the various traditions have added various 'extras' for a number of reasons. That's why you will find the various Buddhist traditions different in many ways. Sometimes these 'extras' were added because of cultural beliefs, and sometimes because of an attempt at explaining a teaching.
The path of Buddhism is both a spiritual and a philosophical path. It offers a teaching that guides you along an internal peaceful path. This path is unique and is often hard to understand. This is generally due to our past individual as well as cultural conditioning.
For you, it will be helpful to understand the diversity of Buddhism. In this way you can avoid being discouraged. There are many people that misunderstand Buddhism and say it is this, or it is that. It might be true that what they are saying applies in the tradition they are learning. In reality they are often referring to only that one tradition of Buddhism. What they say may or may not apply to other traditions.
What is Buddhism? It is diverse. The reason being is that Buddhism spread far and wide from when it first arose in what today is Nepal. Historically this was a northern kingdom of India.
As a result of this diversity Buddhism took on many different slants. Out of this many Buddhist traditions arose. In China there is Ch'an Buddhism. From this came Zen Buddhism that took root in Japan. Both of these traditions are influenced by their respective cultures.
There is Tibetan Buddhism. Tibetan Buddhism is a colorful tradition due to its influence by the Tibetan Bon religion. In Thailand there is the Thai Forest tradition. This tradition came out of Theravada Buddhism -the way of the elders. Many of these traditions have spread to the West and are now more accessible than ever before.
What is Buddhism? From the Buddha's teachings arose to traditions that survive to this day. These are the Theravada or the Mahayana belief system. Out of the Mahayana tradition came Vajrayana (in Tibet). Still, all traditions follow the core teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha.
The core teachings are The Four Noble Truths. Now, the different lineages within the three traditions may well use different means to teach the following truths.
The Four Noble Truths are:
1) The Truth of Suffering.
2) The Truth of the Cause of Suffering.
3) The Truth of the Release of Suffering.
4) The Truth of the Path that Releases Suffering.
This isn't all of Buddhism. There's more. Please click the links below to continue reading more about Buddhism.

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What is Buddhism? (Continued)

The Basic Beliefs of Buddhism

What is Buddhism Quick Facts.END=OM MANI PADME HUM.( 3 TIMES ).RESEARCH TIBET BUDDHIST DHARMA BY VENERABLE GESHE TESERING TASHI.VIETNAMESE TIBET NUN.29/1/2012.NEW ZELAND.