Buddham Saranam Gachcahmi - In Buddha, I seek refuge
Dhaman Saranam Gachcahmi - In Dharma, I seek refuge
Sangham Saranam Gachcahmi - In Sangha, I seek refuge.
As a devoted Buddhist, yours truly would always chant this three verses when ever I am available. This three verses are no sutta or mantra to protect myself from harm, blessed with wealth or healthy. The three verses are the most basic foundation of Theravada Buddhism. Buddha - The Enlightened One, Dharma - The Universal Truth and Sangha - The Monks. They are most probably known as Three Gems.
Speak of Theravada Buddhism, there are various forms of Buddhisms, just like any other religions. Theravada was the oldest of all. Theravada Buddhism comprises of teachings of Lord Buddha, Four Noble Truth and Eight foldpaths. Theravadin Buddhists believes in Karma, the Cause and Effect. With one ultimate to achieve, Nirvana.
After Lord Buddha enters Nirvana, Buddhism was split into various paths such as Mahayana, Vijrayana and many more. New main characters other than Lord Buddha were introduced. Many Bodhisattva were integrated into Mahayana Buddhism whom were never existed in Theravadin Buddhism. One famous Bodhisattva would be Avalokitesvara Bothisattva,
commonly known to all as Guan Yin Fu Sa, or Goddess of Mercy.
Buddhism is undeniably sophisticated religion in the worlds. The more I research I did, the more confused I get. True story. Maybe I should apply Lord Buddha's saying, Ignorance is Bliss. Don't believe me, Google and see for yourself.
There is no rights or wrongs in following Theravada or Mahayana or any other forms of Buddhism. All forms of Buddhisms have one common characteristic, COMPASSION TOWARDS EVERY SENTIENT BEINGS. That's the concept applied throughout the whole Buddhisms.
There is no such thing as which religion is the best in the world. Each religion has its positive points and negative points too. As long as we learn to be able to tolerate each other's different, the world will be a better place to live in. A much better place it will be. What is the point of fighting, killing in the name of "religion". No God, Buddha, Allah, Vishnu or Guan Yin will accept this extremism.
Oh yea, by the way, yours truly is a devoted Theravada Buddhist. I too, striving to achieve internal peace and the path to nirvana one day. Not in this life but maybe in some existence in future lives to come. Somewhere in Sansara (cycles of rebirths and death). :)
Let's close this with three roar of Sadhus (Good Indeed, Good Indeed, Good Indeed).
Sadhu Sadhu Sadhu.
That's all for today folks, have a great day ahead.
Signing Off.
Buddhism has the characteristics of what would be expected in a cosmic religion for the future: It transcends a personal God, avoids dogmas and theology; it covers both the natural and spritual; and it is based on a religious sense aspiring from the experience of all things, natural and spiritual, as a meaningful unity. -Albert Einstein
PS: To read more about Life of Buddha, simply click here.