ABSTRACT
The religion is one of diverse peoples and practices, as well as of a long history of differing cultural movements and developments that continue today. Like all religious traditions, Buddhism is a system of practice and, ideally, a means for fulfilling one's true potential as a human being. For Buddhists worldwide the ultimate human potential is for enlightenment. This enlightenment can be attained in a human life, and selfless compassion is both a virtue to be cultivated in Buddhist practice and the quality gained upon realization of anatman. What all types of Buddhism share in common, however, are the basic teachings of the founder of the religion, Siddhartha Gautama, a prince who would become known simply as the Buddha. With this scene of modern meditation in mind, people should beware of oversimplifications of Buddhist practice. And on the journey toward final liberation, the virtues cultivated are invaluable: compassion, selflessness, and wisdom define true Buddhist liberation.
