What is Buddhism?
Buddhism can be called many different things, and can be seen in different lights.  Some Buddhists strive to follow Siddhartha Gautama's (The Buddha's) footsteps as a philosophy, and other Buddhists see the Buddha as a god (not in a monotheistic view) as well as follow in his footsteps, follow Buddhism as a religion.  However you would like to see or follow Buddhism, you will not be outcastes or be shunned.  Because its traditions have been developed this way, Buddhism has been practiced for many generations, ((It was developed between 200-600b.c.)) and it is still a strong belief today.  There are two main goals that all Buddhists follow: You suffer, but there is a way to free yourself from it.

Why did Buddhism Flourish?
There has never been, nor is there now, a central authority in Buddhism. One of the main reasons Buddhism is so popular is because there is no supreme dictator of Buddhist believes, and they could diversify into different sects, or branches, of Buddhism. Thinking in terms of "right and wrong" and "good and bad" interpretation is not a very useful approach if there are no rules set in stone.  You must look in yourself to find out you know the answers, but there are many people that can help you find your way.  If you try to answer the quest "What is Buddhism?" directly, it is not possible.  The best you can do is to describe the most beliefs shared between the different sects, but you can never answer that question correctly unless you described each type of Buddhism.

Why are there many Buddhisms?
As Buddhism spread from the far west, it changed and adapted to each "host" kingdom and culture it migrated to.  The entire philosophy was shaped to each culture's preexisting rituals and customs. This is why we speak of Koguryan Buddhism or Ilbon Buddhism or Han Buddhism instead of just Buddhism. And within each cultural area, many different paths, lineages and sects emerged.

What traditions do Koguryo, Buya, and Nagnang follow?
The Monks of these kingdoms generally do not see, nor are taught the Buddha is a god, but those who follow that path are not discriminated against.  Buddhism spread to these kingdoms from the north; however, the lessons we teach have been created and adapted to fit our culture and customs.  To learn more about what we teach, continue on to the next few chapters.

-Berig