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Buddhism originated in Northern India around the year 560 BCE. About 250 years later, during the reign of the Emperor Ashoka, (289-232 BCE), Buddhism began to spread throught India. Ashoka also asked monastics to take the Dhamma/Dharma (Pali/Sanskrit) to other countries: South-East Sri Lanka, north towards Nepal and Tibet and west towards the kingdoms of the Greek Empire. As it took root in different countries, Buddhism adapted to different cultures without sacrificing its basic principles. This resulted in the development of several different forms, or schools of Buddhism.
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Theravada Buddhism
In the countries to the South and South-East of India, people practise a form of Buddhism known as Theravada. The yellow-robed monks of this school study and teach the Dhamma. They regard the monastic life and Pali scriptural language as very important and stress that living by the vinaya, or the monastic rule, is the best way to become Enlightened. Many boys or girls follow the monastic life for a time as part of their upbringing. The lay people follow the Buddha’s teaching and help the monks by giving them money, food and robes.
Mahayana Buddhism
Mahayana literally means the ‘Great Way’. The people in the countries to the North and North-East of India follow this form of Buddhism using the scriptural language of Sanskrit. There are many different ‘schools’ of Mahayana Buddhism. Mahayana Buddhism emphasises the importance of compassion. It has as its ideal the Bodhisattva – one who strives to help all beings to gain Enlightenment for themselves. Buddhism spread to China at the beginning of the Common Era and to Japan about 500 years later. The Pure Land schools are based on devotion to the Buddha Amitabha. The Zen school of Buddhism lays stress on meditation as the way to gain Enlightenment.
Vajrayana Buddhism
Vajrayana literally means the ‘Diamond Way’, ‘Thunderbolt Way’ or ‘Lightening Way’. This form of Buddhism spread from India to Tibet around 700 CE. Ritual and worship plays a particularly important role. Many Tibetans chant mantras or special sacred phrases as they go about their daily lives. Tibetan monks and nuns wear maroon robes.
Buddhism in Australia
Buddhism was introduced to Australia principally through localised gold rushes in mid-1800s CE. Becoming wider known in Australia from about 1950 CE. Most of the major Buddhist traditions are now being practised including those who came to Buddhism for reasons other than birth or birthplace.
At Census 2016, Australia’s Buddhist population is 2.4% (2011: 3.1% and 2006: 2.1%)
Generally, according to 2016 Census, Victoria is home to one of the most culturally diverse societies in the world. Of Victoria’s total population of 5.93 million:
Specifically, Buddhists were counted as 3.1% total population at 181,938 (2011: 4.6% and 2006: 3.9%) - causing official ranking of fifth largest religion. Buddhist representation varies widely depending on local government area, with much higher representation in Greater Melbourne 3.8% than Regional Victoria 1%.
(Compiled extract from (a) State of Victoria, Multicultural Affairs and Social Cohesion Division’s Victoria’s diverse population: 2016 Census; (b) .id and (c) Victorian Multicultural Commission’s Population Diversity in Local Councils in Victoria: 2006 Census).
At Census 2016, Australia’s Buddhist population is 2.4% (2011: 3.1% and 2006: 2.1%)
Generally, according to 2016 Census, Victoria is home to one of the most culturally diverse societies in the world. Of Victoria’s total population of 5.93 million:
- 28% (1,680,271) were born overseas in over 200 countries (2011: 26% and 2006: 23.8%);
- 49% (2,910,631) were born overseas or born in Australia with at least one parent born overseas (2011: 47% and 2006: 44%);
- 26% (1,538,839) spoke languages other than English at home (2011: 23.1% and 2006: 20%); and
- 59% (3,493,950) followed more than 130 different faiths (2011: 67.7% and 2006: 68.7%).
Specifically, Buddhists were counted as 3.1% total population at 181,938 (2011: 4.6% and 2006: 3.9%) - causing official ranking of fifth largest religion. Buddhist representation varies widely depending on local government area, with much higher representation in Greater Melbourne 3.8% than Regional Victoria 1%.
(Compiled extract from (a) State of Victoria, Multicultural Affairs and Social Cohesion Division’s Victoria’s diverse population: 2016 Census; (b) .id and (c) Victorian Multicultural Commission’s Population Diversity in Local Councils in Victoria: 2006 Census).
Table of bDIVERSITY Downloadable Key Documents
Statement of Buddhist Diversity |
Statement of Inclusion LGBTIQA+ |
Endorsement of Uluru Statement |
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