Buddhist Baby Names
Maintaining inner tranquility and balance, admiring the human struggle, and persevering throughout it all are life lessons applicable to everyone. Though these principles may come from different parts of the world, Buddhism is the religion and philosophy that has molded history with them. Giving baby a Buddhist baby girl, boy, or gender-neutral name could help baby feel aligned from day one.
Explore Buddhist Baby Girl and Boy Names
How many Buddhists are there?
Buddhism, having been practiced by millions for thousands of years, is one of the world’s most significant religions. Having approximately 506 million followers worldwide, Buddhists make up about 6% of the world population. Buddhism predates more western beliefs, like Christianity and Catholocism, by about 500 years, and its scriptures were written in a language even older! Sanskrit, still spoken by around two million people today, dates all the way back to 2000 BCE—about a thousand years before the culmination of Buddhism.
Where is Buddhism practiced?
Though a relatively small percentage of people consider themselves Buddhists, it has a wide reach among Asian cultures. It is a dominant religion in about seven countries. With approximately 97% of the population in Cambodia, 93% of Thailand, 80% of Mayanmar, 75% of Bhutan, 69% of Sri Lanka, 64% of Laos, and 55% of Mongolia, it’s safe to say Buddhism is a multicultural religion. This list is, of course, not inclusive of every country practicing Buddhism, but it is where there is a population majority. Other countries like Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, China, Vietnam, and Nepal also practice the Buddha Dharma.
What do Buddhists believe in?
Buddhism is founded upon basic moral principles, known as the Buddha Dharma. The word dharma can be found in Hindu and Jain teachings, too. It can be defined as “natural law” and refers to the upholding of the harmony and natural balance of the universe. Dharma can look different depending on which branch of Buddhism a person practices. But generally, the Buddha Dharma is about living in harmony with the world and the natural order to reach enlightenment through the teachings of the Buddha.