Since the conception of Buddhism in 5th c. B.C.E, the teachings and ideas presented by its founder, Siddhartha Gautama, have grown in area as well as interpretation. Buddhism has spread far beyond its country of origin, India, and although basic beliefs and doctrines are common to Buddhism as a whole, the original philosophy of the Buddha has expanded to include some varying, and at times opposing, thoughts on the Buddha’s teachings. Today, …showed first 75 words of 1192 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1192 total…aspects it assumes when experienced in a state of ignorance.” (Asian Philosophy, Nov. 1997 v7 n3 p181) If the world is empty, and self is empty, then although the Bodhisattva must suffer for the world, through his wisdom he understands the emptiness of the world, the people, and thus the suffering. The Bodhisattva can then be seen as a guide of sorts for others to also percieve the world as empty, and attain full Buddha hood.