Buddhism started out as a educational system and not a religion.
Now Buddhism has a lot of different branches and many idols have been implanted into it. the Buddha said not to pray to him because he was not a god.
In Buddhism today people think buddha is like a god and they pray to him and bow down to him.
Also, Buddhists are not supposed to eat meat because they believe the animal might be a temporary home of a human spirit. But now, buddhists do eat meat or fish and other animals.

Buddhism has changed over time. Originally, it was a much more private religion with many secrets. However, the Dalai Lama made a decision to open Buddhism up to the world out of a desire to share the experiences and goals to those who he believed needed it.

1. Right Views - to keep ourselves free from prejudice, superstition and delusion and to see aright the true nature of life.
2. Right Thoughts - to turn away from the evils of this world and to direct our minds towards righteousness.
3. Right Speech - to refrain from pointless and harmful talk to speak kindly and courteously to all.
4. Right Conduct - to see that our deeds are peaceful, benevolent, compassionate and pure; to live the Teaching of the Buddha daily.
5. Right Livelihood - to earn our living in such a way as to entail no evil consequences.
6. Right Effort - to direct our efforts incessantly to the overcoming of ignorance and selfish desires.
7. Right Mindfulness - to cherish good and pure thoughts for all that we say and do arise from our thoughts.
8. Right Meditation - to concentrate our will on the Buddha, His Life and His Teaching.

In Australia, Buddhism is a fast growing religion. According to the 2006 census, 2.1 percent of the total population of Australia are buddhist. Buddhism & Australia’s goal is to develop Buddhism in Australia, by organising events that will involve specialists from around the globe. Buddhism as a culture and religion is far more advanced in Asia than in Australia. Buddhist traditions, monasteries, temples