Buddhism, more than a religion, is a philosophy and an actual way of life, embracing several beliefs, ritual practices and traditions.... Buddhism, as a philosophy, bases itself on the foundation of the Three Jewels, that is, the Buddha, the Dharma (the teachings) and the Sangha (the Community).... At the age of 35, Gautama sat in meditation under a Bodhi...tree...and decided he would not rise before he achieved enlightenment. Many days later, he arose from the cycle of suffering and emerged as a completely enlightened Master.... Though Buddhism has been flexible enough and adopted itself to the culture of each land it has entered, it still manages to retain its original flavour and fervour, to emerge as an actual, practical, way of life...