Buddhism

Buddhism (仏教) is a non-theistic religion originating from India and based on the teachings of, commonly known as the Buddha.

In Toaru Majutsu no Index, Buddhism is mostly used as a base for certain forms of Magic.

Principles
At its most basic level, Buddhism teaches that every sentient being has the potential to achieve, a state of permanent peace, liberation, and "consciousness without feature, without end" beyond suffering and desire. If not in this life, then another. This is the core of Buddhism, and built around it are key concepts forming much of the basis of Buddhism.

The Four Noble Truths
After achieved enlightenment, it is said that he taught the Four Noble Truths in his first sermon. They are, summarized:
 * That life is suffering.
 * That suffering has an origin and this is attachment or desire.
 * That there is a way to end suffering.
 * That this way is through the.

The Four Dharma Seals
Buddhists believe that all phenomena in the physical world are characterized by the Four Seals or Axioms. They are, summarized again:
 * All things are impermanent. (both in a state of change and not eternal)
 * That physical existence is suffering and dissatisfaction.
 * That all things have no true self. (i.e. a soul)
 * Nirvana is peace and liberation.

The Six Paths
Another notable concept in Buddhism is that of the Six Paths (六道). The concept is that all forms of life are continually being reborn through six "lower" realms (in order from highest to lowest):
 * 1) The Deva/God realm
 * 2) The Asura/Jealous God realm
 * 3) The Human realm
 * 4) The Animal realm
 * 5) The Preta/Hungry Ghost realm
 * 6) The Hell realm/Naraka.

All forms of life walk one of these six paths, named after the type of life-form walking down them, and on death, are reborn to walk down one of the paths again, the path depending on their karma. This applies to everyone, regardless of their status and achievements in their current life; even great priests and holy men might find themselves walking the path of an animal or preta in their next life.

The only way to escape from this cycle of reincarnation and travel to the Pure Land (浄土) is to achieve enlightenment and perfect Buddhahood. With a few exceptions, this usually cannot be achieved within a single lifetime and must be strived towards gradually throughout multiple lives, slowly training and polishing one's soul, eventually liberating oneself from worldly desires.

According to the High Priest, there is no path for Magic Gods and as they didn't rise to their position through normal means, the gates of the Pure Land will not open for them.

History
Several varieties of Buddhism have formed as it has spread and been changed by other traditions. An example would be the Japanese variety, which changed during its passage through China and Korea from its origin in India, and was affected by Shinto.

Toaru Majutsu no Index
Several characters appearing in Toaru Majutsu no Index, including Kanzaki Kaori and the rest of the Amakusa-Style Remix of Church, make use of aspects of Buddhism in their magic.

Magic God Invasion Arc
The High Priest, a Magic God of the true Gremlin and the Japanese variety of Buddhism, born from self-mummification, makes use of several forms of Buddhist magic during his destructive pursuit of Kamijou Touma through Academy City.

New Year's Arc
During Touma's visit to School District 12 on January 1st, it was noted that there were Buddhism-related constructions among the religious facilities there, merely reproductions from a scientific perspective without anything relating to magic.

Users of Buddhist-related Magic

 * Amakusa-Style Remix of Church
 * High Priest (Japanese variant)
 * Umezaki Yuuga (Vajrayana-style)
 * Yamisaka Ouma