Buddhism is a religion to about 300 million people around the world. The word comes from 'budhi', 'to awaken'. It was originated about 2,500 years ago from Siddhartha Gotama, known as the Buddha, which means "awakened or enlightened one".To many, Buddhism goes beyond religion and is more of a philosophy or 'way of life'. It is a philosophy because philosophy 'means love of wisdom'. The Buddhist path can be summed up as: to lead a moral life, to be mindful and aware of thoughts and actions, and to develop wisdom and understanding.
Buddhism is becoming popular in western countries because it has answers to many of the problems in modern materialistic societies. It also includes a deep understanding of the human mind which prominent psychologists around the world are now discovering to be both very advanced and effective.
There are many different types of Buddhism, because the emphasis changes from country to country due to customs and culture. What does not vary is the essence of the teaching — the Dhamma or truth. While the texts and teachings of Buddhism are voluminous and profound, a few basic principles are listed here:
The Four Noble Truths
1) Life is Suffering
Life includes pain, getting old, disease, and ultimately death. We also endure psychological suffering like loneliness frustration, fear, embarrassment, disappointment and anger. This is an irrefutable fact that cannot be denied. It is realistic rather than pessimistic because pessimism is expecting things to be bad. instead, Buddhism explains how suffering can be avoided and how we can be truly happy.
2) Suffering is Caused by Craving
We will suffer if we expect other people to conform to our expectation, if we want others to like us, if we do not get something we want,etc. In other words, getting what you want does not guarantee happiness. Rather than constantly struggling to get what you want, try to modify your wanting. Wanting deprives us of contentment and happiness.
3) Suffering Can End When Craving Ends
The third truth is that suffering can be overcome and happiness can be attained; that true happiness and contentment are possible. if we give up useless craving and learn to live each day at a time (not dwelling in the past or the imagined future) then we can become happy and free. We then have more time and energy to help others. This is Nirvana.
4) The Eightfold Path is the Path to Happiness
Reaching this liberated state is achieved by following the path laid out by the Buddha.
The Eightfold Path
The Eightfold Path is being moral through what we say, do, and our livelihood, focusing the mind on being fully aware of our thoughts and actions, and developing wisdom and compassion for others. It's eight parts are divided into three groups:
Wisdom
that purifies the mind and reveals the true nature of things
1) Right View
Or right perspective, vision, or understanding. It is the right way of looking at life, nature and the world as they really are. It is to understand how reality works. Right view begins with concepts and propositional knowledge but through the practice of right concentration it gradually becomes transmuted into wisdom which can eradicate the fetters of the mind, inspiring the person to lead a virtuous life.
2) Right Intention
Or right thought, resolve, conception, or aspiration. The practitioner should constantly aspire to rid themselves of whatever qualities they know to be wrong and immoral.
Ethical Conduct
that rejects unwholesome deeds
3) Right Speech
Making best use of our words. Abstaining from lying, from divisive speech, from abusive speech, and from idle chatter.
4 Right Action
Or right conduct. Being morally upright in ones activities, not acting in ways that would be corrupt or bring harm to oneself or to others. Abstaining from taking life, from stealing, and from sexual misconduct.
5) Right Livelihood
Not engaging in trades or occupations which are dishonest or, directly or indirectly, result in harm to other living beings.
Mental discipline
and concentration which brings mastery of one's own mind
6) Right Effort
Or right endeavor. Abandoning all the wrong and harmful thoughts, words, and deeds. Instead, giving rise to what would be good and useful to themselves and others in their thoughts, words, and deeds, without a thought for the difficulty or weariness involved.
7) Right Mindfulness
Or right memory, awareness, or attention. Keeping our minds alert to what affects the body and mind. Being mindful and deliberate, making sure not to act or speak due to inattention or forgetfulness.
8) Right Concentration
Developing the ability to maintain mental focus and clarity, stilling the mind and ridding it of hindrances and defilement. This is achieved through a variety of meditative techniques.
The Three Jewels of Buddhism are: Buddha (the teacher), Dharma (the teachings), and Sangha (the community). Taking refuge in these is the foundation and beginning of Buddhist practice. There are many other helpful teachings and practices in Buddhism, such as The Middle Way, teachings on impermanence and dependent origination, emptiness, Karma & rebirth, liberation, meditation, and many other sutras (scriptures/lessons). But the ultimate aim to all of these is to address suffering in our lives through greater enlightenment. If you have questions about Buddhism, please feel free to visit us at the temple or contact us!Many thanks to Buddhanet.net and Wikipedia, from which much of this wording was used.
