ü Buddhism Beliefs
The following are some essential Buddhist tenets:
· Buddhists reject the existence of a supreme entity or god. Instead, they concentrate on obtaining enlightenment, a condition of inner tranquilly and knowledge. It is stated that followers have attained nirvana when they achieve this spiritual level.
· Though not a deity, the founder of the faith, Buddha, is regarded as an amazing being. Buddha means "enlightened" in Sanskrit.
· Morality, meditation, and knowledge are used to achieve enlightenment. Buddhists frequently meditate because they think it promotes the awakening of truth.
· Buddhism is a tolerant and dynamic religion with a wide range of ideologies and interpretations.
· According to some academics, Buddhism is more of a "way of life" or "spiritual tradition" than an official religion.
· Buddhism exhorts followers to shun both self-indulgence and self-denial.
· The Four Noble Truths, considered to be the most significant of Buddha's teachings, are crucial to comprehending Buddhism.
· Buddhism accepts the ideas of reincarnation and karma (the law of cause and consequence) (the continuous cycle of rebirth).
· Buddhists can practise their religion in their homes or at temples.
· Bhikkhus, or Buddhist monks, adhere to a stringent rule of behaviour that includes celibacy.
· While there isn't a single picture that represents Buddhist teachings, several have developed over time, including the lotus flower, the eight-spoked dharma wheel, the Bodhi tree, and the swastika (an ancient symbol whose name means "well-being" or "good fortune" in Sanskrit).
ü Buddhist Holy Book
Buddhists honour several holy books and scriptures. Among the most significant are:
Tipitaka:
The "three baskets" of texts are considered to represent the oldest group of Buddhist works.
Sutras:
The holy teachings are known as sutras, which number over 2,000, and are primarily practised by Mahayana Buddhists.
Book of the Dead:
The stages of dying are thoroughly explained in this Tibetan scripture.
What did Buddha teach?
Buddha found the Three Universal Truths and the Four Noble Truths, and he then spent the next 45 years teaching them to the populace.
Ø Three Fundamental Truths
1. Everything in life is transient and undergoing constant change.
2. A life built on owning things or people won't make you happy since nothing is permanent.
3. The concept of "self" is only a collection of shifting qualities or attributes; there is no eternal, unchanging soul.
Ø Four Noble Truths
1. There is a lot of sorrow in human existence.
2. Greed is the root of sorrow.
3. Suffering has a conclusion.
4. Adopting the Middle Path is the best method to put an end to suffering.
Buddha then instructed people to stop considering him to be a deity. He advised them to be accountable for their own choices and behaviours. He advocated the Middle Way as the path to enlightenment. The Middle Way means avoiding living a life of excess and pleasure but also avoiding an existence marked by excessive fasting and hardship. The Middle route has eight guiding principles.
Ø The Eightfold Path
1. Correct comprehension and perspective (based on the Four Noble Truths).
2. Positivity and proper values (compassion rather than selfishness).
3. Use proper language (avoid lying, being rude or aggressive, and gossiping).
4. Doing the right thing (helping others, living honestly, not endangering the lives of others, and protecting the environment).
5. Quality Work (do something useful, avoid jobs which harm others).
6. Reliable effort (encourage good, helpful thoughts, discourage unwholesome destructive thoughts).
7. Mindful behaviour (be aware of what you feel, think and do).
8. The ideal meditation (calm mind, practise meditation which leads to nirvana).
Ø The Fifth Precept
Despite the fact that each variation of Buddhism has its own character, all Buddhists adhere to a set of rules for conduct known as the Five Precepts. Which are:
1. Avoid killing or harming living beings.
2. Only take things that are freely offered.
3. Live a moral life.
4. Avoid being rude or telling falsehoods.
5. Avoid abusing drugs or alcohol.
