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Buddhism
Basic Beliefs
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Like Hindus, Buddhists believe
in reincarnation, or the
rebirth of the soul.
They also believe in karma—
the idea that the soul carries
the effects of past deeds (good
or bad).
They do believe in something
called dharma, but do not
embrace the notion of the
caste system. They believe
people to be equal and able to
achieve enlightenment—a
concept they call nirvana.
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Teachings of the Buddha
Buddhist teachings are found in
the holy book, the Tripitaka,
(three baskets of wisdom) or the
Sutras. In these books the
Buddha issued The Four Noble
Truths:
1. Dukkha-All life is
suffering.
2. Samudaya-There is a cause
for suffering.
3. Nirodha-There is an end to
suffering.
4. Magga-In order to end
suffering, you must follow
the eightfold path.
Siddartha Gautama—The Buddha
Siddhartha Gautama was born in 563 BCE,
a prince in the warrior (Kshatriyas) caste.
His father ruled a kingdom in Nepal, and
he grew up in a life of wealth and
privilege.
At the age of 29, Siddartha ventured
outside the palace and discovered human
suffering. He became upset and wondered
about the point of life. He left his life in
the palace to live the life of a religious
ascetic (one who renounces all worldly
things and lives a meager existence).
One day, as Gautama sat under a Bodhi
tree meditating, he achieved
enlightenment. The enlightenment he
received has become the principal
teachings of Buddhism.
Gautama was given the name ‘Buddha’ or
‘enlightened one’.
The Three Trainings or Practices
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The Buddha also taught the Eightfold
path, which is divided into three
mindful practices.
1. Virtue (good conduct, morality)
2. Concentration (meditation,
mental development) Developing
one’s mind is the path to wisdom.
3. Wisdom (discernment,
enlightenment) Wisdom will
emerge if your mind is clear and
pure.