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Buddhism is a religion and philosophy based on the teachings of the Buddha, Siddhārtha
Gautama, who lived around 500 BC. Originating in India, Buddhism gradually spread throughout Asia.
Buddhism teaches followers to perform good deeds, avoid harmful actions, and purify the mind. The
ultimate goal of practicing Buddhism’s teachings is to awaken the believer, realize one’s true existence,
and achieve Nirvana, or enlightenment.
Buddhist morality is underpinned by the principles of harmlessness, moderation, discipline,
concentration, and wisdom. While Buddhism does not deny the existence of supernatural beings, it does
not have a belief in a God (for example a creator, person of salvation, or being of final judgement).
What is a Buddha? Buddha is a word in ancient Indian languages which means "one who has been
awakened." The word Buddha denotes not just a single religious teacher, as in the Buddha Siddhārtha
Gautama, but a type of person, of which there have been many throughout time. A Buddha is anyone
who has fully realized one’s true existence and who is liberated from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.
Principles of Buddhism. In a beiever’s search for enlightenment, taking refuge is symbolic of
enlightenment because it shows a person’s confidence that enlightenment is the ultimate refuge. Many
Buddhists take refuges each day in order to concentrate on the goals of Buddhism. It is extremely
important to note that in Buddhism, the word "refuge" should not be taken in the English sense of
"hiding" or "escape"; instead it should be thought of as a homecoming, or place of healing, much as a
parent's home might be a refuge for someone.
In order for a believer to achieve the refuge of enlightenment, Buddhism teaches that one must follow the
Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, and the Five Precepts (help to follow the Eightfold Path).
Four Noble Truths
1. All worldly life contains suffering.
2. The cause of suffering is desire.
3. There is an end of suffering, enlightenment.
4. Following the Eightfold Path can lead to the
end of suffering
Other principles include the
practice of meditation, the
belief that anyone can free
themselves from suffering, the
belief in the law of karma
(actions create consequences),
and the belief in reincarnation
(cycle of rebirth).
Eightfold Path
Right Understanding, Right Concentration
Right Thought, Right Speech
Right Action, Right Livelihood
Right Effort, Right Mindfulness
Five Precepts
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
I will refrain from killing living creatures.
I will refrain from stealing from others.
I will refrain from sexual misconduct.
I will refrain from lying, harsh language, slander, or idle chit-chat.
I will refrain from intoxicants which lead to loss of mindfulness.
Vegetarianism.
The first precept in Buddhism
prohibits killing. Many see this
as implying that Buddhists
should not eat the meat of
animals. However, this is not
necessarily the case. The
Buddha made distinction
between killing an animal and
consumption of meat, stressing
that it is immoral conduct that
makes one impure, not the
food one eats.