Download What is Buddhism? Who was the Buddha? So what is enlightenment

What is Buddhism?
Many say that Buddhism is a philosophy rather than a religion. One of the reasons for this is that worship is not
directed towards a God or a creator. Buddhists are more concerned with the road to enlightenment - a state of
knowing and awareness. Buddhism is a hands-on discipline. It says to come and see for yourself.
The Buddha once said, “Monks don’t accept what I say just out of respect for me. Just as gold is tested in the
fire, test my words in the fire of spiritual experience.”
Buddhism grew from the story of a man who lived 2,500 years ago and, through his learning and teachings, left
a legacy to the world. Some Buddhists believe that the Buddha was the first person ever to attain
enlightenment. He was a hero and an explorer. He had no map to follow, no textbook to refer to, no compass
to confirm that he was going in the right direction. The Buddha was a spiritual pioneer, and that is why he is so
revered.
Who was the Buddha?
The Buddha began life in the 6th century BC as Siddhartha Gautama, the son of a tribal leader, in an area that
is now probably Nepal by India. Siddhartha had a prince-like standing in his tribe. From this privileged position,
he began to wonder about the meaning of life and death and of growing old.
It is said that one day he met a sadhu, (literally, ‘good person’), who had given up all material possessions to
go forth in search of truth. This must have been a major factor in inspiring Siddharta, at 29, to leave behind his
comfortable life - and his wife and child - in order to find the truth.
He went in search of teachers, illuminated ones who could give him the knowledge he sought. He would
absorb their teachings and then move on, valuing what he had learned but always feeling that there was
something more, something that he was missing. For years he practiced a program of austerities, which in
many ways amount to self-torture, during which he became weaker and weaker through long periods of
fasting. He began to accumulate disciples (followers). Eventually he realized that his fasting was not bringing
him any closer to the truth, and he began to eat again.
Six years after leaving his home and family, he came to a place now known as Buddha Gaya, and stopped
under a tree by a river. He started to relax his whole being, and stopped pushing so hard for the truth. Through
meditation, he plunged deeper and deeper into his super consciousness. No one knows how long he stayed
there, but it was during this time that he attained the state of enlightenment, or nirvana - that Siddhartha
Gautama became the Buddha.
It is said that during this period of illumination he saw all his previous lives, their consequences, and how,
through many lifetimes, he was brought to this place. His path of improvement had now ended, for he had
attained the ultimate, he had ascended to the realm of the Buddhas.
So what is enlightenment like?
Enlightenment cannot be expressed in words. Illumination, all-knowing, peace, calm, clarity, wisdom, profound
love, and bliss, are words that merely hint at the wonders and absolute fulfillment that enlightenment
represents.
Those who follow the Buddha’s teachings experience glimpses of enlightenment through their spiritual
practice. Some would explain trying to describe enlightenment to a troubled soul as trying to explain the
wonders of a rolling landscape, blue skies and the wind and sun to a child who has lived all his life in a cave.
Whatever words you use to describe the scenery, nothing can come close to experiencing it yourself.
Summary and Teachings
Buddhism is a tolerant teaching that takes the individual as the centre of the teachings. Many Buddhist texts
are concerned with individuals improving themselves. Buddhists believe that we return to this planet in many
forms to help us on our path, and that over many lifetimes, and through right living and actions, we can all
reach enlightenment. Here are the main teachings of Buddhism:
THE MIDDLE WAY. (or Middle Path). In all matters, find the middle way between your extremes that is right for
you. .The middle way is usually found by experiencing extremes, not by staying to the middle and avoiding
them.
AN EMPIRICAL ATTITUDE. Buddha said, "Believe nothing until you have tried it out for yourself and found it
to be true. Don't accept something just because I tell you to.
LETTING GO. Liberation (freedom) comes in part through giving up our grasping and attachments and letting
go. This includes unhelpful old ideas and beliefs as well as attachments in the material world.
THE FOUR NOBLE TRUTHS
1.
2.
3.
4.
Suffering exists. It is part of the very structure of existence
Suffering has a cause.
There is a way to end (or at least greatly reduce) suffering.
A way to end (reduce) suffering is by following the eightfold path.
THE EIGHTFOLD PATH
1. Right Understanding Especially knowledge of the Four Noble Truths
2. Right Motivation (resolve). The determination to remove animosity, malice, and hatred from our
consciousness, and also the determination to renounce worldly pleasures.
3. Right Speech. Telling the truth and avoiding lies, harsh language, frivolous gossip, and any remarks which
may cause others unnecessary hardship or pain.
4. Right Action. Acting in ways that honor rather than destroy life, and no stealing or immorality or action
which would harm others or yourself. Let your acts create good karma.
5. Right Livelihood. Finding an occupation which suits your own nature, which contributes to the world in
some positive way, and which does not cause damage, difficulty, or hardship to others.
6. Right Effort. Directing your efforts toward faithfully following the Eightfold Path
7. Right Mindfulness. (Sometimes translated "awareness.") Letting go of thoughts of "I must have this," or "I
must have that." Developing moment-by-moment awareness of what we are in fact doing in our lives and the
world, and sensitivity to the effects of this. Learning to perceive the world and others clearly, without judgment
or envy.
8. Right Concentration. Practicing meditative states which lead us in the direction of self-mastery and evenmindedness.