Beliefs

Buddhism

Current

Origin

 

Buddhism is a very deep and sophisticated religion, and like any religion, cannot be completely explained by words. In my study of Buddhism I have gotten some idea of the values and principles of this amazing religion. Buddhism focuses teaching peace, tolerance, and honesty.

It’s hard to say where one should begin when speaking about any religion. Buddhism, more than many other religions I have studied, is many sided and difficult to explain. I will start with the major laws of the religion, originating from The Buddha (the founder of Buddhism). These laws set out a foundation for this whole religion.

 

 

 

The Universal Truths:
    Nothing is Lost in the Universe
    Everything is Changing
    The Law of Cause and Effect

These 3 laws lay down the basic Buddhist doctrine and vaguely explain the nature of the universe. The first law states that everything can become anything else, we are the plants we eat, and when we die we will become the earth, and then the plants once again. Following this there is also the idea of a cycle of the universe. The second law says that everything changes; this law is pretty self-explanatory. Nothing is constant, when one thing ends, something new will begin. The third law states that everything that happens has a reason. This law is controlled by the idea of Karma. Good actions will be returned upon the doer as good things, and bad actions will be returned upon the doer as bad things.

The Nobel Truths
    Life is Suffering
    We Cause our Own Suffering
    Suffering Can End
    The Path to the End of Suffering

These laws describe the basis of the Buddhist idea of salvation and nature of human life. Buddhism dictates that all life is full of suffering; even the pleasures of life will never last, eventually they become pain. Once one has learned this, they can go on to learn that this suffering is caused by our own actions. Then one learns that they can stop their own suffering, cutting it off at its source, which is inside of them. From there one can find the source of their suffering and end it. Once one has done this, they have, reached nirvana, a state of bliss and heaven. This is the highest achievement in Buddhism.

Another very important concept in Buddhism is the Eightfold Path. It states that one should be as pure as possible in mind, action, and body. One is what they think, so one should have pure and good thoughts. One should also attempt to view the whole world in a similar way, with compassion and acceptance. In ones actions they should also be pure, one should never harm others, in speech or action. This includes having pure motivation and effort behind one’s actions. Finally one should also be pure in body. For example eating healthily and not taking drugs.

From these laws and the eightfold path there come the five precepts, which are overarching rules in Buddhism. No killing, No stealing, No sexual misconduct, No lying, and No Intoxicants.

By Buddhist teachings if one can learns, follows, and truly understands these laws, they will then reach nirvana, a state of eternal bliss.