Buddhism:
Religion is central to the spiritial development and happiness of people and society. From the dawn of civilization, many different religions have been established to explain extroadinary phenomenas and miracles, to help mankind cope with changes, life and death, to comfort during a time of uncertainty, to maintain morality and order within society, etc. Some have flourished for centuries while others have dissipated over time. Buddhism was founded by Buddha, over 2500 years ago. Buddhism is a religion, a philosphy, a way of life all interwined as in one. Apart of other religions, it believes in huminity and teaches the Dharma (The Universal Truth) while fostering tolerance, love, compassion, and kindess not just towards mankind but to all livings beings.
Buddhism comes from the word 'budhi' which means 'to wake up'. It takes root in India, from the experiences of the man Siddhata Gotama who was born into a royal family as a Prince. As the only prince, he was destined to be King, however he abandoned his stature, kingdom, and materialistic wealth and luxury to seek the means to end all suffering. After having practiced under different sages and having engaged in different practices including extreme ascetism, he discovered that extreme practices are not necessary and that enlightment can be attained through meditation and mind training. He was awakened or enlightened at the age of 36 where he was able to understand, control, and develop his mind to perfection. Having attained enlightment, he and his distinguished deciples travelled from place to place for 45 years preaching his doctrines on life and serving humanity by example. Apart from other religions, Buddhism believes in humanity and teaches the Dharma (The Universal Truth) while fostering tolerance, love, compassion, and kindness not just towards mankind but to all livings beings. It is a religion, a philosphy, a way of life all interwined in one. Buddhism has been primarily an Asian philosophy with over 300 million followers but has been adopted and accepted by adherents in Europe and America.
Buddha's Main Teachings:
All of Buddha's teachings centers on the Four Noble Truths. They are noble, enabling one to easily understand them. They are the 'Truths' pertaining to the realities of life.
The Four Noble Truths:
1. Life is suffering. To live is to suffer.
2. All suffering is caused by desire and craving.
3. Suffering can be overcome and happiness obtained through spiritual and mental development.
4. The path leading to the end of suffering is the Noble Eightfold Path, where the state of Nirvana is obtained.
The Eight Noble Path - The Middle Way:
The Noble Eightfold Path consists of Perfect Understanding, Perfect Thought, Perfect Speech, Perfect Action, Perfect Livelihood, Perfect Effort, Perfect Mindfulness and Perfect Concentration. These steps involve all aspects of life: intellectual, ethical, social, economic, psychological, physical, etc. and contains everything a person needs to lead a good life and develop spiritually.
The Five Precepts:
The five precepts are the basis of morality. Layman often observe them.
1. Avoid Killing
2. Avoid Stealing
3. Avoid Sexial Misconduct
4. Avoid Lying
5. Avoid Alcohol and other Intoxicating Drugs
The Eight Precepts:
On certain day of the months, it is customary among devotees to reside at the temple and take the Eight Precepts. The purpose is to develop relaxation and tranquility, to train the mind, and develop oneself spiritually. Once they leave, the take the five precepts. These are:
1. Abstain from Killing
2. Abstain from Stealing
3. Abstain from Sexual Acts
4. Abstain from Lying
5. Abstain from Liquor
6 Taking food after break of noon
7. Dancing, singing, and pefumes, etc...and use of things to beautify or adorn oneself
8. Using high and luxurious seats
The Ten Precepts:
The 10 precents are observed by Buddhist Monks. When ordained, novice monks go through a ritual, taking refuge in the Tripple Gem (Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha) after which they take the ten precepts.
1. I undertake to abstain from harming or taking life.
2. I undertake to abstain from taking what is not given.
3. I undertake to abstain from any sexual contact.
4. I undertake to abstain from false speech.
5. I undertake to abstain from the use of intoxicants.
6. I undertake to abstain from taking food after midday.
7. I undertake to abstain from dancing, singing, music or any kind of entertainment.
8. I undertake to abstain from the use of garlands, perfumes, unguents and adornments.
9. I undertake to abstain from using luxurious seats.
10. I undertake to abstain from accepting and holding money.
Buddhism and the Lay Person:
Buddhist monks are bound by rules and regulations and can be active in their own fields without trespassing their limits, while the lay followers can serve their religion, country and the word in their own way, guided by their Buddhist principles.
Sources:
1. http://www.buddhanet.net
2. Ven. S. Dhammika, "Good Questions and Good Answers"
3. K. Sri Dhammananda, "What Buddhists Believe"
4. Narada, "The Buddha and His Teachings"