About Buddhism
Buddhist teachings
Upon reaching enlightenment, the Buddha realised that life is experienced as suffering (duhkha). This suffering comes about because of our attachments. Attachment causes suffering because everything, including oneself, is impermanent (anitya). One’s attachment can never be satisfied because there is nothing permanent to satisfy it. All sentient beings are trapped in the cycle of suffering (samsara) through rebirth after death. Our actions in our previous lives determine the form we take in the next one (karma). In order to liberate ourselves from this cycle, we must achieve enlightenment (nirvana).
The Buddha’s teachings offer a path to transcending human suffering, and reaching enlightenment.
The path to enlightenment
The Buddha’s teachings are rich, and have been subject to centuries of study and analysis. However, a set of basic principles can offer guidance to help Buddhists make the right choices in their religious lives.
The reduction of these Buddhist morals into a series of numbered lessons made them easier to remember and recite during a time when a largely oral culture existed. This device proved vital to the spread of Buddhism in India and on the Silk Roads. Whilst there are many more teachings that elaborate on these, the most important core principles are ‘The Four Nobel Truths’ and ‘The Eightfold Path’.
The Four Nobel Truths
At the heart of the Buddha’s teachings are The Four Noble Truths. These were taught in his first sermon, and it is believed that the Buddha became awakened when he realised these four truths. Their origins lie in inherited Indian religious beliefs in rebirth, karma and liberation.
- All life is suffering. Everything, including life and pleasure, is impermanent.
- The origin of suffering is desire. We attach ourselves to impermanent things, and consequently exist in a cycle of suffering (Samsara).
- In order to end suffering we must achieve enlightenment (Nirvana). To achieve an end to suffering we must end desire.
- An eightfold path, defined by the Buddha, leads to enlightenment. This is a middle path, avoiding the extremes of deprivation and indulgence.
The Eightfold Path
The Eightfold Path offers the way to Nirvana. It outlines eight guiding principles for the ethical behaviour, mental discipline and wisdom expected of the Buddhist follower.
- The right view: this relates to the right way of viewing the world, as outlined in the Four Noble Truths.
- The right thought, or the right intention, to lead a good life.
- The right speech: to be truthful, avoid harsh language, gossip or boasting.
- The right action or conduct: to avoid unethical behaviour and to encourage wholesome conduct by following the five precepts.
- The right livelihood: choosing an occupation that does not profit from the suffering of others.
- The right effort, or the right frame of mind to overcome evil or unwholesome things.
- The right mindfulness: being aware of oneself and one’s emotions.
- The right concentration: concentration of mind achieved through meditation.
