BASIS OF BUDDHIST BELIEFS

Buddhism possesses many special characteristics and teaches insight into everyday reality. It contains knowledge about all living beings. It teaches the fact that our life is
determined by our own deeds and not by a superior being. It teaches about “Noble Truths” and the correct way to live our life such that we can benefit not only our self but our fellow beings as well.

Buddhism follows the belief that people die and are reborn into another life. These lives are subject to Dhukka (from the Pali, can be translated as “suffering”, “pain” or “unsatisfactoriness”). The cycle of birth, death and subsequent rebirths is known as Samsara.

Deeds from previous lives can affect subsequent lives, so good deeds indicate rebirth into a better life, e.g. someone who is charitable and generous in this life, may be wealthy in the next life. This is the concept of Kamma (Sanskrit: Karma). The idea is that eventually we live better and better lives, while acquiring wisdom through study and practice until we reach a state called Nibbana (Sanskrit: Nirvana), where we break the cycle of birth, death and rebirth to live in a permanent state of bliss.

Head_of_a_Buddha_image “All I teach is suffering and
the end of suffering.”


THE FOUR NOBLE TRUTHS

A short time after his enlightenment, The Buddha conducted his first sermon where he laid out the foundation of all of his teachings: The Four Noble Truths.

  1. The truth that life is subject to suffering (Dukkha)
  2. The truth of the origin of suffering (Samudāya)
  3. The truth of the cessation of suffering (Nirodha)
  4. The truth of the path that leads to the cessation of suffering (Magga)

THE EIGHT FOLD PATH

The fourth truth talks about a path the leads to the end of suffering, this is The Eight Fold Path:

  1. Right View
  2. Right Intention
  3. Right Speech
  4. Right Action
  5. Right Livelihood
  6. Right Effort
  7. Right Mindfulness
  8. Right Concentration

 

The Buddha’s teachings are extensive and varied, and collectively are known as The Dhamma.

If you want to learn more, why not come to one of our meditation evenings, which include a Dhamma talk from a monk, or contact us to arrange a one on one session.