Buddhism was brought into existence by Prince Siddhartha (christened Gautama Buddha after enlightenment) in India around 2500 years ago. Some of the greatest people in history were Buddhists including His Holy Highness Dalai Lama, Emperor Ashoka and Priyadarshini, his daughter. Today, it is one of the prevalent religions in the Far-East including regions like Tibet, China, Nepal and includes a huge disciple-following in the West. Unlike other religions of humanity, practicing Buddhism is easy and straightforward. You are not required to officially convert into Buddhism. Almost anyone can turn Buddhist by acknowledging some essential Buddhism facts that are elaborated below.
Two sects – Theraveda Buddhism and Mahayana Buddhism
The Theraveda sect concentrates on meditation and yoga to attain spiritual ‘nirvana’ and is atheist in nature, whereas the Mahayana sect revolves around prayers, rituals and deities like Zen, Pure Land, etc. to attain liberation of the soul. Theraveda Buddhism is practiced in South-East Asia and Mahayana Buddhism is followed by the Chinese and Japanese followers.
Buddhism – based on practicality and not irrational speculations
Gautama Buddha, it is widely believed, attained Enlightenment under the ‘Bodh Gaya’ banyan tree, after which he refused to believe anything that could not be put into practice. He urged his followers to not debate about the existence of God, about the oneness or God or superiority of religion and simply follow the four ‘Noble Truths’ specified to ease suffering.
Rejection of the ‘rebirth’ cycle
As is popularized by Hinduism, the concept of the soul or the ‘atman’ leaving form on death and simply moving onto another life, called rebirth, was discarded by Gautama Buddha. ‘No life form once having left the Earth comes back to life’ is his theory. He believed that the Universe is an inn and we are all travelers trying to escape sorrow and distress.
Objective of living
Buddhism preaches that the goal of human life is to overcome sorrow – however, it is quick to point out that no one really manages to escape sorrow in life. The major reasons for being tied down with melancholy is that humans are constantly on the pursuit of materialistic objects which might quench desire but seldom brings true happiness.
The Three Safe Havens for Buddhists
In order to escape sorrow and abandon the pursuit of worldly objects, every Buddhist follower ought to seek protection under the ‘Three asylums of Buddhism’ – the Buddha, the Sangha and the Dharma. The Buddha stands for Enlightenment, the Sangha stands for the fellow Buddhist community and the Dharma stands for Buddhist teachings.
The Three superstitions to be avoided
On all accounts, one must strive to avoid the three aberrations of Ignorance, Hatred and Anger as they corrupt your soul and make it impossible to attain salvation.
The Three claims of life
Buddhism preaches that a person has not yet attained nirvana (or is still materialistic) if he/she has the following three nuances, Anicca, Dukkha and Anatta. Anicca stands for change in the mood, Dukkha stands for pessimism and an insatiate spirit, Anatta stands for no self control.
The Four Noble Truths of Buddhism
Buddhism strongly urges its followers to accept the ‘Four Noble Truths’ as specified by the Gautama Buddha. The truths are as follows:
1. Life is full of suffering.
2. The more you fancy materials and the more you are attached to them, the more you suffer.
3. You can cease suffering.
4. In order to cease suffering, you must follow the ‘Noble Eightfold Path’.
The Noble Eightfold Path of Buddhism
The Noble Eightfold Path of Buddhism is elaborated in the following manner.
1. Proper Conviction
2. Proper Ambition
3. Proper Dialogue
4. Proper Demeanor
5. Proper Source of Income
6. Proper Struggle
7. Proper Mindfulness
8. Proper Meditation and Attaining Nirvana
Four Vows to be Undertaken by Monks
Every Buddhist Monk needs to abide by the Four Vows prescribed by Gautama Buddha. The Vows are given below:
1. I promise to release my fellow humans from suffering and sorrow.
2. I promise to put an end to the immeasurable sorrows and conflicts between my fellow humans.
3. I promise to abide by the Laws of Dharma stated by the Buddha.
4. I promise to follow the true and holy path prescribed by the Buddha.
The Five Rules of Buddhism
Buddhism requires you to follow the following ‘Five Rules’ if you are to get rid of all your sufferings and attain spiritual nirvana.
1. You must not kill your fellow living creatures on purpose.
2. You must not lie to your fellow humans.
3. You must never attempt to steal that which belongs to your fellow human.
4. You are not to indulge in sexual abuse with any of your fellow human.
5. You are not to consume intoxicants of any kind.
The Four Reminders of Buddhism
Buddhism seeks to remind you of the following four golden words always. Keeping the following commandments in mind, you can attain spiritual release in an easy way.
1. Human life is a precious gift.
2. Death is unavoidable.
3. There is equal suffering in everybody’s existence.
4. You cannot stay away from Karma.
The Ten Friends of every Human
Every human has the following Ten Friends or the ‘Paramitra’ to be kept with them always, as stated in Buddhism facts. They are:
1. A generous nature
2. Morality, ethics and a lawful spirit
3. Staying detached to all worldly objects
4. Intelligence and wit
5. Hard work, dedication and boundless energy
6. A patient soul
7. Staying honest and true
8. Determination to do good
9. A kind nature
10. Calmness and composure
The Five Enemies of every Human
Likewise every human has the following Five Enemies that they must stay away from, as asserted in the Buddhist texts. They are:
1. Sensual desires and craving
2. Anger and the human ego
3. Hatred and animosity
4. A worried spirit
5. Doubt and misgivings
The Five Powerful Tools Available to every Human
Buddhism maintains that no matter how much suffering life has to offer, every human has the following Five Powers available that can ease sorrow. They are:
1. Belief in Buddhism
2. Intelligence and wisdom
3. Samadhi or nirvana
4. Mindfulness and alertness
5. Vitality and a determined spirit
By following the Buddhism facts stated above, you too can become or transform into a Buddhist follower. After all, this religion is all about yoga, nirvana and spiritual awareness – dire traits that everyone in the world needs today.
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