The Core Beliefs Of Buddhism

Buddhism is divided into several traditions, just like most of the world religions. Though so, Buddhism is all about fundamental beliefs.

Buddhism believes in reincarnation. It is the birth of a person after his death. His soul will again live into another human’s body. It is actually different from the term “rebirth”. Reincarnation is being born again over and over as the soul passes from one human body to another. With the rebirth, the soul would live after death, but it is of eternity.

Three Buddhism Practices

• Sila

This is based on two fundamental principles such as Equality, which means that all living entities are equal. Second is the Reciprocity, which is the “Golden rule” for Christianity. It is summarized in the term, “Don’t do unto others what you don’t want others to do unto you.”

The Sila is referred to the virtue, morality and good conduct of a person.

• Samadhi

This is referred to the concentration, meditation and mental development of an individual. It is the developing of the mind to the path of wisdom that will lead to personal freedom. This concept helps strengthen the mind and also to maintain the good conduct of a person.

• Prajna

This one is referred to the discernment, enlightenment, wisdom and insight of a person. It is the real heart of Buddhism. It is the belief that when the mind is pure and calm, one will gain wisdom.

Four Noble Truths of Buddhism

• Dukkha

This means that suffering exists. It emphasizes that suffering is universal, and that people will always have to endure this while being alive. It can be of sickness, failure, pain, loss, and the impermanence of pleasure.

• Samudava

This emphasizes that there is a certain cause for suffering. It is of the desire for someone to have and control the things around him. It can be in forms of anger or jealousy, craving for sensual pleasures, desiring for fame, avoiding unpleasant sensations, fear, and so on.

• Nirodha

This means that there is an end to a person’s suffering. It is the final liberation of Nirvana, which means the mind will experience complete freedom, detachment, and liberation. It is letting go for the desires of any craving.

• Magga

This means that in order for one to end his suffering, he must first follow the Eightfold Path.

Eightfold Path

Panna: Discernment, wisdom:

1) Samma ditthi Right Understanding of the Four Noble Truths

2) Samma sankappa: Right thinking; following the right path in life

Sila: Virtue, morality:

3) Samma vaca: Right speech: no lying, criticism, condemning, gossip, harsh language

4) Samma kammanta Right conduct by following the Five Precepts

5) Samma ajiva: Right livelihood; support yourself without harming others

Samadhi: Concentration, meditation:

6) Samma vayama Right Effort: promote good thoughts; conquer evil thoughts

7) Samma sati Right Mindfulness: Become aware of your body, mind and feelings

8) Samma samadhi Right Concentration: Meditate to achieve a higher state of consciousness