Therefore, Ananda, Dwell as a lamp unto yourself,
Buddha
Refuge unto yourself,
Seek no other refuge,
With Dhamma as your lamp,
Dhamma as your refuge
Seeking no other refuge.
Table of Contents
Who Was the Buddha?
Siddhartha Gotama was born into a royal family in Lumbini, now located in Nepal, in 563 BC. At 29, he realized that wealth and luxury did not guarantee happiness, so he explored the different teachings religions, and philosophies of the day, to find the key to human happiness. After six years of study and meditation, he finally found ” the middle path” and was enlightened. After enlightenment, the Buddha spent the rest of his life teaching the principles of Buddhism – called the Dhamma, or Truth – until his death at the age of 80.
What is Buddhism?
Buddhism is a religion to about 300 million people around the world. The word comes from “budhi”, “to awaken”. It has its origins about 2500 years ago when Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha, was himself awakened ( enlightened) at the age of 35.
The Dalai Lama says. According to Buddhism, individuals are masters of their own destiny. And all living beings are believed to possess the nature of the Primordial Buddha Samantabhadra, the potential or seed of enlightenment, within them. So our future is in our own hands. What greater free will do we need?
Thich Nhat Hanh what is buddhism
There is a misconception that Buddhism is a religion and that you worship Buddha, Buddhism is a practice, like yoga. You can be a Christan and practice Buddhism. I met a Catholic priest who lives in a Buddhist monastery in France. He told me that Buddhism makes him a better Christian. I love that
Is Buddhism a Religion?
To many, Buddhism goes beyond religion and is more of a philosophy or “way of life”. It is a philosophy because philosophy “means love of wisdom” and the Buddhist path can be summed up as:
- To lead a moral life,
- To be mindful and aware of thoughts and actions , and
- To develop wisdom and understanding.
How Can Buddhism Help Me ?
Buddhism explains a purpose to live, it explains apparent injustice and inequality around the world, and it provides a code of practice or way of life that leads to true happiness.
Why is Buddhism Becoming Popular?
Buddhism is becoming popular in western countries for a number of reasons. The first good reason is Buddhism has answers to many of the problems in modern materialistic societies. It also includes ( for those who are interested) a deep understanding of the human mind (and natural therapies) which prominent psychologists around the world are now discovering to be both very advanced and effective.
Was the Buddha a God?
He was not, nor did he claim to be. He was a man who taught a path to enlightenment from his own experience.
Do Buddhists Worship Idols?
Buddhists sometimes pay respect to imagines of the Buddha, not in worship, nor to ask for favors. A statue in its lap and a compassionate smile remind us to strive to develop peace and love within ourselves. Bowing to the statue is an expression of gratitude for the teaching.
Why are Many Buddhist Countries Poor?
One of the Buddhist teachings is that wealth does not guarantee happiness and also wealth is impermanent. The people of every country suffer whether rich or poor, but those who understand Buddhist teachings can find true happiness.
Are There Different Types of Buddhism?
There are many different types of Buddhism because the emphasis changes from country to country due to customs and culture. What does not vary is the essence of the teaching – the Dhamma or truth.
Are Other Religions Wrong?
Buddhism is also a belief system that is tolerant of all other beliefs or religions.
Buddhism agrees with the moral teachings of other religions but Buddhism goes further by providing a long-term purpose within our existence, through wisdom and true understanding. Real Buddhism is very tolerant and not concerned with labels like “Christian”, “Moslem”, ”Hindu”, or ”Buddhism”. That is why there have never been any wars fought in the name of Buddhism. That is why Buddhists do not preach and try to convert only explain if an explanation is sought.
Is Buddhism Scientific?
Science is the knowledge that can be made into a system, which depends upon seeing and testing facts and stating general natural laws. The core of Buddhism fits into this definition because the Four Noble truths (see below) can be tested and proven by anyone in fact the Buddha himself asked his followers to test the teaching rather than accept this word as true. Buddhism depends more on understanding than faith.
How do I Become a Buddhist?
Buddhist teaching can be understood and tested by anyone. Buddhism teaches that the solutions to our problems are within ourselves not outside. The Buddha asked all his followers not to take his word as true, but rather to test the teaching for themselves. In this way, each person decides for themselves and takes responsibility for their own actions and understanding. This makes Buddhism less of a fixed package of beliefs that is to be accepted in its entirety, and more of a teaching which each person learns and uses in their own way.
What did the Buddha Teach?
The Buddha taught many things, but the basic concepts in Buddhism can be summed up by the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path.
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