Lately, we have been talking a lot at home about BUDDHISM, its
teachings, people following the religion and the difference they have felt in
their lives after they adopted the religion!!
This is when an impulsive feeling started building inside me to know more about
the globally putative religion.
While reading through the contributions of a few authors who have
been writing on Buddhism, I learnt about the principles and teachings of the
religion.
Chip Tolaney states that the aim of the Buddha was simply to show
mankind how to live without turmoil and in harmony by following the Eight-Fold
Path and the Ten Precepts, as well as the Four Noble Truths.
He describes it further that to understand the basic principles of
Buddhism, it is not necessary to believe in heaven or hell or to chant mantras.
While monks must practice all the precepts, the lay Buddhist (if
he is to be called Buddhist) is expected to follow the five main
precepts.
Buddhist principles are based on the basic idea of cause and
effect, also known in eastern philosophy as karma.
According to this law every intention, thought and action has a
consequence that equals the energy invested in it.
From good deeds come good results. Leading a disciplined life can
ensure that suffering is kept to a minimum. The calm mind that comes from a
disciplined life leads down the path of spirituality to the goal of all human
life - self realization, or what the Buddhists call Nirvana.
The Buddhist philosophy and way of life is laid out in the Three
Jewels, the Four Noble Truths, the Eight Fold Path and the Five Precepts. The
first three doctrines are pursued by those who either adopt a monastic life or
are involved in a deep philosophical interpretation of Buddhism.
The Philosophy of Buddhism
The Buddha presented his philosophy in the Four Noble Truths:
1. Life is suffering: Disease, death and emotional pain are
inevitable.
2. Attachment causes suffering: An attempt to derive happiness from
things that have shape and form results in suffering because these are not
permanent.
3. To cure suffering, free yourself from attachment: The cause of
suffering is attachment, so make attempts to free yourself from attachment.
4. The eight-fold path will show you the way out of suffering: The
Buddha taught practical ways to end suffering through eight pursuits - right
speech, right action, right livelihood, right concentration, right view, right
intention, right mindfulness, and right effort.
The Five Precepts are what a lay Buddhist is expected to follow in
day-to-day living.
The Five Main Precepts
1. Refrain from killing: In order to live harmoniously with all
living creatures and create positive instead of negative vibrations, the
Buddhist must be vegetarian. This is necessary for the growth of compassion.
2. Refrain from stealing: In order to be free of guilt, and not
cause pain to others, Buddhists must not take anything that is not freely
given.
3. Refrain from sexual misconduct: The Buddha taught his disciples that sexual
desire is the greatest obstacle to enlightenment, and the most difficult to
overcome. Sexual misconduct is forbidden.
4. Refrain from lying: To tell a lie is to deny the truth, and a Buddhist
centers his life around truth - whether it is the truth of his spiritual path,
the truth about himself, or the truth of the universe. Denial of the truth
leads to confusion, guilt and disharmony.
5. Refrain from drugs and alcohol: If we are to clearly see the truth, and gain
an accurate perception of life and reality, our minds must be free from the
delusion and fuzziness caused by alcohol and drugs. An alert mind is capable of
controlling actions efficiently and directing them along virtuous paths.
Buddhism affords believers an oasis where they can regain equilibrium by
following the Middle Way. Buddhism enables people to look at life anew and stop
blaming God, the universe, and others for their plight. They are the creators
of their own worlds. Once they can grasp this great truth, life becomes a
joyful journey.
