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 Buddhism is understood in a large portion of the world and
particularly Asia. It serves as a religion to some 300 million people all over the world. Let's try to clarify this way of life. It as created about 2,500 years ago by Siddharta Gotama, a.k.a. Buddha, when he was awakened (enlightened) at 35 years old. Buddha was born in Lumbini, (now located in Nepal) to a royal family. At the ripe age of 29, he discovered that material things could not truly make people happy. Therefore, he studied different teachings and religions, searching for the key to human happiness. He finally found "the middle path" six years later, and was enlightened. He would spend the next 45 years teaching the ways of the Buddhist until his death at 80. Buddha wasn't a God, but just a man who taught a path to enlightenment from his experiences.Buddhism is more of a way of life, or a philosophy than a religion. It is more like a philosophy because philosophy is dictated as "love of wisdom." The Buddhist path can be summarized as:
- To lead a moral life
- To be mindful and aware of thoughts and actions, and
- To develop wisdom and understanding
This "philosophy" explains a purpose to life, apparent injustice and equality around the world. It also provides a practice that leads to happiness. It also teaches many things. The basics can be more easily described through the "Four Noble Truths" and "The Eightfold Path."
1st Noble Truth: Life is suffering (life includes pain, getting old, disease, and ultimately death.) We also endure psychological suffering like loneliness frustration, fear, embarrassment, disappointment and anger. This is a fact that cannot be denied. It is more realistic rather than pessimistic because pessimism is expecting things to be bad. Instead, Buddhism explains how suffering is unavoidable. It teaches the buddhist follwers that if they don't expect to be happy, and follow the
eightfold truths. we can lead a better life.
2nd Noble Truth: The second truth is that suffering is caused by cravings and wants. Basically, getting what you want does not guarantee happiness. Rather than constantly struggling to get what you want, try to modify your wanting. Wanting deprives us of contentment and happiness. So craving leads to physical, mental, and emotional suffering because it causes us to be reborn.
3rd Noble Truth: The third truth is that suffering can be healed. lf we give up useless craving and learn to live each day at a time (not dwelling in the past or the imagined future) then we can become happy and free. We then have more time and energy to help others. This is called Nirvana.
4th Noble Truth: The fourth truth is the 8-Fold Path which leads to the end of suffering. The 8-fold Path can be described as: being moral (through what we say, do and our livelihood), focusing the mind on being fully aware of our thoughts and actions, and developing wisdom by understanding the Four Noble Truths and by developing compassion for others.
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