For Those Considering the Buddhist Path...

 


Learn Religion - There are two parts to being a practicing Buddhist: First, it means that you agree with certain basic ideas or tenets that are at the core of what the historical Buddha taught. Secondly, it means that you regularly and systematically engage in one or more activities in a way that is familiar to Buddhist followers. This can range from living a devoted life in a Buddhist monastery to practicing a simple 20-minute meditation session once a day. In truth, there are many, many ways to practice Buddhism—it is a welcoming religious practice that allows for a great diversity of thought and belief among its followers. 

Basic Buddhist Beliefs

There are many branches of Buddhism that focus on different aspects of the Buddha's teachings, but all are united in the acceptance of the Four Noble Truths of Buddhism.

The Four Noble Truths

  1. Ordinary human existence is filled with suffering. For Buddhists, "suffering" doesn't necessarily refer to physical or mental agony, but rather to pervasive feeling of being dissatisfied with the world and one's place in it, and a never-ending wish for something different than what one currently has. 
  2. The cause of this suffering is longing or craving. The Buddha saw that the core of all dissatisfaction was the hope and desire for more than we have. Craving for something else is what prevents us from experiencing the joy that is inherent in each moment. 
  3. It is possible to end this suffering and dissatisfaction. Most people have experienced moments when this dissatisfaction ceases, and this experience tells us that the pervasive dissatisfaction and longing for more can be overcome. Buddhism is therefore a very hopeful and optimistic practice. 
  4. There is a path to end the dissatisfaction. Much of Buddhist practice involves the study and repetition of tangible activities that one can follow to end the dissatisfaction and suffering that comprises human life. Much of the Buddha's life was devoted to explaining the various methods for awaking from dissatisfaction and craving.

The path toward the end of dissatisfaction forms the heart of Buddhist practice, and the techniques of that prescription is contained in the Eight-Fold Path.

The Eight-fold Path

  1. Right View, Right Understanding. Buddhist believe in cultivating a view of the world as it really is, not as we imagine it to be or want it to be. Buddhists believe that the normal way we see and interpret the world is not the correct way, and that liberation comes when we see things clearly. 
  2. Right Intent. Buddhists believe that one should have the goal of seeing the truth, and acting in ways that are non-harmful to all living things. Mistakes are expected, but having the right intent will eventually set us free. 
  3. Right Speech. Buddhists resolve to speak carefully, in a non-harmful way, expressing ideas that are clear, truthful, and uplifting, and avoiding those that are damaging to self and others. 
  4. Right Action. Buddhists attempt to live from an ethical foundation based on principles of non-exploitation of others. Right action includes five precepts: not to kill, steal, lie, to avoid sexual misconduct, and to abstain from drugs and intoxicants.​
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