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Buddhism, like most of the great religions of the world, is divided into a number of different
traditions. However, most traditions share a common set of fundamental beliefs.

One fundamental belief of Buddhism is often referred to as reincarnation -- the concept that
people are reborn after dying. In fact, most individuals go through many cycles of birth, living,
death and rebirth. A practicing Buddhist differentiates between the concepts of rebirth and
reincarnation. In reincarnation, the individual may recur repeatedly. In rebirth, a person does not
necessarily return to Earth as the same entity ever again. He compares it to a leaf growing on a
tree. When the withering leaf falls off, a new leaf will eventually replace it. It is similar to the old
leaf, but it is not identical to the original leaf.

After many such cycles, if a person releases their attachment to desire and the self, they can
attain Nirvana. This is a state of liberation and freedom from suffering.







These three consist of:

1.?   Virtue, good conduct, morality. This is based on two fundamental principles:

The principle of equality: that all living entities are equal.

The principle of reciprocity: This is the "˜

" in

Christianity -- to do onto others as you would wish them to do
onto you. It is found in all major religions.

2.? 
 Concentration, meditation, mental development. Developing one's mind is the
path to wisdom which in turn leads to personal freedom. Mental development also
strengthens and controls our mind; this helps us maintain good conduct.

3.? 
 Discernment, insight, wisdom, enlightenment. This is the real heart of
Buddhism. Wisdom will emerge if your mind is pure and calm.
The first two paths listed in the Eightfold Path, described below, refer to discernment; the last
three belong to concentration; the middle three are related to virtue.


  


The Buddha's P 

  explore human suffering. They may be described (somewhat
simplistically) as:

1.? ô  Ô (Suffering is real and almost universal. Suffering has many
causes: loss, sickness, pain, failure, the impermanence of pleasure.)

2.? 
@    (It is the desire to have and control things. It
can take many forms: craving of sensual pleasures; the desire for fame; the desire to
avoid unpleasant sensations, like fear, anger or jealousy.)

3.? 

   . (Suffering ceases with the final liberation of
Nirvana (a.k.a. Nibbana). The mind experiences complete freedom, liberation and non-
attachment. It lets go of any desire or craving.)

4.?    

  
 .




These are rules to live by. They are somewhat analogous to the second half of the Ten
Commandments in Judaism and Christianity -- that part of the Decalogue which describes
behaviors to avoid. However, they are recommendations, not commandments. Believers are
expected to use their own intelligence in deciding exactly how to apply these rules.

1.? Do not kill. This is sometimes translated as "  " or an absence of violence.

2.? Do not steal. This is generally interpreted as including the avoidance of fraud and
economic exploitation.

3.? Do not lie. This is sometimes interpreted as including name calling, gossip, etc.

4.? Do not misuse sex. For monks and nuns, this means any departure from complete
celibacy. For the laity, adultery is forbidden, along with any sexual harassment or
exploitation, including that within marriage. The Buddha did not discuss consensual
premarital sex within a committed relationship; Thus, Buddhist traditions differ on this.
 Most Buddhists, probably influenced by their local cultures, condemn same-sex sexual
activity regardless of the nature of the relationship between the people involved.

5.? Do not consume alcohol or other drugs. The main concern here is that intoxicants cloud
the mind. Some have included as a drug other methods of divorcing ourselves from
reality -- e.g. movies, television, the Internet. ð

Those preparing for monastic life or who are not within a family are expected to avoid an
additional five activities:

6. Taking untimely meals.

7. Dancing, singing, music, watching grotesque mime.
8. Use of garlands, perfumes and personal adornment.
9. Use of high seats.
10. Accepting gold or silver.

There is also a series of eight precepts which are composed of the first seven listed above,
followed by the eighth and ninth combined as one. "Ordained Theravada monks promise to
follow 227 precepts!"

 


The Buddha's  
 consists of:

 Discernment, wisdom:

1) Ô  Right Understanding of the Four Noble Truths
2) Ô Right thinking; following the right path in life

  Virtue, morality:
9 Ô Right speech: no lying, criticism, condemning, gossip, harsh language
! Ô Right conduct by following the Five Precepts
" Ô# : Right livelihood; support yourself without harming others


Concentration, meditation:
6) Ô  Right Effort: promote good thoughts; conquer evil thoughts
7) Ô Right Mindfulness: Become aware of your body, mind and feelings
8) Ô  Right Concentration: Meditate to achieve a higher state of consciousness

¯

 1.? Guy Newland, Untitled essay at: http://www.chsbs.cmich.edu/
2.? Bhikkhu Bodhi, " 

 
  $   Ô," Buddhist
Information, at: http://www.buddhistinformation.com/
3.? Thomas Knierim, "The Precepts" at: http://www.thebigview.com/

 
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The basic practices and beliefs of Buddhism are credited to Siddhartha Guatama, born in Nepal in 563 B.C.
Troubled by the suffering amongst the common people, Guatama departed from his Hindu studies and gods. He
chose to live off of alms while devoting himself to extreme somberness.

This brought him to a weakened state of mind and body and not to the peace he had hoped for. He began intense
meditation, claiming it brought him into a god-like state of "Nirvana." Though difficult to reach, Nirvana is said to
be achieved by totally denying self, entering a state of illumination, joy, and harmony. However, it is said that to do
so brings release from desires for self that causes all bodily pain and sorrow. By claiming to have done so, Guatama
proclaimed himself to be an "enlightened one" or a Buddha. A Buddha is someone regarded as embodying divine
wisdom and virtue, but not a god.

Buddhist beliefs and Christianity differ in many ways:

ë? Buddhists do not believe in a Divine being, therefore they have no concept of salvation and atonement for
wrong doings. Compare those beliefs to Christianity, wherein God provided His Son Jesus as redemption
for our sins.
ë? While Buddhism claims there is no beginning and end, we are shown through Christianity and Judaism the
Creation and God's plan for our eternity.
ë? The philosophies of Buddha were written 400 years after his death. The Bible was written with numerous
prophecies hundreds of years before Jesus was born.
ë? There are no directives or absolutes to the path of Nirvana. Yet Jesus taught that while our physical bodies
will die, our soul will ascend to be with the Lord in Heaven. We must simply accept His gift of salvation to
be redeemed for this assurance. Buddhists contend that people do not have individual souls and hold to the
belief that achievements in life will continue on and on into your next bodily form, striving to get it right
(reincarnation). In Buddhism, there is no forgiveness or mercy from a loving God.

Buddhist beliefs - Where is the hope? In Buddhism, there is no hope for eternal safety. In Christianity, however,
Jesus gave us directives and absolutes. Eternal joy is achievable through accepting Him. He tells us in John 10:9a
(KJV), "I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved. . ." and Romans 10:9-13, "That if you confess
with your mouth,'Jesus is Lord' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For
it is with your heart that your believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As
the Scripture says, 'Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.' For there is no difference between Jew
and Gentile -- the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for 'Everyone who calls on the
name of the Lord will be saved.'"

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Buddhism, as a religion, lays great emphasis on the adherence to the basic beliefs. The basic
Buddhist belief comprise of the basic teachings and concepts of Buddhism. Lord Buddha urged
His followers to concentrate on the Four Noble Truths, which helps in attaining freedom from
suffering. In the following lines, we have provided more information on the basic Buddhism
beliefs:

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Chief monks belonging to both the Theravada sect and the Mahayana sect met in Sri Lanka in
the year 1966 and approved the following "Basic Points Unifying the Theravada and Mahayana":

ë? Buddha is our only Master.

ë? We take refuge in the Buddha, the Dhamma and the Sangha.
ë? This world is not created and ruled by a God.
ë? The purpose of life is to develop empathy for all living beings without prejudice and to
work for their good, happiness, and peace. Last but not the least; we need acquire acumen
that will lead to the realization of Ultimate Truth.
ë? We accept the Four Noble Truths of Buddhism
ë? All accustomed things (samskaara) are transient (anitya) and dukkha and all conditioned
and unconditioned things (dharma) are without self (anaatma).
ë? The Thirty-seven qualities helpful in Enlightenment are different aspects of the path
taught by the Buddha.
ë? There are three ways of attaining Enlightenment, namely as a Disciple, as a Pratyeka-
Buddha and as a Samyak-sam-Buddha. The life of a Bodhisattva, who is striving to
become a Samyak-sam-Buddha, is the highest, noblest and the most heroic.
ë? The different Buddhist beliefs, practices, rites and ceremonies, customs and habits
followed in different countries should not be confused with the essential teachings of
Buddha.

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Buddhism does not believe in the existence of a God who created the universe. As per Lord
Buddha, one should emphasize on the practical ways of life, which will help a person in attaining
enlightenment. However, at the same time, Buddha did not rule out the existence of a God or
gods altogether. With the growth and spread of Buddhism, local deities and religious practices
were included in it. Today, Tibetan Buddhist cosmology talks about a large number of µDivine
Beings¶, believed to be representative of the psychic life. One of the six realms of the Tibetan
cosmology is the realm of Gods, who must take birth on earth as humans to attain enlightenment.

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Theravada sect of Buddhism does not believe in the existence of deities. However, as per the
Mahayana sect, celestial Buddhas and bodhisattvas occupy the universe as Gods and Goddesses.
The most popular Buddhist deities include the Laughing Buddha, the Medicine Buddha, Kuan
Yin, the Green and White Taras, etc.
O 


As per Buddhism, there is nothing such as a soul or atman. Rather, a human being is believed to
be constituted of five elements, namely physical form, feelings, ideations, mental developments
and awareness. These components combine to form a human being at the time of birth. However,
since Buddhism believes in reincarnation and karma, one finds a little contradiction here.


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The main aim of life, as per Buddhism, is the extinction of suffering. By recognizing the four
noble truths of life and following the noble eightfold path, one can end the suffering in life.

   


In Buddhism, it is believed that one can escape from the vicious cycle of birth and death by
following the noble eightfold path, consisting of the following eight steps:

ë? Right Actions
ë? Right Concentration
ë? Right Effort/Exercise
ë? Right Livelihood
ë? Right Mindfulness/Awareness
ë? Right Speech
ë? Right Thoughts
ë? Right Understanding


  


The Four Noble Truths, forming the essence of Buddhism, are:

ë? The Noble Truth of Suffering (Dukkha)

ë? The Noble Truth of the Origin of Suffering (Samudaya)
ë? The Noble Truth of the Cessation of Suffering (Nirodha)
ë? The Noble Truth that leads to the Extinction of Suffering (Magga)

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Since some background knowledge of rebirth and karma is useful for understanding Buddhism,
there now follows a brief introduction to these topics taken from Geshe Kelsang¶s book, Eight
Steps to Happiness:

The mind is neither physical, nor a by-product of purely physical processes, but a formless
continuum that is a separate entity from the body.
The mind is neither physical, nor a by-product of purely physical processes, but a formless
continuum that is a separate entity from the body. When the body disintegrates at death, the mind
does not cease. Although our superficial conscious mind ceases, it does so by dissolving into a
deeper level of consciousness, call µthe very subtle mind¶. The continuum of our very subtle
mind has no beginning and no end, and it is this mind which, when completely purified,
transforms into the omniscient mind of a Buddha.

Every action we perform leaves an imprint, or potential, on our very subtle mind, and each
karmic potential eventually gives rise to its own effect. Our mind is like a field, and performing
actions is like sowing seeds in that field. Positive or virtuous actions sow the seeds of future
happiness, and negative or non-virtuous actions sow the seeds of future suffering. This definite
relationship between actions and their effects ± virtue causing happiness and non-virtue causing
suffering ± is know as the µlaw of karma¶. An understanding of the law of karma is the basis of
Buddhist morality.

After we die our very subtle mind leaves our body and enters the intermediate state, or µbardo¶ in
Tibetan. In this subtle dream-like state we experience many different visions that arise from the
karmic potentials that were activated at the time of our death. These visions may be pleasant or
terrifying depending on the karma that ripens. Once these karmic seeds have fully ripened they
impel us to take rebirth without choice.

It is important to understand that as ordinary samsaric beings we do not choose our rebirth but
are reborn solely in accordance with our karma. If good karma ripens we are reborn in a
fortunate state, either as a human or a god, but if negative karma ripens we are reborn in a lower
state, as an animal, a hungry ghost, or a hell being. It is as if we are blown to our future lives by
the winds of our karma, sometimes ending up in higher rebirths, sometimes in lower rebirths.

This uninterrupted cycle of death and rebirth without choice is called µcyclic existence¶, or
µsamsara¶ in Sanskrit.

This uninterrupted cycle of death and rebirth without choice is called µcyclic existence¶, or
µsamsara¶ in Sanskrit. Samsara is like a Ferris wheel, sometimes taking us up into the three
fortunate realms, sometimes down into the three lower realms. The driving force of the wheel of
samsara is our contaminated actions motivated by delusions, and the hub of the wheel is self-
grasping ignorance. For as long as we remain on this wheel we shall experience an unceasing
cycle of suffering and dissatisfaction, and we shall have no opportunity to experience pure,
lasting happiness. By practicing the Buddhist path to liberation and enlightenment, however, we
can destroy self-grasping, thereby liberating ourself from the cycle of uncontrolled rebirth and
attaining a state of perfect peace and freedom.
We shall then be in a position to help others to do the same. A more detailed explanation of
rebirth and karma can be found in the books Introduction to Buddhism and Joyful Path of Good
Fortune.

Basic beliefs of Buddhism

By Julie Henry
Info Guru, Catalogs.com
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Thank You For

Voting
3.6 / 5.0

Buddhists believe that true peace, wisdom and personal freedom can be achieved by all of
humankind.

As the fourth largest religion in the world, Buddhism bases its practices and principles on the
virtues of peace, loving kindness and wisdom. With only Christianity, Islam and Hinduism
having more followers, Buddhism is a popular religion and is practiced by believers around the
globe.

One of the basic beliefs of Buddhism is the conviction that happiness and good fortune are
attainable to all, regardless of age, race or background. Buddhists believe that all negative mental
states or "delusions" as they are referred to, can be overcome through the practice of meditation.
By learning how to meditate, humans can develop peaceful and positive mental states or
"virtues", and be able to solve the problems associated with their daily lives. Reincarnation is
another essential component of Buddhism. Buddhists believe that humans are re born after
dying, and adhere to the notion that most humans go through many cycles of birth, life, death and
rebirth. These cycles will end when the attachment to desire and the self is released. Once this is
accomplished, a state of liberation and freedom from suffering is achieved. This is the state of
Nirvana and the desired destination for believers of the Buddhist faith.

There are three main trainings, or practices in Buddhism. The first is Sila, which applies to
virtue, good conduct and morality. Sila is based on two fundamental principles: the principle of
equality and the principle of reciprocation. The first refers to the belief that all living things are
equal, no one form should be considered above another. The second can be likened to the
"Golden Rule" of Christianity, which refers to the practice of treating others as you would like to
be treated. The second main training in Buddhism is Samadhi, which refers to concentration,
meditation and mental development. Buddhists believe that developing the mind is the true path
to wisdom; this in turn leads to personal freedom. The third main practice associated with
Buddhism is Prajna, which concerns itself with discernment, insight, wisdom and enlightenment.

Faith in the Five Precepts is of utmost important amongst the basic beliefs of Buddhism. These
precepts are similar to the Ten Commandments found in Christianity. They are:

1. Do not kill, be kind to all creatures 2. Do not steal, give rather than take 3. Do not lie, be
honest and open 4. Do not misuse sex 5. Do not consume alcohol or use recreational drugs.

The basic beliefs of Buddhism also include "The Four Noble Truths", which explore human
suffering. The first truth is called Dukkha and it says that suffering exists and is universal. The
second truth is referred to as Samudaya. This truth states that there is a cause for suffering.
Nirodha, the third truth, states that there is an end to suffering and it ceases when one reaches the
state of Nirvana. The fourth and final noble truth is Magga, which says that in order to end
suffering you must follow the Eightfold Path.
The Buddha's Eightfold Path is one of the most important basic beliefs of Buddhism. The first
part begins with Panna, or discernment and wisdom. Included in Panna is Samma Ditthi, the
understanding of the Four Noble Truths and Samma Sankappa, which refers to following the
right path in life through correct thinking. The next section is called Sila, the practice of virtue
and morality and includes the next six paths. Samma Vaca, the practice of right speech; no lying,
criticism, condemning, gossiping or harsh language is acceptable. Samma Kammanta, the
practice of right conduct, which is attained by following the Five Precepts. Samma Ajiva, the
right livelihood. Support yourself without harming others. Samma Vayama, the right effort. Try
to have good thoughts and dissuade evil ones. Samma Sati refers to right mindfulness. Become
aware of your mind, your feelings and your body. Samma Samadhi, correct concentration.
Meditate to achieve a higher state of consciousness.

By following the basic beliefs of Buddhism and adhering to its practices and principles, it is
believed that true peace, wisdom and personal freedom can be achieved by all of humankind.

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Buddhism is popular not only in South Asian Countries but also in many western countries. One
of the reasons could be because Buddhism has answers and solutions to problems faced by the
people living in the materialistic world. This article gives an insight into the basic beliefs of
Buddhism.

Buddhism is the fourth largest religion of the world and has its origin in India. Siddhartha
Gautama, a warrior prince who lived from 566 to 480 B.C founded Buddhism. Gautama was
tired and weary of his luxurious life. He renounced his princely life to seek the truth about life.
He spent many years of hard penance under a Bodhi tree in search of liberation from material
values of life. After many years of penance he achieved an epiphany and came to be known as
"Buddha". Buddha means the "
 %". After the enlightenment, he traveled around
India imparting the wise knowledge he had achieved. Gradually, his teachings spread to the
South Asian countries. Today, Buddhism is a popular religion practiced by many around the
globe.

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As Buddhism spread to many countries it was split into many number of sects. Each sect has
adopted a various beliefs, rituals, practices and customs. However, all the sects believe in the
basic doctrines and beliefs of early Buddhism.

Buddhism believed all individuals irrespective of the age, race and background could attain
happiness. One of the basic beliefs of Buddhism is the belief that all delusions and negative
mental states could be overcome through the practice of meditation.

Another basic belief of Buddhism is reincarnation. Buddhist doctrines believed in the cycles of
birth, life, death and rebirth. The doctrine stresses on these cycles and believe Nirvana is
achieved when one sheds his desires and ego.

"The Four Noble Truths" also is included in the basic beliefs of Buddhism.


  


"The Four Noble Truths" summarizes the basic beliefs of Buddhism.

ë? First Truth

The first truth is "Dukkha" or suffering. According to this basic belief there is suffering in the
life of every individual. The suffering includes loneliness, frustration, embarrassment, anger and
fear. This is the reality and not pessimism. This belief of Buddhism explains how to avoid
sufferings and achieve happiness.

ë? Second Truth

The second noble truth is "Samudaya". According to this truth and the basic belief of Buddhism
craving and aversion are the root cause of suffering. Craving and greed deprive an individual of
happiness and contentment. Unless an individual curbs his cravings for luxuries of life, he would
not attain Nirvana.

ë? Third Truth

"Nirodha" is the third noble truth. This truth explains how an individual could overcome his
sufferings and achieve happiness. As per to this belief, an individual should never dwell on the
incidents that occurred in the past or think too much about his future. Life would be happy if an
individual learns to live each day at a time.

ë? Fourth Truth

"Marga" is the final truth. According to the fourth truth, to end your suffering and attain nirvana,
an individual has to to follow the "Eight-fold Path". The "Eight-fold Path" emphasizes on
focusing one¶s mind on being aware of his thoughts and actions. It also gives importance to
morality and perfect livelihood. You would have a better understanding of the "Four Noble
Truths" by being compassionate to others and also by developing wisdom.

Buddhist teachings could be understood and adopted by any individual. Buddhism believes that
the root cause of a problem is an individual himself. Hence, the solution to his problem is within
himself. It is believed Buddha had asked his followers to test the teachings for themselves before
practicing the beliefs. Buddhism encourages an individual to understand the basic beliefs before
practicing it.

By Maya Pillai

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The Five Precepts are basic ethical guidelines for the followers of Buddhism. They are
undertaken voluntarily, rather than as commandments from a god.

Essentially, these precepts promote harmony and reduce suffering between ourselves
and others. The underpinning moral code has two qualities: compassion (karuna)
and loving kindness (metta), which are used as the guiding principles in life.

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It is just as difficult to describe the ³beliefs´ of all Buddhists as it is to describe the same for all
Christians. Religions often have different sects, belief systems, even different core philosophies
while still sharing the same name. Think of a Baptist church in Mississippi compared to a
Catholic mass in upstate New York just for one example.

Still there are some basic principles about Buddhism that are common to all people who call
themselves Buddhist. In this article, we¶ll take a look at rebirth and reincarnation, the Four Noble
Truths, the Eightfold Path, and the Five Precepts. Understanding this basics will give you a quick
and dirty understanding of Buddhism.

¯

¯
 

Don¶t confuse the two things ² the idea of µrebirth¶ is that a person¶s energy is retained
although the form changes. Buddhists will tell you to think of rebirth as like a leaf on a branch
that eventually withers but grows back. Same energy, different form. µReincarnation¶ refers to a
rebirth of the exact same being back into the physical plane. Contrary to popular belief, there are
many cycles of life, death, and rebirth that happen in a person¶s life ² too many cycles to
number.

The purpose of these rebirths is to purify the spirit so that eventually one can attain a state known
as Nirvana, or perfect oneness with the universe. When a spirit reaches Nirvana it is relieved of
all form and therefore all suffering.


  


Buddhists believe that Gautama Buddha reached a state of enlightenment and many things were
revealed to him. One of these enlightenments is known as the Four Noble Truths. These concepts
are an exploration of human suffering. The Four Noble Truths are ±

1. Dukkha: Simply, this says that suffering exists.

2. Samudaya: This means ³There is a cause for suffering.´ It turns out that desire is the cause of
all suffering.

3. Nirodha: This concept suggests that there is an end to all suffering.

4. Magga: Like all good religious systems, this Truth is self-referential in a sense. It says that in
order to end all suffering and reach Nirvana, you must follow the Eightfold Path.

So what is the Eightfold Path?




According to Buddhists, the way to Nirvana is through following these instructions to the letter.

1. Right Understanding (of the Four Noble Truths)

2. Right Thinking
3. Right Speech
4. Right Conduct
5. Right Livelihood
6. Right Effort
7. Right Mindfulness
8. Right Meditation

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> 


Spoiler alert ² there¶s only five of them.

Certain followers of Buddhism hold fast to the Five Precepts which come from a document
produced by a specific sect of Buddhism. These Precepts are ±

Do not kill.
Do not steal.

Do not lie.

Do not misuse sex.

Do not consume alcohol or other drugs.

These are not hard and fast ³rules´ passed down by a deity, but precepts interpreted by the
people out of thousands of years of history to help them live the right way. There are as many
interpretations for each of these Precepts as there are sects and practices of Buddhism.

If you¶re interested in learning more about Buddhism, check out these blogs by Buddhists and
gain some insight into their world.

Brad Warner¶s ³Hardcore Zen´.

Shambhala SunSpace

³bee and me´