BUDDHISM

A Brief Overview
WHAT IS DEVINE?
Generally Buddhism does not have a central God figure, there is
not divine being that is worshipped.
It focuses instead on a state of being a philosophy and ethical
way to exist here and now and achieve the ultimate state of
existence
CORE TEACHINGS
The 4 Noble Truths contain the essence of Buddhist teachings:
1. THE TRUTH OF SUFFERING: Life is not ideal: it frequently fails to live up to our
expectations. Even when we are not suffering from outward causes like illness
or bereavement, we are unfulfilled, unsatisfied. This is the truth of suffering.
2. THE TRUTH OF THE ORIGIN OF SUFFERING: The Buddha taught that the root
of all suffering is desire. This comes in three forms, which he described as the
Three Roots of Evil: Greed and desire, Ignorance or delusion and Hatred and
destructive urges.
3. THE TRUTH OF THE END OF SUFFERING: The Buddha taught that the way to
extinguish desire, which causes suffering, is to liberate oneself from
attachment. This is the third Noble Truth - the possibility of liberation.
Reaching liberation or enlightenment means extinguishing the three fires of
greed, delusion and hatred.
4. THE TRUTH OF THE PATH TO THE END OF SUFFERING: The final Noble Truth is
the Buddha's prescription for the end of suffering. This is a set of principles
called the Eightfold Path: Right Understanding, Right Intention, Right Speech,
Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, Right
Concentration. These 8 steps were described by the Buddha as the way to
enlightenment.
AIM OF A FOLLOWER
Following on from the 4 Noble Truths, the aim of a follower in
Buddhism is to ultimately achieve enlightenment through
embodying the eightfold path. Rather than focusing on the
worship of a divine figure, Buddhists will seek to constantly
improve their wisdom, ethical conduct and state of mind and
being in the attempt to end suffering.
ADOPTED ASPECTS IN MODERN
CULTURE
Whilst we do not often see overt elements of Buddhism within
modern Australian culture, many aspects have been accepted,
such as the notion of what goes around comes around, as well
as the idea that bettering oneself academically, spiritually or
morally will have rewards. Many aspects of Buddhism are
appealing to almost everyone, and therefore figures such as the
Dalai Lama are celebrated throughout the Western world. Also,
the figure of Buddha has become easily recognized in or modern
society as a symbol of peace and good luck.
THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN
COMMUNICATING
Whilst there is no real risk of offending an actual divine figure, one
should always be mindful of general conduct when
communicating and interacting with a Buddhist. Friendly,
peaceful, courteous and ethical behavior should be observed,
such as refraining from profanity or overly vain behavior.