The Buddha taught the Four Noble Truths which are central to his teachings. These four Truths constitute the fundamental philosophy of Buddhism. Without understanding them fully, we cannot clearly understand the teachings of the Buddha. The Four Noble Truths are important because ......
Right Understanding: The first step of the eightfold path is Right Understanding or Right View. This is a significant step on the path as it relates to seeing the world and everything in it as it really is, not as we believe it to be or want it to be. Just as you may read the directions on a map, and then make the journey, studying, reading and examining the information is important, but only the preparation.....
The Buddha suggested the Eightfold path as the means to achieve salvation and to end ones 'becoming' and suffering. In ancient India, the Eightfold path was a very revolutionary concept. It attracted the attention of people of all classes and contributed greatly to the popularity of Buddhism .....
The 3 characteristics of Existence
We have previously discussed suffering and its pivotal position in the teaching of Buddhism. The Buddha in fact defined three main characteristics of existence, which include suffering, impermanence and the concept of no unique self.....
The 3 Jewels and the Five Precepts
Despite the differences in the varieties of Buddhism, there are always the same three cornerstones which are called the Three Jewels. These are the Buddha, the Dharma which is the teaching of the Buddha, and the Sangha, which is the community who follow the teaching......
Karma is one of the most important concepts in Buddhism. Karma is an imprint in one's Mind. When one performs a good deed out of good intentions, the good intentions come from the Mind. Having done that good deed, the residues of these intentions stay in one's Mind as "imprints", and that is "good karma". The opposite goes for evil deeds (or what the Buddha would call "unwholesome deeds") done out of greed......