Eastern Faiths

Buddhism

The core of Buddhism is Three Jewels :( Sanskrit, Triratna, Pail: Tiranta) - that is, the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha. The Buddha is thought of as an idea human being whom other human beings should imitate; the image of him, seat in meditation, is constant model of self-control and mindfulness. He is not thought of as being dead, but instead as existing in a timeless dimension beyond the world. The Dharma (Sanskrit), or Dharma (Pali), means the sum total of Buddhist teachings about how to view the world and how to live properly. The Sangha is the community of monks and nuns. (Molly, 131)

Buddhism is a very different religion as it followers are told to think for themselves. 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, Buddha did not rule out the existence of a God or gods altogether. Buddhism does not believe in nothing such as a soul. Instead, a person is believed to be constituted of five elements, namely physical form, feelings, ideation, mental developments and awareness. These five areas combine to form a human being at the time of birth. However, Buddhist believers do believe in reincarnation and karma, which is somewhat contradicting.

Buddhist does not worship anyone or anything. The Buddha himself said he was not a god nor should he be worshiped. Buddhist is called puja, they chant to show their love for Buddha. Buddhist often makes offerings of flowers, candles, incense and pure water at a shrine. Buddhist believe they do not need God to achieve salvation, peace and happiness, they believe we must do it ourselves. Buddhism is about a human being's moral and spiritual awakening.

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

1. Right Actions

2. Right Concentration

3. Right Effort/Exercise

4. Right Livelihood

5. Right Mindfulness/Awareness

6. Right Speech

7. Right Thoughts

8. Right Understanding

Four Noble Truths urged by Lord Buddha:

1. The Noble Truth of Suffering (Dukkha)

2. The Noble Truth of the Origin of Suffering (Samudaya)

3. The Noble Truth of Cessation of Suffering (Nirodha)

4. The Noble Truth that leads to the Extinction of Suffering(Magga)

www.buddhist-pemples.com

Four truths that Guatama Buddha propounded:

* Suffering is universal

* Suffering is caused by desire

* Suffering can be uprooted if desire is uprooted - this can be achieve by following the Eight Fold Path

www.religioustolerance.org

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