Supposedly, Buddhists share the following systemic beliefs, which form the core beliefs that are generally agreed upon. They include the following:
Buddhism, founded by Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) over 2,500 years ago in what is now Nepal, is based on principles intended to help individuals alleviate suffering and achieve enlightenment or Nirvana. The teachings of Buddhism are quite extensive, but they can be summarized in several core concepts and practices:
The Three Universal Truths
1. Anicca (Impermanence): Everything in the universe is transient and in constant change. Recognizing this helps individuals to reduce their attachment to possessions or outcomes.
2. Dukkha (Suffering): Suffering exists in life, and it arises from attachments and desires, which are bound to be unmet or unfulfilled due to the impermanent nature of all things.
3. Anatta (Non-self): The belief that there is no unchanging, permanent self, soul, or essence in living beings. The sense of self is an illusion, and realizing this is key to achieving Nirvana.
The Four Noble Truths
Central to Buddhist doctrine, these truths form the basis of understanding human existence:
1. The Truth of Suffering (Dukkha): Life inevitably involves suffering, from obvious physical suffering to more subtle forms of psychological suffering like loneliness, frustration, fear, embarrassment, and disappointment.
2. The Truth of the Cause of Suffering (Samudaya): Suffering is caused by desires and attachments (called “tanha,” or thirst), which are rooted in ignorance.
3. The Truth of the End of Suffering (Nirodha): It is possible to end suffering by eliminating all attachments, desires, and ignorance.
4. The Truth of the Path Leading to the End of Suffering (Magga): Following the Noble Eightfold Path can end this suffering.
The Noble Eightfold Path
This is a practical guideline to ethical and mental development with the goal of freeing the individual from attachments and delusions; it leads to understanding the truth about all things. It consists of:
1. Right Understanding (Samma ditthi)
2. Right Intent (Samma sankappa)
3. Right Speech (Samma vaca)
4. Right Action (Samma kammanta)
5. Right Livelihood (Samma ajiva)
6. Right Effort (Samma vayama)
7. Right Mindfulness (Samma sati)
8. Right Concentration (Samma samadhi)
These elements of the Path are grouped into three basic categories:
– Moral conduct (Sila): Right Speech, Right Action, and Right Livelihood.
– Mental discipline (Samadhi): Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Concentration.
– Wisdom (Panna): Right Understanding and Right Intent.
Additional Concepts
– Karma: The law of moral causation; good actions result in future happiness, and evil actions result in future suffering.
– Rebirth: The cycle of rebirth and reincarnation, which continues until Nirvana is achieved.
– Nirvana: The ultimate goal, the cessation of all suffering, which is achieved by relinquishing all desires and attachments.
These principles serve as the foundation of Buddhist teaching and practice across various schools, including Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana, despite differences in practices and interpretations among them. Your mileage may vary.
