Buddha, also known as Sakyamuni Buddha , is the founder of
Buddhism . Lord Buddha attained “ Enlightenment ” under the Bodhi tree. After
attaining nirvana , Lord Buddha became a figure providing the wisdom he
obtained and helped billions of people to end their suffering and attaining the
state of Nirvana .
Two main branches of Buddhism are Theravada Buddhism , and
Mahayana Buddhism. Theravada is widely supported by people of Sri Lanka and
Southeast Asia and Mahayana Buddhism is widely supported by East Asia.
Teachings of Buddha
After attaining nirvana , Lord Buddha started teaching the way of
life to people. Near the city of Benares, he shared his first teachings to five
holy men and they immediately understood his teachings and agreed to follow
Lord Buddha . For forty-five years, Buddha along with his disciples started
spreading Buddha’s wisdom and teachings in India. The teachings of Lord Buddha
are also known as Dhamma . Let’s see some of the important teachings Lord
Buddha has left behind for the sake of humanity.
During his enlightenment , Buddha found answer to three universal
questions and he explained these answers and truth in a simple way for his
disciple.
These Three Universal truths some basic teachings of The Buddha
1. Nothing is lost in the Universe :
The first universal truth of Buddha found was nothing is lost in
this universe. Old solar systems disintegrate into cosmic rays. We are the
child of our parents and we will be the parents of our children.
If we destroy something around us, we destroy ourselves. If we lie
to another, we lie to ourselves. Learning and understanding these truths, Lord
Buddha and his disciples never killed any animal.
2. Everything changes :
The second universal truth is everything changes and keeps on
changing continuously . Dinosaurs, mammoth used to rule this planet but now we
humans rule the planet. Life is like a river, it keeps on flowing,
ever-changing.
3. Law of Cause and effect:
" The kind of seed sown
will produce that kind of fruit.
Those who do good will reap good results.
Those who do evil will reap evil results.
If you carefully plant a good seed,
You will joyfully gather good fruit. "
~ Dhammapada
It is mentioned in Dhammapada too, if we do some good things, then
good things will come to us. If we do something evil, then evil things will
happen to us. It is all due to cause and effect. This law of Cause and effect
is known Karma .
Most religion strongly believes in Karma, so do Buddhism . Good
karma results to good results and evil karma leads to bad results.
The Four Noble Truths
The Noble Truth of Suffering
"There is happiness in life,
happiness in friendship,
happiness of a family,
happiness in a healthy body and mind,
but when one loses them, there is suffering."
~ Dhammapada
What are suffering ?
Suffering is everywhere. When people are born, they cry. When they
are sick, they have pain. When they are old, they have sufferings with their
body. When people die, someone dear feel sorrow for their death.
The Noble Truth of Cause of Suffering:
What are the cause of these suffering? Why do we feel pain? Why do
people suffer?
These are the result of greed or wanting more, ignorance, wrong
idea of pleasure.
The Noble Truth of End of suffering
In order to end these suffering, one must be able to cut off their
greed, idea of having pleasure. One must learn and have knowledge to cut off
their ignorance.
The first way to end these suffering is changing one’s views and
must try to live in a natural way and must possess peaceful mind. The state
when one ends their suffering and live a peaceful way is known as Nirvana. This
is the highest goal and aim of Buddhism and Buddha tries to spread his
knowledge to people so that they can end their suffering.
The Noble Truth of Path to end suffering:
The path to end the suffering, is called Noble Eightfold path or
Middle way.
Noble Eight Fold Path or Middle Way
The path to ending the suffering of people is known as Noble
Eightfold Path or Middle Way. Noble Eightfold Path is one of the principal
teachings of Buddha. These teachings of Buddha described the way leading to a
acessation of dukkha and the state of self-awakening. The Noble Eightfold path
is described below:
1. Right View:
What is right view?
Knowledge about the cause of suffering, knowledge to end the cause
of suffering, knowledge to way of path to end the suffering. This is called
right view.
2. Right Intention:
Right intention can also be called as “right thought”.
Understanding the right view, one should be able to differentiate between right
intention and wrong intention. One should be resolved to be free from ill will
is what right intention will teach you.
3. Right Speech:
One should always keep themselves from lying and ill speech. One
should make best use of their speech and abandon false speech and always speak
truth.
4. Right Conduct:
Never hurting others, criticizing others, well behaving, are the
right conduct. One should never conduct any actions that may harm others.
5. Right Livelihood
"Do not earn your living by harming others. Do not seek
happiness by making others unhappy."
The Buddha.
One should never choose living where his way of living may
directly or indirectly harm others.
6. Right Effort
Right effort can also be called “right endeavor”. One should
always try to take any action on the goodwill of people.
7. Right Mindfulness
People must constantly keep their mind to phenomena that may
affect the body and mind. This means one must be aware of their thoughts,
words, and action.
8. Right Concentration
Also known as “right meditation”, Right concentration teach people
to concentrate and focus one thing or object at a time. Thus leading quiet and
peaceful mind.
Following these 8 Noble Eightfold Path, one can cultivate their
wisdom and thus leading to the path to attain “nirvana”.
The Triple Jewel
Lord Buddha establishes the three refuges for people to follow his
teachings. A refuge is the place where people can rely on and go to for the
purpose of safety. The three refuges that Lord Buddha establishes are as
follows:
The Buddha is the guide
The Dhamma is the path
The Sangha is the teachers and companions along the way.
The Five Percepts
In Buddhism , Lord Buddha himself establishes five most important
rules and called them Five Percepts.
Avoid Killing
Avoid taking anything which is not yours
Avoid sexual misconduct
Avoid lying
Avoid any false drinks
These are some of the teachings; Lord Buddha himself has passed
down for the sake of humanity and for their well beings. Every Buddhists have
studied these teachings and practice them and swore never to make any mistakes
and blunder.