Buddhism: An Introduction
The teachings of Buddhism
center around the theme of liberation from suffering. Buddhism also refers
to repeated incarnations into a perfectly peaceful and enlightened state
of transformed consciousness referred to as nirvana. The key to achieving
this liberation (moksha), lies, says Buddhism, in the cessation of selfish
desires and attachments. Inherent in these beliefs of Buddhism are the
Hindu principles of karma (the actions one takes in one's life on the
planet). Dharma (righteousness) is considered the way to reach nirvana,
and the Buddha's teachings focus on dharma as the means of acquiring liberation,
or nirvana. Dharma, which he referred to as "the lovely" (kalyana),
denotes serene peace, in which the fires of self-centered desire and attachment
are extinguished.
Buddha's insights into achieving nirvana by way of dharma came to be formulated as the Four Noble Truths. These truths comprise: duhkha - the universal fact of suffering; samudaya - the cause of suffering; nirodha - the over-coming of suffering; and magga - the way of overcoming suffering, or "the Noble Eightfold Path" or "Middle Way."
This Noble Eightfold Path consists of practicing (1) right understanding, (2) right thought, (3) right speech, (4) right action, (5) right livelihood, (6) right effort, (7) right mindfulness, and (8) right concentration. Practice of this spiritual path is considered the method of acquiring dharma and achieving nirvana during one's life.
The teachings have evolved into many different practices and beliefs,
though the core teaching of the Buddha, such as the Four Noble Truths,
is central to each practice within the religion. There are two main streams
of thought and practice: Theravada-Hinayana
or "small vehicle" which is now more commonly referred to as
"the School of Elders" (Theras); and Mahayana,
or "great vehicle." Theravada is generally considered orthodox
Buddhism, and is primarily practiced in Ceylon, Bangladesh, and Southeast
Asia. Mahayana, which developed later, is followed principally in China,
Tibet, and Japan. It is more popularized and embraces many sects, including
Madhyamika, Vijnanavada, T'ien-t'ai, Hua-Yen, and Ch'an, which is commonly
referred to as Zen Buddhism.
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