Buddhist Beliefs
One of the basic Buddhist Beliefs is the belief that happiness and good fortune can be achieved by everyone, irrespective of their age, race or background. Buddhists believe that by using meditation all negative states of mind can be overcome. Meditation can help humans to develop positive, peaceful states of mind and through meditation are able to solve all types of problems which they face daily.
The belief in reincarnation is also a basic belief of Buddhism. Buddhists believe that everyone is re-born after dying by going through many cycles of birth, life and rebirth, the cycles only end when a state of freedom and liberation from suffering is achieved; this is called the state of Nirvana and the desired outcome for all Buddhists.
There are three main practices in Buddhism. Sila if the first and this applies to virtue, good conduct and morality. The principles of equality and reciprocation are the two fundamental principles of Sila. The first is the belief that all living things are equal, no one form is above another. The second is the practice of treating others as you would like to be treated.
Samadhi is the second practice which refers to meditation, concentration and mental development. Buddhists believe that the true path to wisdom is achieved by developing the mind; developing the mind leads to personal freedom.
Prajna is the third practice which refers to insight, wisdom, discernment and enlightenment.
Amongst the basic beliefs in Buddhism is faith in the Five Precepts which are;
1. Do not kill and be kind to all creatures
2. Do not steal, give rather than take
3. Do not lie, be honest and open
4. Do not misuse sex
5. Do not consume alcohol or recreational drugs.
The Four Noble Truths are also basic beliefs in Buddhism, these explore human suffering. The first truth is Dukkha which says that suffering exists and is universal. The second is Samudaya which states that there is cause for suffering; the third is Nirodha which suffering stops when Nirvana is reached. The fourth noble truth, Magga says that in order to end suffering you must follow the Eightfold Path.
Eightfold Path is one of the most important beliefs of Buddhism. Panna begins the Path which is discernment or wisdom. Incorporated within Panna is understanding of the Four Noble Truths, Samma Ditthi and Samma Sankappa which refers to following the right path in life through correct thinking.
Sila practices virtue and morality and includes the next six paths. Samma Vaca is the practice of right speech, lying, criticism and condemning, gossiping and harsh language is not acceptable.
Samma Kammanta is the practice of right conduct which is attained by following the Five Precepts.
Samma Ajiva, the right to livelihood, and to support yourself without causing harm to others.
Samma Vayama, the right to effort. Try and have good thoughts and sissuade evil ones.
Samma Sati, the right to mindfulness, becoming aware of your own mind, feelings and of your body.
Samma Samadhi refers to correct concentration by using meditation to achieve a higher state of consciousness.
