Buddhism

Buddhism

Principal beliefs of Buddhism are evident in Buddhist sacred texts. These sacred texts include the Tripitaka, the Lotus of the Good Law and the Tibetan Book of the Dead. The dhamma, stated in the Tripitaka, are the teachings of the Buddha. “Teach the dhamma which is lovely at the beginning, lovely in the middle, lovely at the end. Explain with the spirit and the letter in the fashion of Brahma. In this way you will be completely fulfilled and wholly pure”. Buddhists believe in central teachings called the Four Noble Truths, which explain how to avoid dukkha (suffering) and achieve liberation (nirvana). Buddhists must take refuge in the dhamma by accepting the teachings of Buddhism and posing trust in its principles and practicing it on a regular basis.

Karma, stated in the Tripitaka, is the natural law of cause and effect. “An evil deed committed does not immediately bear fruit, just as milk does not curdle at once; but, like a smouldering fire covered with ashes, it remains with the fool until the moment it ignites and burns him”. Buddhists believe that past actions, good or bad, have an effect on who or what they are in their next life. Karma thus encourages good behaviour as good actions produce good effects whereas bad actions produce bad effects.

Nirvana, stated in the Lotus of the Good Law, is a release from the cycle of samsara (reincarnation). “For those in mid-stream, in great peril of the flood; for those adventuring on ageing and dying – I proclaim the Isle where there is no-thing, where naught is grasped. This is the isle of no-beyond: I call it nirvana – the utter extinction of ageing and dying”. Nirvana is the extinguishment of all desire for life and the Fourth Noble Truth is a method of finding nirvana. Buddhists believe that nirvana is an ultimate goal to achieve in their lives, as it is the release from the cycle of rebirth. Buddhists also believe that everyone has the ability to achieve nirvana if they open up their minds...