is there a SPECIFIC TEXT that buddhists follow?

Answer 1

I'm not so sure if it's considered Buddhist, but the Tao Te Ching is definitely in the ball park, and definitely worth reading (many times).

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

Depend on which traditions.

There are 3 main sects of Buddhism.

1. Theravada- Teaching of The Elders also known as the Southern school."Lesser Vehicle".

2. Mahayana- The Northern Traditions or "Big Vehicle".

3. Vajrayāna- Tantric Buddhism, Mantrayana, Tantrayana, Esoteric Buddhism, Diamond Vehicle.

Buddhist scriptures and other texts exist in great variety. Different schools of Buddhism place varying levels of value on them. Some schools venerate certain texts as religious objects in themselves, while others take a more scholastic approach.

The Buddhist texts were original in either Sanskrit or Pāli. Theravada Buddhist the oldest of all and is using Pali.

Other then understanding The Four Noble Truth and The Eightfold Path, the rest of the texts are supplementary.

Answer 3

Buddhist follow the wisdom of the The Four Noble Truths, The Eightfold Path and the Kalama Suta.

Because Buddhism does not include the idea of worshipping a creator god, some people do not see it as a religion in the normal, Western sense. The basic tenets of Buddhist teaching are straightforward and practical: nothing is fixed or permanent; actions have consequences; change is possible. Thus Buddhism addresses itself to all people irrespective of race, nationality, or gender. It teaches practical methods (such as meditation) which enable people to realise and utilise its teachings in order to transform their experience, to be fully responsible for their lives and to develop the qualities of Wisdom and Compassion.

Answer 4

The Buddha's teachings are compiled in the Tipitaka, written in an ancient Indian language known as Pali. These are considered the canonical scriptures. The English translation takes up some forty volumes.

The teachings of the Buddha are free to any who wish to follow the Dharma. You can read the scriptures and find helpful guides and commentaries online at:
http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/sutras.htm

There are many other texts within Buddhism; but the Tipitaka is the most important collection.