What is Buddhism?

Question

Buddhism involves enlightment. That's all I know. I just need some clairity. So what is the religion centered around, what are its basic beliefs. I would really like to hear from actual Buddhist themselves, and I'd be very grateful if you responded. Thanks.-(*.*)

Answer 1

Buddhism is a path of practice and spiritual development leading to Insight into the true nature of life. Buddhist practices such as meditation are means of changing oneself in order to develop the qualities of awareness, kindness, and wisdom. The experience developed within the Buddhist tradition over thousands of years has created an incomparable resource for all those who wish to follow a path — a path which ultimately culminates in Enlightenment or Buddhahood.

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.

There are around 350 million Buddhists and a growing number of them are Westerners. They follow many different forms of Buddhism, but all traditions are characterised by non-violence, lack of dogma, tolerance of differences, and, usually, by the practice of meditation .

Answer 2

Buddhism is not something to be educated about.

Buddhism IS about training the mind to be focused, not so whimsical. The training is done mostly through zazen (sitting meditation).

All the Buddhist education is helpful. The point is, if your mind isn't trained, the education is just for the mind's entertainment. If the mind is trained, a person's capabilities are open and a real transformation happens within. You have a deeper relationship with yourself. I can't explain all that happens. A change happens that I can't describe, it is very personal.

Doing zazen IS being Buddhist. Not doing zaen and educating yourself on Buddhism is being a Buddhist Philosopher. Texts are not necessary, zazen is.

I hope this helps. I am sincere with my answer although I don't claim to be fit to answer as well as more dedicated practitioners.

Answer 3

Buddhism involves training the mind as a prescription for ending suffering and what we call "cyclic existence" or "samsara". As a Tibetan Buddhist, I can tell you that there's far more to it than I can give you in here, but I can say that it's very logical stuff. The most basic ideas are the 4 Noble Truths:

1. Everything is "suffering" (dukkha)
2. Suffering is caused by clinging and attachments and aversions (Trishna)
3. There's freedom from it which is called Nirvana
4. The prescription for the suffering is called the "Path of Liberation" (Marga)

We believe in the concept, which agrees with science, that all things (matter, thought, concepts) arise due to causes and conditions, are changing and impermanent. Via understanding such concepts and setting aside the more dualistic Western philosophies (in order to understand things a bit better) one can create a mind that is calm and unswerving in the face of life's challenges, but this isn't the ultimate result, it just happens by default as you learn.

There is far more, and you'd be better served by taking a peek at online sites like FPMT.org or thubtenchodron.org will give you a far better understanding... even buddhanet.net is much better than I can give you here.

Hope this helps a wee bit...

_()_

Answer 4

Why not research tibetan buddhism online. Easy to do: numerous websites with exteremly intelligent and helpful information. It would take quite a bit of time and space to give the basics here. Easy quick answer: enlightenment is a state of consciousness that is neuro-physiologically "driven". engaging in appropriate practices will get you there. Practice diligently and you will "uncover" the buddha *already* within you. You cannot even imagine what that experience feels like until you, personally, have it. It is way better than sex, power, and wealth ;-)

Answer 5

Simply speaking, this is to avoid harming others and to help them as much as possible. Another way of expressing this is, Abandon negative action; create perfect virtue; subdue your own mind. This is the teaching of the Buddha. By abandoning negative actions (killing, etc.) and destructive motivations (anger, attachment, close-mindedness, etc.), we stop harming ourselves and others. By creating perfect virtue, we develop beneficial attitudes, like impartial love and compassion, and do actions motivated by these thoughts. By subduing our mind, we cut away all false projections, thus making ourselves calm and peaceful by understanding reality.

The essence of Buddha’s teachings is also contained in the three principles of the path: definite emergence, the dedicated heart and wisdom realizing emptiness. Initially, we seek definitely to emerge from the confusion of our problems and their causes. Then, we see that other people also have problems, and with love and compassion, we dedicate our heart to becoming a Buddha so that we are capable of helping others extensively. In order to do this, we develop the wisdom understanding the real nature of ourselves and other phenomena.

Answer 6

It's not a conventional religion but a system of practical philosophy. It requires adherence to a set of moral precepts which is aimed at encouraging a state of enlightened consciousness. It has no Gods, theology or emphasis on the supernatural. It does believe in rebirth and karma but it is not the main point of focus.

Answer 7

go to this
www.11meditation.co.nr

that is the basic of Teravada Buddhist religion in Thailand.
I translated to english language to this website one month ago.

the website will tell you about Buddha, Dharma, sangha, meditation (all topics are in brief).

Answer 8

I can give a web site where you can learn pure Buddhism.

http://www.metta.lk

Answer 9

A BELIEF SYSTEM BASED AROUND A FAT A** MAN.

Answer 10

u suck