Explain/describe Buddhism?

Question

I know a little bit but i want to know more

Answer 1

As I understand it Buddhism is a way to live aimed at minimizing suffering. As it has come down to us it centers on the "four noble truths" and the "eightfold path" taught by the Buddha/Buddhas.

To begin, the term "Buddha" means "one who is awake". It comes from "budh" which means to wake up. Buddha never claimed to be a god, and according to the oldest traditions, explicitly denied having any knowledge of gods and refused to discuss such things, referring the questioners to priests.

The four noble truths are:
All of life entails "dukkha", which is usually translated as suffering, but in my mind is better understood as "discontent".

The cause of "dukka" is desire and/or aversion.

It is possible to put an end to dukkha.

The way to the end dukkha is through the eightfold path:
Right Views means to keep ourselves free from prejudice, superstition and delusion, to see aright the true nature of life. (A key element of that true nature of life is its impermanence.)


Right Thoughts means to direct our minds toward the real as opposed to vain imagining, towards equanimity and understanding.


Right Speech means to refrain from pointless and harmful talk... to speak kindly and courteously to all.


Right Conduct means to act in peaceable, benevolent, compassionate and generous ways... and to practice the eight-fold way daily.


Right Livelihood means to earn our living by harmless means. This infers seeking employment to which we can give our energy with enthusiasm, or at worst, can tolerate.


Right Effort means to direct our efforts continually to the overcoming of ignorance and craving desires.


Right Mindfulness means to cherish good and pure thoughts, for all that we say and do arises from our thoughts.


Right Meditation means to practice awareness. The four fundamental categories of awareness of which one should practice awareness are:
Awareness of sensation (one's body)
Awareness of feelings (one's emotions)
Awareness of mental activity (one's thoughts)
Awareness of context (one's personal and cultural belief system)

This is a very brief synopsis. The basic tenet is that if one has an accurate picture of what's happening in these four areas, one is better able to deal with it in an effective and beneficial way.

One of the most interesting aspects of the Buddha's teaching is that he encouraged doubt. He recommended that one not accept a teaching because it came from what people think of as "holy scripture", because it was traditional, because it came from "revelation", or because the teacher was reputable. His was at least a proto-scientific approach; he advocated testing teachings in practice in real life.

There are many sects and sources of information on Buddhism. Some, such as Tibeten Buddhism, preserve the core teachings but has absorbed much of the pantheon of earlier belief systems and much ritual. I am particularly fond of the teachings according to Thich Nhat Hahn, a Vietnamese Zen master. His writings and dharma-talks are very accessible, and his methods lack the rigidity of other Zen schools. Search for Plum Village on-line and there is (or used to be) information and dharma talks on that site.

Answer 2

In the simplest terms, Buddhism is a practice tradition that teaches us how to perceive the causes of human suffering, and how to put an end to that suffering.

Some refer to Buddhism as a religion but Buddha never viewed it that way. Indeed, the historical Buddha (born about 2,500 years ago) stressed that faith and belief were not necessary to the attainment of enlightenment. In fact, his last words to his followers were, "Don't take my word for this. Find out for yourselves." And then he died.

Because it is a *practice* tradition, Buddhism has no creed or doctrine that followers must believe. And while there are ethical guidelines (precepts), even these can sometimes adapt to changing circumstances.

As with any ancient spiritual tradition, Buddhism has become systematized and encumbered with lots of cultural baggage and can thus appear as a religion. But the core practices taught by Buddha are actually very simple and serve only one purpose -- to help us achieve enlightenment and then ease the suffering of the world.

There are lots of books and Web sites on Buddhism, and some of them are worth reading/visiting. But nothing beats actually trying the basic practice techniques of this tradition. If you live close to a Buddhist center, check it out. You'll quickly discover whether or not Buddhism has anything for you. I've given a link to Buddhist centers in the U.S., below.

Although I seldom recommend that people read Buddhist books, "It's Easier Than You Think," by Sylvia Boorstein provides an excellent overview of Buddhism -- sort of like Buddhism 101. Good luck!

Answer 3

Hindus do believe in spirit communication, that is for sure, but this body of knowledge is a closely guarded secret of mainly Tantrics and can be learned through a guru. The emphasis on "Teacher-Disciple" relationship for learning is because of inherent dangers involved. Spirits generally need a medium to communicate, and many a time the spirit refuses to leave the medium. Only that souls which has not attained moksha, can be invoked. This is all I know.

Answer 4

Buddhism is NOT a religion. There is NO deity in Buddhism. It is a Philosophy for living a good life.

Answer 5

Buddhism is to some a religion and to others a collection of various philosophies based initially on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, and to still others simply a guide for life.

It began around the 5th century B.C. There are lots of different teachings and philosophy but central is the idea of a spiritual awakening such as the first Buddha experienced.

This is how I understand it.

Pax Vobiscum+

Answer 6

Long story in a few words.
Be true to yourself and others.
Take responsibilities for your own deeds
Get rid of your suffering and emotional pain by suppressing the things that cause them desire and greed.
Practice meditation and look deep inside your soul. There, you'll find the key to Nirvana and enlightenment. (End of suffering)
Become a better person.

Answer 7

This is how the Buddha summarized it:

The non-doing of any evil,
the performance of what's skillful,
the cleansing of one's own mind:
this is the teaching
of the Awakened. — Dhp 183

Answer 8

gdc : it is a religion in far east.

If you want to know more about buddhism, try to find "Old path, white clouds" from Thich Nhat Hanh.

He lives in France, in a temple he founded, called "Village des pruniers".

http://www.amazon.com/Old-Path-White-Clouds-Footsteps/dp/0938077260/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/102-7705141-8124944?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1194705386&sr=8-1

Answer 9

It's not as barbaric and violent as Christianity and Islam, for one.

Answer 10

peaceful
does not force you to believe in it
they don't knock on your door
respect all religion
alot more