Buddhist Beliefs

The chants of 'Buddham Sharanam Gacchami' have spread throughout the world. Be it the South Asian countries or even the West, Buddhist beliefs have made a deep impact on the world. Siddhartha Gautama, a warrior Prince, went in intense search of truth of life, after he was weary of his worldly life. After 6 years of deep meditation and search for truth, he attained enlightenment at the age of 35, under the Bodhi tree (peepal), located in Bodh Gaya, a place in the Indian state of Bihar. Since then, he came to be known as the Buddha or the enlightened one. The religion founded by him came to be known as Buddhism. One of the Buddhism facts is that it is among the top five world religions, by the number of followers. The four noble truths and the noble eight fold paths are among the fundamental teachings of Buddhism.

Basic Beliefs of Buddhism
There are different traditions that are followed in Buddhism. However, the fundamental teachings of all these traditions are the same.

The Four Noble Truths
The four noble truths of Buddhism that form its core beliefs are as follows:

1. Suffering Exists
"Life is suffering (dukkha)"- so is the translation of first noble truth of Buddhism. It relates to the temporary, conditional and unpredictable nature of life. We've got to eventually endure physical pain due to sickness, old age, injury, tiredness and eventually, the inevitable death. Sufferings, according to Buddhism is the proof of life's impermanence.

2. Attachment Causes Sufferings
All sufferings are a result of attachment. We search for something outside our realms of life. Even we don't know what we want. It's a vicious cycle of needs, desires and expectations. One desire is fulfilled and in the very next moment, the other comes in the pipeline. Frustration and pain creeps in when desires are unmet. The more attached we're to things, the more we suffer.

3. Detachment Ends Sufferings
Once we realize attachment brings sufferings, we must detach ourselves from attachments, desires and expectations. Buddhism stresses on the importance of being aware of attachments in life. Eventually, they cause sufferings.

4. Freedom From Attachments
Following eightfold paths of Buddhism can finally liberate an individual from attachments and put an end to sufferings.

The Eightfold Path
Following are the basic beliefs of Buddhism that are adequate for leading a peaceful and happy life by putting an end to all sufferings.

1. Right View
It means to be aware of the impermanence of this world. It indicates to have a wisdom that can see the truth of this world, as it is. It's not necessarily an intellectual prowess. Rather, it's a deep insight about life using all aspects of mind that realizes the truth about sufferings.

2. Right Intention
A commitment to have a control over all mental actions and to exercise power to control our actions in life. Controlling anger, temptations and urge of violence are important aspects of right intention.

3. Right Speech
For ethical conduct, one should be disciplined towards what he speaks. This is important as speech can make or break us. It's a tool to make friends and enemies. Buddhist faith guide Buddhist monks or followers to abstain from slander and false speech. To always strive to speak sweet, simple and true words forms their motto. Right speech also encourages people not to talk ill of others and chatter aimlessly.

4. Right Action
It refers to doing ethical and right action by using our body. As per this Buddhist belief, body should be used to surpass sufferings and not as a tool to harm others, commit deeds that hurt others sentiments, taking life (even suicide) and abstinence from unethical acts.

5. Right Livelihood
Gaining wealth should be in a peaceful and legal manner instead of earning through means that are not under Buddhist guidelines. For instance, Buddha denounces livelihood through prostitution, violence and slaughter of animals.

6. Right Effort
As per Buddhism it is believed that right effort is the torch bearer of eightfold paths. If one is not striving and willing to work on improving his personality and adopt the eightfold paths, nobody can help that individual. As per Buddha, the same energy that sustains violence and aggression, needs to be transformed to honesty, integrity and non-violence.

7. Right Mindfulness
Being mindful is to be aware of our mind's ability to have perceptions, assumptions about an individual or an incident. Buddha preaches us to be aware of what's going on in our thoughts and minds. This way we can avoid being judgmental and improve our relationships.

8. Right Concentration
Concentration, as per beliefs in Buddhism means to focus all mental energies on one goal and objective. A state where all mental faculties are focused and you aren't distracted by normal happenings. Even if life shows you sufferings, at the center of your existence, you're unmoved. Focusing the mind on one objective helps you to elevate your levels of consciousness, both mental and spiritual.

This was a summarized information on the beliefs or faiths followed by Buddhists, generally. Most probably, this must have given you some information related to the core of Buddhism thoughts. Buddha has been one of the greatest preachers the world has ever witnessed since ages and religious beliefs of Buddhism have been accepted all across the globe. Symbols of Buddhist have been found all across the world representing the faith and belief people have shown in Buddha. His teachings are certainly true and close to life. I would conclude with one of his most beautiful sayings about life,

Life is a journey.
Death is a return to earth.
The universe is like an inn.
The passing years are like dust.
Regard this phantom world
As a star at dawn, a bubble in a stream,
A flash of lightning in a summer cloud,
A flickering lamp - a phantom - and a dream.

Buddham Sharanam Gacchami...