Buddhism

Buddhism:
Buddhism is a philosophy of life expounded by Gautama Buddha ("Buddha" means "enlightened one"), who lived and taught in northern Inda in the 6th Century B.C. The Buddha was not a god and the philosophy of Buddhism does not entail any theistic world-view. The teachings of the Buddha are aimed solely to liberate sentient beings from suffering.

Teachings of Buddhism

Buddha followed a simple path and inspired people to lead a simple life. His message to people was that the world is full of sufferings and a man could attain salvation by following his teachings contained in the eight fold path and four Noble Truths.

Four Noble Truths

The essence of Buddhism lies in Four Noble Truths. They are:

1. The world is full of suffering.
2. The suffering has a cause.
3. Desire is the cause of suffering.
4. If desire is stopped, suffering can also be stopped.

Eight Fold Path

The way to nirvana, in Buddhism, or the path that leads to removal of suffering, is known as the eight fold path (asthangika marg) or the middle path.

It is a path midway between luxurious living and hard penance.

• Right Action : To remain away from theft, luxuries and violence.
• Right Thought : To remain away from empty rituals and worldly evils.
• Right Belief : To give up desire.
• Right Living : Not to have dishonest dealings with others.
• Right Speech : Speak the truth and do not think ill of others.
• Right Effort : Work for deliverance from sins and for the welfare of others.
• Right Recollection : Think about pious things.
• Right Meditation : Concentrate on only what is right.

Buddha's Attitude Towards God

Buddha held that the whole universe was controlled by Dharma, a universal law. He was silent about the existence of God, though he never formally denied it. Like Mahavira he emphasised non-violence.

Code of Conduct

Buddha formulated a code of conduct for his followers. This is included the following:

• Not to tell a lie.
• Not to own property.
• Not to consume alcoholic drinks.
• Not to commit violence.
• Not to indulge in corrupt practices.

Karma : Like Hinduism, Buddhism believed in the theory of Karma. Buddhism says that man is the maker of his destiny and believed in rebirth. The evil deeds will be punished. Therefore, man should follow a middle path. It is karma which decides the type of existence in the next life. It is called thewheel of Existence.

Stress on Morality : Buddha insisted on a life based on good actions. His followers were enjoined to practise nonviolence and to lead a upright life.

Nirvana : The ultimate goal of life is to attain Nirvana or salvation, the eternal peace and bliss. It is a peaceful state of mind, which conquers all diseases, makes the person free from the chain of births and deaths.

Universal Brotherhood : Lord Buddha preached universal brotherhood of mankind. He wanted people to live in peace setting aside all their feuds. He invited people of all classes and races to join Buddhism.

No Faith in Rituals and Sacrifices : Buddha said that yajnas cannot change a man's destiny. Sacrifices and rituals are empty rhetorics.

Ahinsa : Like Mahavira, Buddha attached importance to sanctity of life.

Devotees reaffirm their faith in the five principles called Panchsheel:
1. Do not to take life
2. Do not to steal
3. Do not to lie
4. Do not to consume liquor or other intoxicants
5. Do not to commit adultery