A Basic Outline of Buddhism

At its core, Buddhism is a simple religion. The primary tenants of Buddhism merely require adherence to logic and common sense. In some ways, understanding the basics of Buddhism is very different from earlier religions, which are rooted in mysticism and magic. The keys to understanding Buddhism are actually found within us all. The essence of Buddhism, is that the answers are within us all, and we only have to seek them out.

Although there are many different Buddhist sects, a common thread among each of the different sects is that the goal of Buddhism is to attain enlightenment. The path to enlightenment varies among individuals. However, in order to understand what enlightenment is, we must return to understanding the essentials of Buddhism.

Enlightenment is the point when an individual clearly understands what the teachings of the Buddha mean. It is impossible to explain the meanings to another, the answers have to come from an individual understanding of ‘what is enlightenment.’ Enlightenment is not based on an intellectual or even spiritual relationship. Rather, enlightenment is a transformation one undergoes based on living a life that is in tune with the concepts of Buddhism.

The Four Noble Truths are at the core of understanding the life of a Buddhist. By focusing on the truth, you can feel the benefits of this idea. The Four Noble Truths are this, “Life is suffering, suffering comes from attachment, an end to suffering is attainable, you must follow the path of the Buddha to reach enlightenment.” Although some charge the first of these truths, that life is suffering, as being negative. The explanation should be taken to mean that there are inevitable hardships in all lives, and we must learn how to accept and cope with the hardships of life. In order to avoid suffering, it is better if we look within ourselves for happiness, rather than looking on the outside.

The last of the Four Noble Truths is to follow the path of the Buddha. There is an eightfold path that should be followed in order to follow the path of the Buddha. The eightfold path allows us to acquire the wisdom needed for enlightenment through a practice of learning how to live our lives. The tenants of the eightfold path are; employ right speech when you speak, right action in what you do, earn your living ethically, always try your best when working, be mindful in a positive way, and employ the proper concentration to your goals in order to succeed.

In Buddhism, there is a focus on doing things the ‘right’ way. If you make sure that everything you do is done in a moral way, you will eliminate many problems that could arise and adversity you may cause yourself and others in the future. More is to be received from life is you are honest and truthful in your endeavors. This is why it is important to understand karma in order to understand Buddhism. Karma is the idea that what you do in life will come back to you. When you do bad things, you will eventually receive bad things in return. And when you are good to others, then good things will follow.

The eightfold path can, in some ways, be compared to the Ten Commandments in Christianity. Many other religions also have some type of outline for how to live your life. This is the thing that all religions, no matter how they differ, have in common. It is important to have a basic moral guide for how to live your life and how to treat others in society.