Feature Summary: Buddhism

By: Stephanie Milligan

1. Buddhists believe that suffering is the problem for every human, and that it should be prevented. The Noble Truth of Suffering claims that all life consists of suffering.

2. The cause of this problem is the greed and desire that humans have. Dukkha, a characteristic of existence, tells that suffering is inevitable. The Noble Truth of Origin of Suffering also stresses that the basis of suffering is desire and greed.

3. The major goal is to end suffering and desire. The third Noble Truth, which is about extinction of suffering, is to end suffering by eliminating desire and attaining nirvana. Stopping the endless cycle of rebirth, known as samsara, is connected with this goal. By achieving nirvana, a person can stop being reincarnated and enter an eternal state that has no suffering.

4. There are several ways to achieve the goal of ending suffering. The Noble Truth of the Noble Path Leading to Extinction of Suffering states that the goal can be achieved by following the Middle Way and the Eightfold Path. Siddhartha, who discovered the Middle Way, taught his lessons to others, and his teachings can still be read in the Buddhist sacred writings. The main sacred writing is the Tripitaka, known as the “Three Baskets”. The Basket of Discipline teaches about the monastic life, the Basket of Discourses is most important involving the Buddha’s teachings, and the Basket of Further Teaching explains the previous basket, as well as the nature of consciousness. The Fourth Noble Truth affirms the importance of the Eightfold Path, which consists of eight ways to achieve nirvana, and end suffering. These paths are right view, thought, speech, conduct, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration. These paths can be practiced at all times, simultaneously, so that a person can live a life with a purpose of finding enlightenment.

The Buddha established other guidelines for a person’s life that can lead to nirvana. The Five Precepts are significant because they help control one’s behaviour, and stop actions or thoughts that could lead to suffering. These precepts are basic rules about abstaining from harming or killing others, stealing, improper sexual conduct, false speech, and taking alcohol and harmful drugs. The Three Refuges, also created by the Buddha, help direct people in the right way. These refuges consist of Buddha (the guide), Dharma (the path), and Sangha (the companion). Ending suffering can also happen through the good activities that Buddhists take part in, such as meditation, and practices that contribute good karma.

5. In Buddhism, the ultimacy is nirvana. It is the most sacred element of the religion because it is the final stage that a person can reach, where there is no suffering or desire and only everlasting peace and joy.

6. Studying Buddhism has strengthened some of my own values, and me realize that people from different religions or backgrounds can share common interests and ways of living life. I was surprised that I agreed with so many of the lessons and main ideas, such as the Five Precepts, and the Eightfold Path. Learning about meditation and chanting made me see its value and purpose more clearly. Before, I had considered meditating and chanting as strange rituals within a religion, but now I have a better understanding of what a Buddhist feels that it can lead to, like nirvana, and its benefits, such as becoming more calm and having better concentration.