A Short Introduction to Buddhism

Origins of Buddhism

Based on the inheritance of Siddhartha Gautama (Sanskrit form), also known as Siddhattha Gotama (Pali form).

In this article, the Pali form is included in brackets after the Sanskrit form.

• Siddhartha Gautama is believed by Buddhist tradition to have been born in the fifth century BC.
• He began a six-year spiritual search at the age of 29, leading to his Enlightenment under what is now known as the Bodhi Tree, at Bodh Gaya in North India.
• At the age of eighty he died and entered into his parinirvana (parinibbana) – his final entry to nirvana.

Central aspects of Buddhism

The Three Jewels:

The idea and practice of the Three Jewels – triratna (tiratana) – is central to Buddhists who affirm that:

1. I take refuge in the Buddha (the enlightened or awakened one).
2. I take refuge in the dharma (the teachings of the Buddha).
3. I take refuge in the samgha or sangha (the community of the Buddha).

The Four Noble Truths – Catur Aryasatya (Cattari Ariyasaccani)

The Four Noble Truths express the heart of the Buddhist dharma or teaching:

1. Dhukka (unsatisfactoriness) is seen as the experience of the transitoriness and imperfection of life. It is one of the Three Signs of Being, the others being anitya (anicca) = impermanence, and anatman (anatta) = no permanent self.
2. Samudaya (Origin of unsatisfactoriness) is seen as originating in trishna (thanha), a craving which cannot be satisfied and results in attachment to transitory things and rebirth.
3. Nirodha (Cessation of dhukka or unsatisfactoriness). The overcoming of trishna (craving) is known as nirvana which includes the "quenching" or "extinction" of the thirst and craving that leads to dhukka.
4. Marga (The Way). The Arya Ashtangika Marga (Ariya Atthangika Magga) –

The Noble Eightfold Path, described below, is often known as the Middle Way of life.

The Noble Eightfold Path (Arya Ashtangika Marga):

The fourth of the Four Noble Truths is the way to overcome dhukka which is the Noble Eightfold Path:

1. right understanding
2. right intention
3. right speech
4. right action
5. right livelihood
6. right effort
7. right mindfulness
8. right concentration

The Five Precepts

The Five Precepts (Panca Silani) are, for lay Buddhists (ordained Buddhists take additional vows), the basis of samyakkarmanta (samma kammanta) [right action]. They include the intention to refrain from:

1. harming living beings
2. taking what is not given
3. sexual misconduct and misuse of the senses
4. harmful speech
5. drink or drugs which cloud the mind.

Paramitas

In Mahayana Buddhist tradition, there is also a focus on practising the positive Paramitas (Perfections), including especially the first six:

1. giving
2. keeping the moral precepts.
3. patience
4. strength to persevere
5. meditation
6. wisdom

Meditation

Though practised through a wide variety of methods, meditation among Buddhists can be found in two basic forms: shamatha (samatha) [tranquillity] and vipashyana (vipassana) [insight] meditation.