The Teachings of Buddhism

In a world of religious diversity, Buddhism has been able to transcend many cultural barriers and conservative ideologies. Its universal dharma of life and suffering has resonated with many people’s life a path and has sparked in people a greater desire to reach for peace and liberation. But what exactly is so unique about Buddhism? And how has it been able to thrive above other religious ideals?

Buddhism emerged in 5 BCE. When, king at the moment, Siddhartha Gautama left his utopian lifestyle and decided to explore the world beyond his castle, reality for him was completely shattered. Gautama realized that life was not all bout victories and enjoyment, as it was in his royal palace, but rather full of mistreats and injustice. He crossed paths with people who were dealing with disease, pain and old age, and Siddhartha realized that it was not only them, but rather all humans who were going through these dissatisfactions. He understood at that point that life went beyond fun and happiness. In reality all humans were united by the common human experience of suffering.

With this realization in mind, Siddhartha decided to look further into the truth of this pain. He was on a mission: to find out the nature of suffering. In his journey he met with many religious groups, and even became an integral member of the ascetics. On the verge of starvation, he soon realized this method was not working, but rather killing him. Siddhartha escaped the group and decided to isolate himself and meditate for the answers that he had long been seeking. In silence, peace, and in deep concentration, light reached into him — he became enlightened.

The Buddha learned an elemental lesson: that everything and everyone is changing all the time. That life is a construction of different situations, and that we are constantly being asked to readjust to these new challenges. Worries, desires and thoughts will arise, but we must not hold onto them, for life is experimental, and feelings are the inevitable byproduct of the impermanence of life. With this understanding, The Buddha structured the Four Noble Truths:

• That life is suffering because things always change
• That the cause of suffering is caused by desire, wanting more
• That the solution would then be to extinguish the cravings and desire of the self
• And finally, that one must follow the 8-fold path

The Buddha understood that life wasn’t about starving like the ascetics or over-indulging like the royals, but finding the Middle Way: a life with balance. With a desire to make others become awaken with him, The Buddha traveled long distances and, person by person, pilgrim by pilgrim, he taught people, not a dogma, but his experience of enlightenment, one towards the eight-fold path.

The eight-fold path is said is seen as more than just a lifestyle, but a general blueprint for a way of thinking that influenced the creation of the Dharma. This path holds the fundamental practice to look within. “No one can save us but ourselves. No one can and no one may. We must walk the path alone”, said the Buddha. The first part of the eight fold path starts by having a higher wisdom, a right view and understanding about the impermanence of life and our connection to this reality. It is then followed by having the right intentions, a commitment to understand the ideas and thoughts that make up your mind. The second part is all about ethical dilemmas, creating a discipline for your actions. Having a right speech, right conduct and a right livelihood, engaging in a life of respect, honesty and compassion. Finally, the third part is to engage in mediation by practicing the right mindfulness and right concentration. It may not be easy, but it is important to face your mental patterns and emotions to allow them to leave, for only then we are free from the deception of who we are.

Buddhism recognizes the great practice of mediation as an integral part of the religious practice. The goal of this method is to give yourself a pause and recognize what your inner self is going through. By focusing your attention to the breadth, you become mindful of the single present moment, and the great presence your self in relation to the world. Meditating can become a place of tranquility, a connection between your body and your thoughts. Eventually, the practice of meditation will help you grow out of your own imagination, the repressed self, and make you realize the reality of your existence, and its interdependence with nature and reality.

The more one is able to become more conscious about their own self, the more we can realize that we are, indeed, part of something bigger. We are all the same, we are all one. Buddhism understands that humans and nature bound together to create this reality, and hence we inter-are in this experience called life. Our actions have a ripple effect on others, and other peoples actions have a ripple effect on us. With this in mind, Buddhism stresses compassion to ourselves and others, as we all go through the reality of suffering and impermanence in the daily life. By allowing us to let free the non-hate and non delusion about ourselves and others, we can make space for love, altruism and equanimity.

Moreover, the Buddhism, and the Indian community at large, beliefs in Karma, a life force that recompenses you for your wrong and right actions in this lifetime or the next. After the Buddha passed away, the Buddhist community was worried about the workings of the karma, and have long debated which actions should be labeled good and which as bad with the goal to escape reincarnation (samsara). By following the 8-fold path, Buddhist monks and followers could try to purify themselves and find the right path of liberation, the Atman. The practical application and open interpretations of Buddhism have allowed different schools of thoughts to emerge. Nevertheless, they are bound by the desire to find peace and, for once and for all, reach Nirvana.