Introduction to Buddhism

Introduction to Buddhism
by buddhist-practice-today.blogspot.com/

What is Buddhism?

Buddhism is a religion based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, who lived about 25 centuries ago in what is now Nepal and northeastern India. He came to be called "the Buddha," which means "awakened one," after he experienced a profound realization of the nature of life, death and existence.

Unlike to other religion worshipping god, Buddhism is a bit unique, it does not include the idea of worshipping a creator god but rather on the basic principles of Buddha’s teachings, which are straightforward and practical: nothing is fixed or permanent; actions have consequences; change is possible. It teaches practical methods which enable people to realise and use its teachings in order to transform their experience, to be fully responsible for their lives.

Buddhism goes beyond religion and is more of a philosophy or 'way of life'. It provides a code of practice or way of life that leads to true happiness, which can be sum up:

1. to lead a moral life,
2. to be mindful and aware of thoughts and actions, and
3. to develop wisdom and understanding.

Practicing Buddhism will getting us leading to insight of the true nature of reality and changing ourselves bit by bit into a better person in qualities of awareness, kindness, and wisdom. This finally leading to the awakening of our buddha’s seed which compromise of the part of us that is pure, wise and perfect, instead of the unpleasant feelings such as as fear, anger, and jealousy. In Buddhism, it is called the Buddha nature. The only difference between us and the Buddha is that we have not awakened to our true nature (Buddha nature).

How to become a Buddhist?

Buddhist teachings can be understood and tested by anyone. Buddhism teaches that the solutions to our problems are within ourselves not outside. The Buddha asked all his followers not to take his word as true, but rather to test the teachings for themselves. ln this way, each person decides for themselves and takes responsibility for their own actions and understanding. This makes Buddhism less of a fixed package of beliefs which is to be accepted in its entirety, and more of a teaching which each person learns and uses in their own way which is why Buddhism is becoming more popular nowadays.

Adding to that, Buddhism is able to solve and answer many of the problems in modern materialistic societies through scientific knowledge upon seeing and testing facts and stating general natural laws. For instance, the Four Noble Truths of Buddha’s Teachings can be tested and proven by anyone. By understanding and practising the buddha’s teachings, one will realise the true meaning of Buddhism.

The goal of the Buddhist spiritual life, representing the end of suffering for anyone who attains it.