| Each one of us, when thinking about Buddhism, Buddha, Buddhists, conjures up different pictures. Some people imagine statues and idol worship, others will think about shaven-headed monks, or mass ceremonies with the image of Buddha.
What is a Buddhist?
Buddhism (or Buddha Dharma) is a very old religion based on the life of Siddhartha Gautama Shakyamuni, who lived and taught in India in the fifth or sixth century BCE. Buddhism believes that people seeking eternal happiness will find it through aware observation of themselves and their actions, and that it is not dependent on the benevolence of any god or external force. Buddhism believes that every person is reborn after their body dies. A person`s quality of life depends on his ‘karma’, that is, his good and the evil deeds in the course of his life.
Buddhists aspire to achieve a state of absolute tranquility that is called ‘Nirvana’, through following the Eightfold Path:
1. Right view
2. Right thought
3. Right speech
4. Right conduct
5. Right livelihood
6. Right effort
7. Right mindfulness
8. Right concentration
Who was Buddha?
Buddha was born to a royal family in India 2560 years ago. He grew up as a prince, and lived a life of pleasure and wealth. At the age of 29, he left the palace and his world was turned upside down. For the first time, he came upon the death of an elderly man and became very troubled by the subject of old age, illness and death.
From that moment on, Buddha decided to go in search of an answer that would overcome death and suffering. He studied with different teachers, but none of them was able to give him the solution.
At the age of 35, after six years of meditation, he understood the true nature of consciousness, ‘Nirvana’ and ‘Hara’. He decided henceforward to teach and pass on this method to thousands of his followers and believers.
Buddhism originated in India, but most Buddhists today live in other countries in eastern and southern Asia. There is also a growing minority of Buddhists in Europe and North America.
Buddhism is based on three principles:
The Buddha - the ideal, enlightened one, the one who has fulfilled his destiny and achieved nirvana
The Dharma - the truth revealed to Buddha, and taught by him
The Sangha - the community of believers following Buddha
Buddhists follow a number of rules of behavior, intended to prevent unethical actions. These rules are intended to serve two purposes:
1. A communal life that supports the practice of the Buddhist way
2. A psychological balance preventing conflict. Each person can undertake different degrees of practice and rules.
There are some basic precepts that are common to everyone:
1. To refrain from harming any living being
2. To refrain from taking that which is not given
3. To refrain from sensual misconduct
4. To refrain from hurtful speech
5. To refrain from the use of intoxicants
Statues of Buddha
Statues of Buddha may be small or large, but they are all in one form: Buddha seated with a lotus flower. A small statue of Buddha is part of the altar in every Buddhist`s home. The image of Buddha reminds believers how good he was, and helps them to pray.
Monks
Buddhist monks almost entirely renounce their worldly possessions. All they own is a saffron robe, a needle, a razor, a water strainer and an alms bowl. Monks spend all their time in prayer, teaching, and meditation. Every day they go out and beg for food in the streets. In certain Buddhist countries, all boys spend a short time in a monastery as part of their education.
What are the basic points of Buddhism?
There are four basic precepts that give meaning to life:
1. Learning - the ability to learn how to achieve Nirvana and Hara, to avoid suffering, to feel good and to be happy.
2. Understanding that we will not always have this opportunity. Everything that is born will die, everything that is put together will come apart, and everything that appears will disappear. Our time is limited; it is certain that our lives will come to an end, but we do not know when. It is of the greatest value to recognize the opportunity that we have now and desire to take advantage of it.
3. Understanding that the world is a system of causes and effects; and that our present actions, speech and thoughts create our future. Everything that we do, say or think leaves traces that will return to us later - especially that which is negative, which will recur in the form of suffering or unpleasant situations in the future, unless we use meditation to dispel it.
4. Recognition of the fact that there is no substitute for the use of learning. Hara is the highest form of happiness. There is nothing more satisfying or absolute than this state in which all things, kinds, creatures and directions come together. How can we help others, when we are suffering and confused ourselves?
Relating to these four factors therefore represents the basis for Buddhist practice and meditation.
Main festivals:
Vesak or Buddha Day is a festival marking Buddha`s birthday, the date of his death, and the date of his enlightenment, and is the most important festival.
Buddhist New Year - most Buddhists celebrate New Year over three days in the month of April, when the moon is full. The Mahayana celebrate New Year during full moon in January, while in Tibet it is celebrated in March.
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