Buddhism Basics
BUDDHISM was founded by SIDDHARTHA GAUTAMA (~563-483 BCE), an Indian prince who left royal life to seek the cause and end of human suffering. After years of seeking, he attained ENLIGHTENMENT under the Bodhi Tree — became the BUDDHA ("Awakened One"). Today ~500 million Buddhists worldwide. Buddhism is unusual: does not require belief in a personal God; central question is psychological — how to end suffering.
The Four Noble Truths. (1) Life involves SUFFERING (dukkha — dissatisfaction, stress). (2) Suffering has CAUSES — primarily craving and attachment. (3) Suffering can END — by ending the causes. (4) The path to ending suffering is the EIGHTFOLD PATH: right view, intention, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, concentration.
What is the central QUESTION Buddhism tries to answer?
Major branches. THERAVADA: oldest school; emphasizes monastic life. MAHAYANA: larger; emphasizes the bodhisattva path of working for others' enlightenment (China, Korea, Japan, Vietnam). VAJRAYANA (or Tibetan): incorporates esoteric practices. ZEN is a Mahayana tradition. Modern MINDFULNESS movement has secular roots in Buddhist meditation practices.
Try a Meditation
Try 5 minutes of mindful breathing. Sit quietly. Notice the breath moving in and out. When mind wanders, gently return attention to breath. This simple practice has been transforming minds for 2,500 years.
Buddhism offers a sophisticated psychological tradition focused on the human mind and ethics.
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