BUDDHIST BELIEFS Ultimate goal of Buddhism is the

BUDDHIST BELIEFS Ultimate goal of Buddhism is “the end of human salvation”

Beliefs Most important aspect of Buddhism is that each person being responsible for their own salvation Does not have one single belief system Number of sources for Buddhists to use in search of spiritual truth All teaching show the way to end the suffering of life and stop samsara (endless cycle of uncontrolled rebirths)

Women in Buddhism No distinction between men and women Gender is part of the delusions that we have as unenlightened humans All humans have had past lives as both males and females Rebirth as a female entails more suffering because of menstruation, pregnancy and childbirth

The 3 Characteristics of Existence 1. 2. 3. Anicca (impermanence) – the world is in constant flux and nothing stays the same for long Dukkha (dissatisfaction) – all humans/animals experience suffering Anatta (selflessness or no-self) – there is no permanent independent self, just changing parts that we designate as self. Only when all parts are put together do we collectively call them a person

The Four Noble Truths All life is suffering (Dukkha). Life includes pain, getting old, disease, and ultimately death. Not getting what we want is suffering. Loneliness, frustration, fear, embarrassment, mourning, disappointment and anger are all also suffering.

The cause of suffering is desire or craving (Tanha). We will suffer if we expect others to conform to our expectations. Wanting deprives us of contentment and happiness. A lifetime of wanting and craving, especially craving to continue to exist, creates a powerful energy which causes the individual to be reborn.

Suffering can be overcome or extinguished through Enlightenment. True happiness and contentment are possible if we give up useless craving and learn to live each day at a time. We need to detach ourselves from craving. We will then have more time and energy to help others.

The Way to Enlightenment is to follow the Noble Eightfold Path. Together these steps embrace the primary focal points of Buddhist training (wisdom, morality and moderation).

The Noble Eightfold Path The symbol of the eight-spoke wheel was chosen by Buddha to represent the eight steps of the path The center of the wheel represents Nirvana Buddhists need to follow each step (spoke) of the path to revoke suffering Followed together as a way of life, not one at a time

The Noble Eightfold Path 1) Right View: We need a “blueprint” to guide us through life; therefore it is essential that we know the doctrine of the Four Noble Truths. 2) Right Thought / Right Intentions: The mind has to be freed from sensuous desire, ill-will, and cruelty. We are what we think, so nurture good thoughts because they produce good, strong character.

3) Right Speech: By using kind speech, we will be respected and trusted; therefore, we should not lie, criticize unjustly, use hard language, or engage in gossiping. 4) Right Conduct / Right Action: is observed by following the Five Precepts: * Abstain from killing or harming living beings * Abstain from stealing *Abstain from false speech (i. e. lying or gossiping) *Abstain from sexual misconduct *Abstain from taking intoxicants (i. e. alcohol, illegal drugs) 5) Right Livelihood: Earn a living through occupations that do not cause harm to living things. Trades that should be avoided include butchering of animals, lending money at excessively high rates of interest and trading in weapons, liquor or poison.

6) Right Effort: Conquer all evil thoughts and strive to have good thoughts. Individuals must do their best at all times and have goodwill toward others. 7) Right Mindfulness: A person has to recognize what is important and must not be led astray by unwholesome acts or thoughts. Full attention must be given to proper thoughts, words and deeds as explained in the Five Precepts. Doing something mindfully is not necessarily good; a person can steal and cheat mindfully, but these actions are the result of incorrect mindfulness. 8) Right Concentration (Right Contemplation): The final step involves focusing the mind on one thought at a time. This concentration leads to true peace of mind and tranquility. Deep meditation will lead to enlightenment.