Buddhism has numerous schools. The early Buddhist texts stressed the historical figure of the Buddha, and the monk’s life-style and meditation. They reject the existence of a soul or metaphysical substance, but they recognize the existence of the self in a practical sense. The Buddha taught that life is a continuous stream of becoming, manifestations, and extinctions.
Buddhism encourages the cultivation of wholesome thoughts and discourages destructive, unwholesome thoughts. It also encourages meditation and nirvana, a state of complete awareness. Most Buddhists believe in the importance of looking within themselves to find the truth. The ultimate goal of meditation is enlightenment, or nirvana, or freedom from needless suffering. Although there are no words to describe nirvana, the experience is described as feeling blissful, as well as being able to see beauty.
Buddhism believes that all existence has three marks anatman (no soul), anitya (impermanence), and dukkha (suffering). Buddhism teaches that repeated rebirth is the result of ignorance in a previous life, which creates the tendency for the aggregates to develop. The combination of these aggregates leads to sensations and clinging to existence, which triggers a process of becoming.
Buddhism teaches the Four Noble Truths, which are the basis of its doctrine. First, dukkha (truth of suffering) is the primary cause of all suffering, and second, the cessation of suffering is nirodha. In other words, the Four Noble Truths are based on the fundamental truth that all suffering comes from the existence of desire, and that it is a temporary experience. Finally, Buddha’s doctrine teaches that all suffering can be overcome through understanding the nature of reality.
The Eightfold Path emphasizes cultivating the right attitudes to achieve nirvana. In Buddhist terms, these attitudes are called the Palaces of Brahma. The ethic leading to a better rebirth centers on fulfilling obligations to society, such as acting for the good of others, and supporting the sangha. In addition, a Buddhist must observe five precepts in order to develop a more balanced lifestyle. The aim of these precepts is to remove lust, anger, and other negative emotions.
Buddhism has many symbols. Among them are the lotus flower, the eight-spoked dharma wheel, the Bodhi tree, and the swastika, which means “well-being” or “good fortune.” It was founded by Siddhartha Gautama, a wealthy man who was moved by the suffering he witnessed in the world.
In the fifth century B.C.E., Siddhartha Gautama, a prince in India, began his quest for enlightenment. He was raised in luxury, but at 29 he realized that his life had been empty. He began a lifelong quest to attain enlightenment and became a renowned teacher of the Middle Way. His followers eventually organized a religious movement based on his teachings.