Buddhism
Explore the comprehensive guide to Buddhism - its ancient wisdom, meditation practices, and path to liberation from suffering.
History
Historical development
Scriptures
Sacred texts
Teachings
Core principles
Articles
In-depth studies
Core Beliefs
The fundamental teachings about suffering and its cessation
Significance:
Foundation of Buddhist philosophy and practice
Key Aspects:
- Suffering exists
- Suffering has a cause
- Suffering can end
- Path to end suffering
The path leading to the end of suffering and enlightenment
Significance:
Practical guide for ethical living and spiritual development
Key Aspects:
- Right Understanding
- Right Intention
- Right Speech
- Right Action
- Right Livelihood
- Right Effort
- Right Mindfulness
- Right Concentration
Impermanence, suffering, and non-self as characteristics of existence
Significance:
Understanding the nature of reality and developing wisdom
Key Aspects:
- Anicca (Impermanence)
- Dukkha (Suffering)
- Anatta (Non-self)
The law of cause and effect governing rebirth and liberation
Significance:
Explains moral responsibility and the cycle of rebirth
Key Aspects:
- Actions have consequences
- Rebirth based on karma
- Path to liberation
- Breaking the cycle
Core Practices
Mental training for developing mindfulness and insight
Importance:
Core practice for spiritual development and wisdom
Key Elements:
- Mindfulness meditation
- Loving-kindness meditation
- Insight meditation
- Concentration practices
Following the Five Precepts and ethical guidelines
Importance:
Foundation for spiritual practice and social harmony
Key Elements:
- Non-harming
- Truthful speech
- Right livelihood
- Mindful consumption
- Sexual responsibility
Understanding the nature of reality and developing insight
Importance:
Essential for liberation and enlightenment
Key Elements:
- Study of teachings
- Contemplation
- Direct insight
- Understanding impermanence
Major Traditions
Oldest tradition
The "Way of the Elders," emphasizing individual liberation
Characteristics:
- Focus on arhat ideal
- Pali canon
- Monastic emphasis
- Southeast Asia
Largest tradition
The "Great Vehicle," emphasizing compassion and universal liberation
Characteristics:
- Bodhisattva ideal
- Compassion emphasis
- Diverse texts
- East Asia
Advanced tradition
The "Diamond Vehicle," using advanced meditation techniques
Characteristics:
- Tantric practices
- Guru devotion
- Advanced techniques
- Tibet and Mongolia
Explore Further
Explore the historical development of buddhism from its origins to the modern era.
Discover the sacred texts and wisdom literature of buddhism.
Learn about the core teachings, principles, and practices of buddhism.
Read in-depth articles about buddhism history, theology, and contemporary issues.
Learn about spiritual practices and meditation from buddhism tradition.
Compare buddhism with other world religions and explore interfaith dialogue.