Buddhism is one of the worlds largest religions and originated 2,500 years ago in India. Buddhists believe that human life is a cycle of suffering and rebirth, but that if one achieves a state of enlightenment (nirvana), it is possible to escape this cycle. Nirvana is an enlightened state that is free from desire and is achieved by continually seeking and eventually accomplishing self-perfection. Buddhists look within themselves for the truth and understanding of Buddhas teachings.
Buddhists adhere to the moral code of The Five Precepts, which are abstaining from harming living beings, stealing, sexual misconduct, false speech, and intoxicating drinks and drugs. Within Buddhism, there is a continuous cycle of life, death, and rebirth known as samsara, and the ultimate aim of Buddhist practice is to become free from samsara. A persons rebirth is dependent on their previous thoughts and actions, and each intentional action, good or bad, gives rise to karma/kamma.
The Four Noble Truths comprise the essence of Buddhas teachings, and they are the truth of suffering, the truth of the cause of suffering, the truth of the end of suffering, and the truth of the path that leads to the end of suffering. The First Truth identifies the presence of suffering, and the Fourth Truth outlines the Eightfold Path, which is the path to the end of suffering. The Eightfold Path includes right understanding, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration.
Buddhists believe that human beings have the potential to become free from suffering by practicing meditation and cultivating a lifestyle prescribed by the Buddha.
