About Buddhism
What is Buddhism?
Buddhism is one of the world’s oldest and greatest religions. Originating in Northern India about 2,500 years ago, it has since influenced the lives of billions of people. First it was strictly an Asian religion but today it is one of the most energetic spiritual movements in the western world.
Buddhism is a path to salvation through inner peace, love, morality and wisdom. It is based on the teachings of Sakyamuni Buddha who attained Enlightenment under the Bodhi tree and discovered the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path to save humanity from endless suffering. The Buddha taught spiritual self-mastery and a way of life through the practice of mindfulness, compassion and wisdom.
Buddhism is not about blind belief in creeds or in unproven claims; it is about seeing clearly and experiencing the truth directly. The Buddha taught us to examine and experience for ourselves rather than to blindly accept the beliefs of others. Enlightenment is nothing more than seeing things as they are, rather than as one wishes or hopes them to be.
The Eightfold Path taught by the Buddha offers freedom of mind and heart, a sort of awakening of the spirit that allows us to touch Ultimate Reality and to gain liberation from suffering. By opening our hearts to the world and serving others, through love and compassion, we transform ourselves and the world into a higher state of humanity. Finally, the Buddhist path helps us to live more peacefully and joyfully in every moment. Our spiritual experience opens us up to the mystery and beauty of life.
Buddhism is a non-theistic religion
Buddhism is a non-theistic religion and way of life; it has a different view on what is Ultimate Reality. For Buddhists, the universe has a sacred, non-personal essence or force that is the ground of all things. This essence is eternal and without form, therefore indescribable, but it can be experienced in everyday life. The opening of our eyes, mind and experience to this sacredness is called Enlightenment. We call this essence or nature of things by many names, such as the Dharmakaya, Emptiness or the Tathagata.
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