Buddhism can be a religion but it doesn’t have to be. Buddhism is a set of principles and practices that demonstrably improve your life. No faith is necessary. You can believe in another religion or be an atheist and it still works.
The Four Noble Truths
1. Life means suffering and struggle 2. The origin of suffering and struggle is attachment 3. It is possible to end suffering and struggle through… 4. …The Eightfold Path
The Eightfold Path
1. Right View (The Four Noble Truths) 2. Right Intention 3. Right Speech 4. Right Action (The Precepts) 5. Right Livelihood 6. Right Effort 7. Right Mindfulness 8. Right Concentration
Buddhist Virtues (The Four Immeasurables)
1. Compassion: The intention and capacity to relieve the suffering of oneself and all other living beings.
2. Loving Kindness: The intention and capacity to bring joy and happiness to oneself and all other living beings.
3. Empathetic Joy: Rejoicing in the happiness and virtues of another living being
4. Equanimity: Accepting loss or gain, praise or blame, success or failure with detachment. Regarding all living beings equally. Being clear-minded and tranquil but not dull.
The Three Poisons (The Roots of All Suffering)
- Anger/Aversion/Hatred
- Craving/Attachment/Greed
- Delusion/Ignorance
The Three Jewels (The Credo of Buddhism)
- Buddha: Mindfulness, your highest spiritual potential
- Dharma: The teachings of the Buddha and the practice of those teachings
- Sangha: The community that supports that practiceI take refuge in the Buddha,
I take refuge in the Dharma, the way of understanding and love
I take refuge in the Sangha, the community that lives in harmony and awareness
