The Basics of Buddhism

Buddhism is fast becoming a popular religion, evenunderstand the true nature of life and the Four Noble
among Americans. It is attractive to people who preferTruths.
a secular world view, but who also want some spiritual2. Right Determination - This means you must
guidance for their lives. But what are the essentials ofgenuinely want to give up evil and be a good person.
the Buddhist philosophy? Luckily, Buddhism loves lists,3. Right Speech - This means no lying, cursing,
and it is easy to break down the essentials ofbragging, boasting, or gossiping. It also means only
Buddhism into a few lists.speaking the truth if that truth won't harm anyone.
The Four Noble Truths:4. Right Action - This means that you conduct your
To be a Buddhist, you must first understand the Fourbehavior in a morally correct way at all times. Never
Noble Truths. These are:engage in dishonest behaviors, and never do any harm
1. Everything in life and in nature is characterized byto others.
frustration, disharmony, and suffering.5. Right Livelihood - You must have a profession or job
2. All of our suffering arises as a result of ourthat you can feel good about. You cannot have a job
attachment to worldly objects.that brings harm to others, such as working in a
3. The way to end our suffering is to cease ourweapons factory.
attachment to these worldly objects.6. Right Effort - You must put consistent effort into
4. The way to cease our attachment to worldlyyour attempts to perform the previous steps. It is hard
objects is by following the Eightfold Path.work, but it can be accomplished with enough vigilance.
So far, so good. The Four Noble Truths teach us that7. Right Mindfulness - You must keep your mind
life is characterized by suffering, but we can end thisfocused on the good and not on the bad. You must
suffering by following the Eightfold Path. What is theavoid drugs, alcohol, and other substances which can
Eightfold Path? As you may have guessed, it consistscloud the mind.
of eight requirements:8. Right Concentration - It is important to continuously
The Eightfold Path:develop your powers of concentration. This can be
1. Right Understanding - This means that you mustachieved by meditating daily.