Buddhism

From Buddhist Encyclopedia

• Chinese :  佛教 fojiao

Buddhism consists of the teachings of the Buddha, known as the buddha-dharma, meaning teachings of the awakened one. Among the founders of all great religions, the Buddha was the only master who did not claim to be other than a simple human being, instead of an authorised higher being over mankind. The Buddha attributed all his realization and attainments to pure human endeavour. Every man has within himself the equal potentiality of becoming a Buddha if he so wills it and endeavours. Man is his own master, and there is no higher being or power that sits in judgment over his destiny.

Buddhism teaches one to develop one's mind so that one finally sees life as it really is. From his own experience, the Buddha has shown that there is a way to end suffering and attain supreme happiness.

The Buddhist Philosophy, that emphasis on the Middle Way not only provides a wise guideline for ethics but it has also allowed Buddhism to peacefully coexist with various local beliefs, customs, and institutions in adopted countries. Balance prevails in the ways in which Buddhism is neither theistic nor atheistic, for being Buddhist does not require anyone to renounce his or her original religion or belief system.

Today, Buddhism is recognized worldwide as a symbol of peace and non-violence, with over 700 million compassionate followers.

Free Enquiry

The Buddha encouraged people to investigate the truth of his teaching for themselves before accepting it. He never expected people to practise his teaching out of blind faith. People should only practise what they find to be beneficial physically and mentally.

Self-reliance

Buddhism stresses the need for self-reliance and individual effort. Each man must work out for himself. It is his own actions that determine his future. Each man is responsible for his own actions. Every man can progress or develop as much as his own efforts allow. Through self-discipline, mental-cultivation and wise judgement, every one can reach the highest goals of life.

Tolerance

Buddhism respects the right of people to enquire freely and to choose for themselves. Buddhism teaches one to live in harmony with all, regardless of race or religion.

Buddhism and Science

There is no conflict between science and Buddhism. The impermanence of matter, the divisibility of the atom, the relativity of matter and energy and the structure of the universe - all these are contained in the Buddha's teaching. The true nature of the mind and the universe as taught by the Buddha, are gradually being revealed by modern scientific discoveries.

"Buddhism has the characteristics of what would be expected in a cosmic religion for the future: it transcends a personal god, avoids dogmas and theology; it covers both the natural and spiritual, and it is based on a religious sense aspiring from the experience of all things, natural and spiritual, as a meaningful unity."
- Albert Einstein

References

• Buddhism and Science
• What is this Religion
• The Buddha and His Teachings by Ven. Narada Maha Thera
• Buddhist Portal