What are some major beliefs of Buddhism and how is Buddhism practiced?

Answer 1

OK, that is quite a question. I will summarize as best I can. What we beleive is this:

The Three Marks of Existence, describe all living things which are:

(1) Life is full of dissatisfaction (Dukkha in Pali)

(2) Nothing lasts (impermanence (Anicca in Pali) )

(3) That all composite phenomena are without substance (Anatta in Pali) )

The Four Noble Truth describe our situation in this world, which are:

(1) Life is full of suffering.

(2) Suffering exists because of our desires and aversions.

(3) There is a state of mind in which suffering ends (enlightenment).

(4) There is a path to attain this state; That path is called the Eight Fold Path.

The Noble Eightfold Path is the key to enlightenment, which is:

(1) Right View / Understanding.

(2) Right Intention.

(3) Right Speech.

(4) Right Action.

(5) Right Livelihood.

(6) Right Effort.

(7) Right Mindfulness.

(8) Right Concentration.

The Five Precepts are the path to a moral life, which are:

(1) not to take the life of anything living,

(2) not to take anything not freely given,

(3) to abstain from sexual misconduct and sensual overindulgence,

(4) to refrain from untrue speech, and

(5) to avoid intoxication, that is, losing mindfulness.

As for how we practice we follow the Five Precepts and the Eightfold Path. The Five Precepts are pretty straight forward. The Noble Eightfold path needs some explanation, as follows:

1. Right Understanding of the following facts:

• the truth about suffering ... (The Four Truths);

• everything is impermanent and changes;

• there is no separate individual self- this is an illusion. (We are one!)

2. Right Intentionto:

• Give up what is wrong and evil;

• Undertake what is good;

• Abandon thoughts that have to do with bringing suffering to any conscious being; cultivate thoughts of loving kindness, that are based on caring about others' suffering, and sympathetic joy in others' happiness.

3. Right Speech:

• Abstain from telling lies.

• Abstain from talk that brings harm or discredit to others (such as backbiting or slander) or talk that creates hatred or disharmony between individuals and groups.

• Abstain from harsh, rude, impolite, malicious, or abusive language.

• Abstain from idle, useless, and foolish babble and gossip. Abstain from recrimination and negative statements.

• Abstain from harsh speech-practice kindly speech.

• Abstain from frivolous speech-practice meaningful speech.

• Abstain from slanderous speech-practice harmonious speech.

• Speak the truth if it is useful and timely. Practice only necessary speech. Let your speech be filled with loving kindness. Speak that which alleviates suffering.

4. Right Action:

• Peaceful, honorable conduct; abstain from dishonest dealings; take concrete steps necessary to foster what is good.

• Do things that are moral, honest, and alleviate suffering. Do not do things that will bring suffering to others or yourself.

5. Right Livelihood:

• Abstain from making your living from an occupation that brings harm and suffering to humans or animals, or diminish their well-being. This includes: activities that directly harm conscious beings, and activities that indirectly harm sentient beings, e.g., making weapons or poisons.

6. Right Effort:

• Foster good and prevent evil;

• Work on yourself-be engaged in appropriate self-improvement. The essence of right effort is that everything must be done with a sense of proper balance that fits the situation. Effort should be balanced between trying too hard and not trying hard enough. For example, strike the balance between excessive fasting and over-indulgence in food. Trying hard to progress too rapidly gets poor results, as does not trying hard enough.

7. Right Mindfulness or wakefulness:

• Foster right attention.

• Avoid whatever clouds our mental awareness (e.g., drugs).

• Systematically and intentionally develop awareness.

8. Right Concentration:

• Developed by practicing meditation and/or mental focusing. Proper meditation must be done continuously while awake, and should include work on awareness of body, emotions, thought, and mind objects.