What are the guiding principals of Buddhism?

Answer 1

Buddhism is a big fuzzy beast that can be approached from many sides; there is no one answer to this question. I will offer up three possible sets of "basics":

The usual approach is the Four Noble Truths: That every being capable of suffering does suffer; that suffering can end; that there is a source for that suffering; that there is a path to the end of suffering. Truths #1 and #2 are pretty obvious to everyone. #3 seems pretty logical but needs fuller explanation, doesn't it? #4 is a phrase that covers many books' worth of explanation.

Another way of looking at the same thing is the principal that underlies all of Buddhism: causation. That every phenomena -- what you can sense and even what you *think* -- arises dependent on already existing conditions, remains only so long as those conditions don't change and (since everything changes) therefore everything that arises DOES change; and eventually everything passes away. This is the main insight needed to understand the first of the three "marks of existence" (which are *another* way of looking at the fundamentals).

(1) Impermanence: is everything arising from causes, changing, and passing away

(2) Not Self: is the insight that you *too* arise from causes, change, and pass away -- when we are dealing with our own selves we need to recognize that we are not permanent, unchanging, or separate

(3) Dukkha: the word usually translated as "suffering" but that translation is only a rough approximation -- sometimes translated as "unsatisfactoriness" or "stress". Because we tend to see things in the world as permanent (or because we want them to be, even if we see that they are not) we end up constantly confused and disappointed -- the "impermanent" and "not self" nature of the world (when unseen by us) causes us no end of trouble which is what's covered by the word "dukkha".

Answer 2

The fundamental principles of Buddhism are The Four Noble Truths.

1. Suffering exists.
2. Craving is the cause of suffering.
3. If you eliminate craving, you eliminate suffering.
4. You can eliminate craving and thereby suffering by following the Noble Eightfold Path.

Answer 3

The three pillars or treasures of Buddhism are: Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. There are different ways to interpret these three. Taking refuge in Buddha means taking refuge in one's own Buddha nature by realizing it. Taking refuge in Dharma means directly experiencing truth. Taking refuge in Sangha means identifying oneself as a member of the group of those who practice Buddhism.

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Answer 4

Non - harming of other human beings, compassion, wisdom, and the goal of Transcendence of all worldly limitations.

Answer 5

Karma, Ahimsa, Aparigraha and Anekantwad.