What book do buddhists study?

Answer 1

It depends on where you are and what commitment you want to make. If you are near a Buddhist monastery or Sangha (a gather of Buddhists) where they give teachings you can go there as a lay person and study with them. Or if a traveling spiritual teaching is giving a teaching near by (like the Dalia Lama, etc) you could attend that. You could also deicied to become a monk and join a monestary and receive teachings daily. Lastly you could purchase books and audio tapes and received the teachings in that manner.

Lastly to study Buddhism is the first step. To practice is the hard, but rewarding part.

Answer 2

Buddhist teachings vary from one school to the next, however the basic followings are the same.

To begin following the path to enlightenment one must become aware of the Four Noble Truths, The Five Precepts, The Eight Fold Path and many other teachings that have been passed down.

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I. Life is suffering - Life and suffering go hand in hand. Suffering is inevitable and we all have to endure physical suffering such as pain (mental or physical), old age, death, sickness, tiredness, frustration, depression, etc. Most suffering occurs when one fails to realize the impermanence of the world around him. Everything you know will eventually cease to exist. This ranges from emotions, to loved ones, to physical structures, to the universe itself. So thus one who clings to desire and lusts over physical objects is doomed to suffer.

II. The origin of suffering is attachment - Suffering occurs when there is a desire or an attachment for impermanent things. This is not limited to simple physical objects but ideas and perceptions as well. The desire for wealth, fame, popularity are all forms of attachment. Attachment to things cause suffering because these things are impermanent and will eventually go away. If you place your happiness or self worth in these items then your happiness will go away with them. Suffering is attachment.

III. The cessation of suffering is possible - By removing the cause of suffering, which is the attachment to and desire for impermanent things you remove the suffering itself. This is a very difficult truth to follow but when achieved can lead to Nirvana.

IV. The path to the cessation of suffering - The eight fold path is an in depth explanation to eradicating suffering from ones life. This is a slow but steady path to ending craving and attachment. It is a middle ground between the excess of self indulgence and self mortification. This path can take many rebirths but over time craving and attachment will cease completely.

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There are a total of 227 precepts but these are usually only observed by ordained Theravada monks. However the first five must be followed by all Buddhist monks.

I. Do not kill or cause harm - All living things have the inherent right to life. Following this precept allows one to cultivate a kind and respectful manner towards all living things. By following this precept one also will also try to find ways to protect living things from harm.

II. Do not steal - If it is not offered it is not yours to take. Respect for others property is very important when trying to develop a sense of compassion towards others and their property. Be it of a physical nature or of ideas and perceptions. To steal causes suffering which breaks not only this precept but also the first one.

III. Abstain from sexual misconduct - This does not mean to abstain from all sexual activities but the misconduct of such activities. Rape and Adultery are forms of sexual misconduct and do not only violate this precept but also the first and second precepts.

IV. Do not lie - Lying, even for the ease of mind of yourself or another individual, diverts away from the path of truth and wisdom. Following this precept can help one cultivate self confidence and mindfulness of the tongue. Instead of lying one should try to reconcile all conflicts through the use of truth and wisdom.

V. Do not take intoxicants - Diluting ones mind and clouding thought steers away from wisdom and truth. This is not limited to drugs and alcohol but also the intoxicants of fear and anger found in TV, magazines, books, etc. This precept focuses mainly on the mental health of oneself which allows for an individual to become fully capable of obtaining happiness and peace not only for them but also society around them.

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As stated above there are many followings in Buddhism. The Eight fold path, the four noble truths, the five precepts, conditions for violating the five precepts, the three roots of evil and so on. But to begin the path to enlightenment starts with understanding the four noble truths.