What is the simple message that is the basis of Buddhism?

Answer 1

The simple message of Buddhism is that everyone's life is marked with some degree of unsatisfactoriness. This may be described as pain or suffering but that brings to mind writhing on the floor writhing. The cause of this condition is desire. Again the image inspired by desire is a hot lust for something, but it can be simply a vague feeling that things could be better. The escape from this condition is available to us, but it will require some effort on our part. This effort is to examine our lives and weed out the harmful things that we do and replace them with good things.

Buddha formalized this as the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path

The Four Noble Truths are:

• All life is suffering
• All suffering is caused by Desire
• All suffering (and desire) can be ended
• This end is achieved by following the Eightfold Path

The componenets of the Eightfold Path are:

Wisdom (The Exercise of Judgement)

1. Right understanding (right aspiration) - aspire to better the state of existence of yourself and others

Perseverance (Sound Ethical Discipline)

2. Right thought - think on that which is good

3. Right speech - be positive, honest, comforting and caring in what you say

4. Right action (Conduct) - do not be selfish but exert energy to do what you believe is good for all

5. Right livelihood - work for the good of humanity and use your talents well

6. Right effort - do not exert effort in pursuit of worthless or harmful goals

Meditation (Concentration and Focus)

7. Right mindfulness - direct your attention to that which is good and proper

8. Right concentration - be actively and wholly caught up in a way of life filled with love and good work

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Answer 2

Buddhism's main message are the Four Noble Truths:

• There is suffering in everyone's lfe
• The suffering is caused by desire
• There is a way to end desire and hence end suffering
• That way is to follow the Eightfold Path

Answer 3

This is an excellent answer posted previously by another contributor.

The simple message of Buddhism is that everyone's life is marked with some degree of unsatisfactoriness. This may be described as pain or suffering but that brings to mind writhing on the floor writhing. The cause of this condition is desire. Again the image inspired by desire is a hot lust for something, but it can be simply a vague feeling that things could be better. The escape from this condition is available to us, but it will require some effort on our part. This effort is to examine our lives and weed out the harmful things that we do and replace them with good things.

Buddha formalized this as the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path

The Four Noble Truths are:

• All life is suffering
• All suffering is caused by Desire
• All suffering (and desire) can be ended
• This end is achieved by following the Eightfold Path

The components of the Eightfold Path are:

Wisdom (The Exercise of Judgement)

1. Right understanding (right aspiration) - aspire to better the state of existence of yourself and others

Perseverance (Sound Ethical Discipline)

2. Right thought - think on that which is good

3. Right speech - be positive, honest, comforting and caring in what you say

4. Right action (Conduct) - do not be selfish but exert energy to do what you believe is good for all

5. Right livelihood - work for the good of humanity and use your talents well

6. Right effort - do not exert effort in pursuit of worthless or harmful goals

Meditation (Concentration and Focus)

7. Right mindfulness - direct your attention to that which is good and proper

8. Right concentration - be actively and wholly caught up in a way of life filled with love and good work

Answer 4

Meditate. Become conscious.