Buddhism

Buddhism is a religion, or philosophy, that originated in India based on the teachings of Hinduism and Siddhartha Gautama an Indian prince who became “the Buddha”. The word Buddha is derived from ‘budhi’ or to ‘awaken’. Siddhartha awakened when he 35 years old.

To many people, Buddhism goes beyond religion and is more of a philosophy or ‘way of life’. It is a philosophy because philosophy ‘means love of wisdom’ and the Buddhist path can be summed up as:

  1. to lead a moral life,
  2. to be mindful and aware of thoughts and actions, and
  3. to develop wisdom and understanding.

My Connections to Buddhsm

The teachings in Buddhism of Lord Buddha have been a part of my life for many years going back to when I studied for a Bachelor of Theology at McGill University in the Faculty of Religious Studies in the 70’s.

Tibetan Buddhism – Trungpa Rinpoche

Buddhist practice influences my daily life. I was introduced to Tibetan Buddhism through the teachings of Trungpa Rinpoche in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Pure Land Buddhism

I was introduced to the Pure Land Buddhist Mahayana traditions of China at the True Buddha School.

Pure Land Buddhism is a branch of Buddhism focused on Amitabha “The Buddha of Infinite Light.” Kuan Shih Yin / Guanyin is part of my daily practice.

Basic Concepts of Buddhism

The basic concepts in Buddhism can be summed up by

  • the Four Noble Truths, and
  • the Noble Eightfold Path.

Four Noble Truths

The Four Noble Truths are fundamental concepts in Buddhism:

  1. Suffering (dukkha) is pervasive in our lives.
  2. The cause of suffering (samudaya) is ignorance or misunderstanding about our own nature and reality.
  3. The end of suffering (nirodha) is possible.
  4. The path (magga) leads to the cessation of suffering.

Noble Eightfold Path

The Noble Eightfold Path is a fundamental aspect of Buddhist teachings that outlines the way to end suffering and achieve enlightenment. It consists of the following eight components:

  1. Right Understanding: Understanding the nature of reality and the path of transformation.
  2. Right Intention: Commitment to ethical and mental self-improvement.
  3. Right Speech: Speaking truthfully and harmoniously.
  4. Right Action: Engaging in ethical conduct and refraining from harmful behaviors.
  5. Right Livelihood: Earning a living in a way that does not harm others.
  6. Right Effort: Cultivating positive states of mind and eliminating negative ones.
  7. Right Mindfulness: Developing awareness of the body, feelings, thoughts, and phenomena.
  8. Right Concentration: Practicing meditation to achieve a focused and tranquil mind.

Following this path leads to the cessation of suffering and the attainment of Nirvana.

Schools of Buddhism

Buddhism encompasses a variety of traditions, beliefs, and practices. Generally speaking Buddhists usually classify themselves as belonging to one of two schools of Buddhism namely Theravada or Mahayana.

Although some say that there are three schools Theravada, Mahayana, and Tibetan Buddhism.

Buddhist Resources

You can find a growing list of Buddhist resources to help you explore Buddhism.

My Spiritual Paths


Buddhism - My Points of Reference - richard edward ward

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