Buddhism
is a path of practice and spiritual development
leading to insight into Buddhahood (the true nature of life).
Shakyamuni
Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, appeared in this world
in 624 BC. He was born to Queen Mahamaya and King Shudhodana
of Kapilavastu on the full moon in May, at Lumbini, which
was on what is now the border between India and Nepal.
He
married Yosodhara and had a son. When he was 29 years old
the prince was traveling outside the palace when he saw
the “ Four Sights” –a sick man, an old
man, a corpse and a monk. He became convinced that all of
samsaric life was pervaded by suffering. Then he decide
to set out to find spiritual teachers. At first he engaged
in very austere practices. But after six years he realized
that such practices were not the true path to liberation
from suffering. He walked to Budhgaya, sat down beneath
a tree and vowed not to rise again until he had achieved
enlightenment. In the morning, a Buddha arose.
The Buddha did not begin to teach immediately after his
enlightenment. Upon request, he gave his first teaching
seven weeks later. This became known as the first Turning
of the Wheel of Dharma.
Just as doctors give different medicine for people with
different illnesses, so Buddha gave different teachings
for people with different capacities. In all, he gave 84,000
different teachings (Dharma Sutras). These meditations are
means of changing oneself in order to develop the good qualities
of awareness, kindness, and wisdom.
The
experience developed within the Buddhist traditions over
thousands of years has created an incomparable resource
for all those who wish to follow a path-a path which ultimately
culminates in Enlightenment or Buddhahood.
The basic tenets of Buddhist teaching are straightforward
and practical: nothing is fixed or permanent; actions have
consequences; change is possible. Thus Buddhism addresses
itself to all people, irrespective of race, nationality,
or gender. It teaches practical methods which enable people
to realize and utilize its teachings in order to transform
their experience, to be fully responsible for their lives
and to develop the qualities of wisdom and method.
Today, there are many people who follow the Buddha's path,
Dharma practitioners all around the world. There are many
different forms of Buddhism, but all traditions are characterized
by nonviolence, and encourage you to develop a "good
heart" towards all living beings.
