Zen Lunatics
The Beat Generation
Spontaneous Prose
Life as a Dharma Bum
Links
Home

Foundations of Buddhism

The Four Noble Truths

1. Life means suffering.

2. The origin of suffering is attachment.

3. The cessation of suffering is attainable.

4. The path to the cessation of suffering.

Click the picture to read more

about ending suffering

The Eight Fold Path

1. Right View* Wisdom
2. Right Intention*
3. Right Speech* Ethical Conduct
4. Right Action*
5. Right Livelihood*
6. Right Effort Mental Development
7. Right Mindfulness*
8. Right Concentration*

"The Noble Eightfold Path describes the way to the end of suffering, as it was laid out by Siddhartha Gautama. It is a practical guideline to ethical and mental development with the goal of freeing the individual from attachments and delusions; and it finally leads to understanding the truth about all things. Together with the *Four Noble Truths* it constitutes the gist of Buddhism. Great emphasis is put on the practical aspect, because it is only through practice that one can attain a higher level of existence and finally reach Nirvana. The eight aspects of the path are not to be understood as a sequence of single steps, instead they are highly interdependent principles that have to be seen in relationship with each other."

For more on Buddhism visit:

* http://www.thebigview.com/buddhism/*

 

"The greatest achievement is selflessness.
The greatest worth is self-mastery.
The greatest quality is seeking to serve others.
The greatest precept is continual awareness.
The greatest medicine is the emptiness of everything.
The greatest action is not conforming with the worlds ways.
The greatest magic is transmuting the passions.
The greatest generosity is non-attachment.
The greatest goodness is a peaceful mind.
The greatest patience is humility.
The greatest effort is not concerned with results.
The greatest meditation is a mind that lets go.
The greatest wisdom is seeing through appearances."

Atisha (11th century Tibetan Buddhist master)

 

 

 

"We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts, we make the world."
Buddha

 

 

 

Click here and read more about the Spread of Buddhism from the East to the West

 

 

 

 

Images borrowed from Google Images