Introduction to Buddhism

         The Buddha was born as Siddhartha Gautama in Nepal. He was born into wealth. His family was a royal family of a small kingdom of the Indian-Nepalese border. He had a comfortable upbringing, but his attachment to material things was disrupted when he discovered old age, sickness, and death. His exposure to such morbid views caused him to question the meaning of life. His reaction to the world's sadness inspired him to leave his kush life and adopt the traditional Indian path of the wandering holy man. The goal was to find the Truth of life. His new conversion of life transformed him into a devotee of meditation. After a while, he lived out ascetic practices. He was so devoted to his lifestyle that he began to starve himself. Despite his mission in engaging in various methods, he wasn't able to solve the mystery of life and death. He came to realize that he needed to try something different. So he decided to look into his heart and mind, where he used direct experience and intuition to be his guide to the Truth. In order to reach Enlightenment, he sat under a pipal tree for 40 days. After the extended days, he finally reached Freedom. Throughout the the 45 years of his life, the Buddha traveled through India to spread his understanding. His influence touched all types of people, resulting in some of his disciples reaching Enlightenment. He is seen as a model for Buddhists to emulate in order to reach Enlightenment.

       The 'Three Jewels' are seen as integral ideals in Buddhism. They consist of the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. Incorporating these three jewels is the key to becoming a Buddha. The Buddha is the yellow jewel and it refers to Buddha and Buddhahood. Going for refuge to the Buddha is using him as your model in your life. Engaging in this allows you to accomplish Buddhahood. The goal of this is to coherently view the nature of reality. Dharma refers to the teachings of the Buddha. It is also the teaching that was created when the Buddha actualized his knowledge and taught it to others (his Enlightenment). Dharma is also the practices that are written down in the scriptures. The Sangha is the spiritual community. It also pertains to the people you share your spiritual live with.The support and guidance of other people will help you reach your path towards Enlightenment.

      The Threefold Way consists of ethics, meditation, and wisdom. The ethical code known as Five Percepts are 'principles of training'. Wisdom will help you understand reality. Meditation helps transform the mind. It also helps bring about concentration, clarity, emotional positivity, and a clear view of reality.

      The first noble truth is that "All existence is dukkha". This idea focuses on the sufferings of life. Existence is difficult, and it brings hardships and suffering. The second truth is that we suffer because we have desires. The third truth is that in order to stop our suffering, we need to eliminate our desires. Lastly, in order to eliminate our desires we need to follow the Noble Eightfold Path.

     The Eightfold Path consists of: 1. Right Understanding or Perfect Vision 2. Right Resolve or PErfect Emotion 3. Right Speech or Perfect Speech 4. Right Action or Perfect Action 5. Right Livelihood or Perfect Livelihood 6. Right Effort or Perfect Effort 7. Right Mindfulness or Perfect Awareness 8. Right Mindness or Perfect Samadhi. It serves as a source of guidance and wisdom to live our lives.