Essence of Buddhism

I. There is no god (existence of supernatural power) in Buddhism.

II. Buddhism is based on Rationality:

Buddha says on rationality/reasoning:

Do not believe in traditions merely because they have been handed down for many generations and in many places; do not believe in anything because it is rumoured and spoken of by many; do not believe because the written statements of some old sage is produced; do not believe in what you have fancied, thinking that because it is extraordinary, it must have been implanted by a deva or a wonderful being. After observation and analysis, when it agrees with reason and is conducive to the good and benefit of one and all, then accept it and live up to it.

-Kalama Sutta, Anguttara Nikaya

Accordingly Buddhism requires nothing to be accepted on trust without enquiry.

III. Panchacila:

1. Pranatipata vermani sikka padam samadiyami

Meaning no killing of living being.

2. Adinna dana vermani sikkapadam samadiyami

Meaning no stealing.

3. Kame su mithyachara vermani sikkapadam samadiyami

Meaning no adultery.

4. Musa vada vermani sikkapadam samadiyami

Meaning no lying

5. Suramerayamajja thana vermmani sikkapadam samadiyami

Meaning no consumption of toxicating drinks.

IV. The Four Noble Truths

1. Dukkha Suffering

2. Samudaya The arising of the suffering

3. Nirodha The cessation of suffering

4. Magga The path leading to the cessation of suffering

V. Noble Eightfold Path

Noble Eightfold Path consists of the following :

1. Samma –ditthi Right Understanding

2. Samma – sankalpa Right Thought

3. Samma – vaca Right speech

4. Samma- kammanta Right action

5. Samma – ajiva Right livelihood

6. Samma – vayama Right Efforts

7. Samma – sati Right Mindfulness

8. Samma – samadhi Right Concentration

VI. Ten Paramitas

Parami is a pali word meaning perfection.

1. Dana Giving, generosity, liberality

2. Cila Virtuous conduct, morality, righteousness

3. Khanti Forebearance, patience

4. Virya Energy

5. Nekkhamma Renunciation, selflessness

6. Prajna Wisdom, insight, intution

7. Sacca Truthfulness, honesty

8. Pranidhana Aspiration or resolution/determination

9. Metta Loving-kindness, compassionate

10. Upekkha Equanimity, calm, serene, unruffled and peaceful

VII. Advice of Buddha:

Sabba papassa akaranam, kusalassa upasampada

Sacittapariyodapanam, etam Buddhana sasanam

Meaning,

To cease from doing all evils, to cultivate good

To purify one’s mind, this is the advice of Buddha.

VIII. Dr.B.R.Ambedkar on Buddhism:

I like Buddhism because it gives the following three principles, which no other religion does:

1. Prajna Understanding as against superstition and supernaturalism

2. Karuna Love

3. Samata Equality

That is what man wants for good and happy life on earth.

References

1. Revival of Buddhism in India and role of Dr.Babasaheb B.R.Ambedkar' by Bhagwan Das, Dalit Today Prakashan, Lucknow (India)

2. Buddhism in a nutshell' by Narada Thera, Buddhist Missionary Society, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

3. The Essence of Buddhism' by P. Lakshmi Narasu, Asian Education Services, New Delhi (India)

4. Buddha & His Dhamma' by Dr.B.R.Ambedkar, Dr.B.R.Ambedkar Writings & Speeches Vol.11, published by Govt. of Maharashtra, India