Buddhism has a great significance in the history of India. Find about history and origin of Buddhism
Buddhism
The socio-economic conditions during the 6th century BC led to the rise of many heterodox sects in India and Buddhism was one of them. Buddhism forms an important part of Indian history and culture. Buddhism
is a religion that is based on Dharma and Philosophy. It was started by
Siddhartha Gautama more popularly known as Lord Buddha. The word Buddha
essentially means the "Awakened One". The teachings of Buddha
have been preserved till date and are essentially in Sanskrit and Pali
language. The history of Buddhism dates back to almost 2500 years and
was established around the 5th Century B.C. In this section, we give an
introduction to Buddhism and cover the important aspects of Buddhism
religion.
A Buddha is basically described as a person who "wakes up"
from the "sleep of ignorance". This is done through constant
efforts such as meditation and abstaining from materialistic pleasures.
The person realizes the true meaning of reality without any help from
others and lives the rest of his life preaching knowledge for the
benefit of others. A person who wants to attain inner bliss and true
happiness should stay away from all worldly pleasures and do meditation
in order to tame the mind. Nirvana can be attained by following the Four
Noble Truths that lead you to the Eight Fold Path of nirvana.
The Four Noble Truths 
To attain inner happiness and bliss, one must first realize the Four
Noble Truths that explains the true meaning of life. The Four Noble
Truths are:
- Life means suffering
- Origin of suffering is attachment
- Cessation of suffering is attainable
- Path to the cessation of suffering is Eight Fold Path
A person who realizes the meaning of the Four Noble
Truths is closer to the attainment of Nirvana. On realizing the meaning
of life, it is easier to accept reality and strive towards attaining a
stage that is called Nirvana. The Four Noble Truths assert that
suffering exists in the world. The cause of human suffering is
attachment and the inability to let go of worldly possessions. However
this suffering is temporary and can be terminated. The path that leads
to the termination of suffering is the Eight Fold Path.
The Eight Fold Path
The Eight Fold Path basically explains the way to end suffering and
attain Nirvana. It is also known as the Middle Way as it lies somewhere
between total intemperance and total asceticism. It is about seeking the
bliss through a way that makes not just the soul but also the body
relaxed and peaceful. The Eight Fold Path is as follows:
- Right View
The first aspect of the Eight Fold Path is right view and
perception. The ability to see through things clearly will help you
in instilling the right thought and right action.
- Right Intention
The right view leads to the right intention. This basically refers
to preferences and decisions. This is the first step towards
performing right action and deeds. Right intention can be explained
as the feeling of dedication towards self improvement.
- Right Speech
Right speech is known as the first principle of moral and ethical
conduct. The right speech is an integral part of the Eight Fold
Path. Words should be chosen carefully so as not to cause pain to
another soul. Words are crucial as they can either make or break
relations. Positive, warm and friendly words are the foundation of
right speech.
- Right Action
Right action basically refers to the deeds and bodily actions that
are performed by an individual. These actions should not be done
with wrong intentions or with a hurtful thought. The actions that
you do should bring about a positive effect or change in the life of
an individual.
- Right Livelihood
The right kind of livelihood means that one should earn a living
through ethical means, hard work and the right way. One should not
indulge in wrong means of earning money like taking lives, selling
animals and human trafficking, selling intoxicants or alcohol, etc.
- Right Effort
The right effort is what makes all other paths worthwhile. Without
effort nothing is achievable in life. Positive effort takes a person
towards positive goals in life while distracted efforts take a
person towards negative goals. The right kind of effort makes every
action and word meaningful and worthwhile and brings you closer to
Nirvana.
- Right Mindfulness
The process of conceptualization with the help of active
observation and controlled thoughts is known as right mindfulness.
Perception induces thought and this thought is interpreted into
experiences and actions. The ability to see things in a clear
perspective with transparent consciousness is what right mindfulness
is all about.
- Right Concentration
The final principle of the Eight Fold Path is the right
concentration. The mind should be concentrated on positive forces so
as to achieve positive results. If used properly, concentration of
the mind is very powerful. People who practice Buddhism meditate to
focus their minds in order clear it from clutter (unwanted
thoughts). This concentration helps to see things in a clearer
perspective and accept reality the way it is.
