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Asoka and Mauryan Empire

Known as one of the most powerful emperors of India's history, Asoka the Great ruled over most of the Indian subcontinent during much of the third century BC. As ruler of the Mauryan Empire, the largest empire in India's history, he is heralded for bringing stability and prosperity to the lands of India.

However, despite this great claim to fame, the details of his life are rather nebulous. In fact, most historians will agree that when it comes to Asoka the Great, it's hard to tell fact from fiction. For this reason, there's really just one solid thing I'd like you to grasp. Here it is: Asoka is credited with bringing Buddhism to its height in India while also spreading it to Eastern and Southeastern Asia. If you can remember this little piece of info, you'll be in good shape. Now on to some details of his life.

Violence of Asoka

Like I said before, Asoka was a member of the Mauryan Dynasty. Unfortunately for the people of India, this dynasty was known for its ruthless leaders. They were well known for using their military strength to not only conquer new lands but to torture and devastate any who stood in their way.

Like those before him, Asoka kept up the family tradition of violence and cruelty. In fact, tradition tells us that perhaps even more than his forefathers, Asoka had an unquenchable thirst for land and power.

This craving for more led him to wage war against Kalinga, a small neighboring state of India. However, the people of Kalinga had no desire to surrender or give up their lands. Although outnumbered by the Indian forces, the people of Kalinga stood their ground and fought.

What then ensued is what many historians call the bloodiest battle in all of the world's history. By the time the war was over and Kalinga was defeated, hundreds of thousands of men lay dead, and the path was paved for Asoka to claim the entire continent.

Conversion to Buddhism

What happened next is where many historians think fact and fiction collide. According to tradition, this is where Asoka had his great awakening and a change of heart. Seeing the carnage and death his greed had cost, Asoka was devastated. Putting down his weapons, he grieved the loss of life he saw all around him and swore to bring peace, not violence, for the rest of his days.

In this state of repentance of sorts, he turned to the dharma, or the teachings of Buddha. Renouncing his own acts of violence, Asoka actually halted his march toward total dominance of the entire subcontinent. Yes, most students from the Buddhist school of thought will tell you this was proof that his heartfelt conversion to Buddhism was real. However, many historians, although they agree he stopped his conquest, aren't quite willing to go that far.

Adding to the halting of his conquests and lending more credence to those who believe his conversion to the non-violent beliefs of Buddhism was sincere, Asoka began passing edict upon edict dealing with things like freedom of religion, helping the poor, the abolishment of cruelty toward animals and the sanctity of human life.

Ordering his many officials to inscribe these edicts in stone, these edicts of Asoka have come to be known as the Rock Edicts. These Rock Edicts, rediscovered by 19th-century archaeologists, have given the world the most definitive proof of Asoka's reign.

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emperor asoka: the height of buddhism - video & lesson transcript | study.com

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Emperor Asoka: The Height of Buddhism - Video & Lesson Transcript | Study.com

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Known as one of the most powerful emperors of India's history, Asoka the Great ruled over most of the Indian subcontinent during much of the third century BC. As ruler of the Mauryan Empire, the largest empire in India's history, he is heralded for bringing stability and prosperity to the lands of India.

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Comparison to Hinduism

Depending on which source or scholar you choose to cite, a woman's place in Buddhism can either seem rather equal to men's or rather backseat. Like most subjective issues, it sort of depends on your own paradigm and the opinion of those you listen to. In today's lesson we'll take a look at this topic, and in the end you can decide what you think.

For starters, when stacked up against ancient Hinduism, in which Buddhism has its roots, many would say Buddhism has come a long way in the 'equality of women' department. For example, in ancient Hinduism, women were seen as completely dependent on men for not only their material health but also their spiritual health. In short, Hindu women were considered below men in every aspect of their daily lives and their reincarnated lives to come.

Perhaps nowhere is this more plainly seen than in the Hindu ritual of sati in which a widow would actually commit suicide by throwing herself on her husband's funeral pyre. Although this sounds downright insane to those of us from the Western world, to an ancient Hindu woman this was really her only shot at being reincarnated to a better life.

Women and Nirvana

In light of this, it's easy to see why many claim Buddhism offered a step up for women. For instance, differing quite a bit from Hinduism and its suicidal sati ritual, Buddha taught that anyone, regardless of sex or social position, could achieve enlightenment and the freedom from the cycle of reincarnation.

Known to Buddhists as nirvana, this freedom and enlightenment was open to women from all levels of society. Although this new idea didn't really change the patriarchal society of ancient India or Asia, many would say it offered women much more than Hinduism had. In short, it allowed them to be seen as religiously independent of men. In Western terms, one might say it appeared to give women the freedom to sort of decide their own destinies.

Adding to this, many scholars claim that Buddhism's acceptance of nuns to the faith was also a boost for women. However, although this does make it stand out from many other Eastern religions, many scholars would claim it's not quite as feministically-minded as it may sound. According to David Noss, a leading author on the topic of religion, Buddha himself was rather skeptical about accepting nuns into the faith.

Buddhist Nuns

Noss reports that several of the sutra, or discourses of Buddha, reflect the idea that Buddha actually felt female seduction was a huge hazard to male monasticism. In other words, Buddha thought that the addition of nuns into religious orders just might be too much of a temptation for men.

Despite Noss's estimation of Buddha's opinion on nuns, Noss reports that convents actually made up about 40% of the Chinese Buddhist monasteries of the 8th century. Adding to this, Noss reports that the 11th century saw Buddhist nuns, or bhikkhuni, making up about 30% of all Buddhist monastics.

Orthodox Buddhism

In addition to this, many scholars believe that the Zen Buddhist monasteries of Japan have traditionally offered the most equality or gender-free acceptance to women. However, the very same scholars would admit this is still an anomaly. In most traditional Buddhist schools of thought, especially the most conservative and orthodox Buddhist branch known as Theravada, there is little to no chance for a woman to become a legitimate member of the monastic order. Actual ordination is off limits to women.

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gender equality in buddhism - video & lesson transcript | study.com

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Gender Equality in Buddhism - Video & Lesson Transcript | Study.com

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Depending on which source or scholar you choose to cite, a woman's place in Buddhism can either seem rather equal to men's or rather backseat. Like most subjective issues, it sort of depends on your own paradigm and the opinion of those you listen to.

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Religious Freedom Denied | Human Rights Watch

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Idea Deeper Into Conflict Past Mongolia Cambodia Comments

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Buddhism vs Southeast Asia Communism Founded by Siddhartha Gautama in the 5th century The goal of Buddhism is to achieve Nirvana You achieve this by following the Eightfold Path, karma and dharma, and the Four Noble Truths You must rid all greed and desires to remove suffering and achieve enlightenment Southeast Asian Countries Sources "Communist Countries."

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Buddhism is centered around the teachings of the Buddha, an Indian man named Siddhartha who achieved enlightenment around 2,500 years ago while sitting under a bodhi tree. The main goals of all Buddhist sects is to fight suffering, live simply and attain enlightenment. Over the centuries, the Buddha's teachings spread from the Indian peninsula to Asia and then throughout the world. Various sects or schools of Buddhism developed during this spread; however, all have similar paths toward the same goal.

Mahayana

Also known as The Great Vehicle, Mahayana Buddhism is one of the oldest Buddhist sects, having separated from Indian Buddhism in the first century A.D. The largest school of Buddhism, Mahayana differs from other Buddhist sects in that it advocates delaying total enlightenment in order to help others through charity and ending suffering. This is called being a bodhisattva, or one who actively tries to become a Buddha or act Buddha-like by helping others. Mahayana Buddhism, more than other sects, focuses on the religious community and working with others, rather than solely achieving personal enlightenment. The Great Vehicle also promotes worship of Buddhist leaders and bodhisattvas, making this branch of Buddhism similar to deity-based religions.

Theravada

Sometimes disparagingly referred to at The Lesser Vehicle, Theravada Buddhism is predominant in Southeastern Asia in countries like Thailand, Myanmar and Vietnam. Generally viewed as the oldest form of Buddhism, Theravada is conservative, focusing on the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. The Four Noble Truths, briefly, are: there is suffering, there is a cause for it, there is a way to end it and there is a path to freedom from it. In addition to meditation, Theravada Buddhists practice seven steps to purification from ignorance and suffering. Unlike other sects of Buddhism, Theravada practitioners believe that those who have achieved enlightenment are perfect or infallible.

Tibetan

While technically a branch of Mahayana Buddhism, Tibetan Buddhism has its own approach and teachings. Founded in Tibet in the eighth century, Tibetan Buddhism focuses on symbolism, awareness of death and ritualistic practices. Teachers, or "lamas," hold great significance in Tibetan Buddhism, as they inform and educate lay people of Buddhist scripture and practices. While mostly influential in Tibet and surrounding areas, Tibetan Buddhism has worldwide visibility thanks to the respected writings and teachings of the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibet. Tibetan Buddhists are concerned with living correctly and the life-death cycle, in addition to enlightenment. Showing its close relationship to Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhists also believe in reincarnation.

Zen

When Buddhism moved across the Himalayas from India to China, it lost some of its old world traditions and developed into a sleek, stripped-down form of Buddhism called Zen, a word that comes from the Chinese word "Ch'an," or meditation. It then moved to Japan and developed its modern form. Zen focuses on the "perfection of personhood," according to the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Its practitioners' goal is to attain enlightenment by self-development through sitting meditation, or "zazen." Zen followers seek to break their minds' attachment to thinking and lead a simpler existence. This branch of Buddhism is also popular in Europe and America, with Zen masters moving West in the early twentieth century to teach this form of Buddhism.

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Are There Denominations or Sects of Buddhism? | Synonym

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Buddhism is centered around the teachings of the Buddha, an Indian man named Siddhartha who achieved enlightenment around 2,500 years ago while sitting under a bodhi tree. The main goals of all Buddhist sects is to fight suffering, live simply and attain enlightenment.

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There are 3 major denominations of Buddhism which are Mahayana, Theravada, and Vajrayana.

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Branches of Buddhism

Most world religions have different sects or branches, each with their own school of thought. For instance, Christianity has Lutheranism and Evangelicalism, while Islam has their Sunni and Shiites. Similarly, Buddhism can be broken down into three main schools. They are Theravada Buddhism, Mahayana Buddhism, and Vajrayana Buddhism. In today's lesson, we'll explore these main branches of this faith.

Theravada

Being that it's the most conservative, or orthodox, branch of Buddhism, we'll start with Theravada Buddhism. Being a very strict, more monastic branch of Buddhism, Theravada Buddhism holds most firmly to the original teachings, or themes, of Buddha. For this reason, and to aid in remembering this one, I usually link the word 'Theravada' to the word 'themes.'

Being practiced in much of Southeast Asia and especially Sri Lanka, Theravada Buddhism holds firmly to Buddha's belief that human existence is full of suffering, that nothing on Earth is ever permanent, and that humans are just a part of this fleeting, rather insignificant whole. For this reason, Buddha taught that nothing in this world should be held tightly or even desired. Instead, he instructed his followers to stay away from evil, seek only what is good, and continually work to purify their minds.

According to Theravada Buddhism, one must live ethically, meditate, and seek wisdom. These teachings come from the sacred texts of Buddhism, known as the Tripitaka, and according to Theravada Buddhism they are to be taken literally and followed in one's daily life. In following the Tripitaka, a person will achieve the ultimate Buddhist goal of nirvana, which is enlightenment and freedom from the cycle of death and rebirth. With its focus on nirvana and its adherence to the oldest teachings of Buddha, Theravada Buddhism is often referred to as the 'Path of the Elders.'

Loosely translated by the West as freedom from reincarnation, the word nirvana actually means 'to extinguish.' This connotes the Buddhist belief that nirvana is sort of the snuffing out of all Earthly desires, passions, and attachments, and in Theravada Buddhism, a person who achieves nirvana is known as an arhat. Again, since this branch holds most firmly to the original teachings, or themes, of Buddha, it helps me to remember it by linking the word 'Theravada' to the word 'themes.'

Mahayana

Next is Mahayana Buddhism. Differing from the Theravada branch, Mahayana Buddhism has made alterations to Buddha's original teachings. Open to many, Mahayana Buddhism believes enlightenment is universally accessible to everyone.

In fact, Pure Land Buddhism, which is sort of a sub-sect of Mahayana Buddhism practiced in both China and Japan, believe its followers can be reborn into a Western paradise before attaining true nirvana. Going with this whole vehicle motif, and as a sort of absurd way to remember, we could say this sort of Western paradise acts like a pit stop on the way to nirvana and that Mahayana Buddhism acts like a mini-van that brings many to enlightenment. Yes, that's a whole lot of 'm's' being used, but it helps me to remember.

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mahayana & vajrayana - video & lesson transcript | study.com

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The Branches of Buddhism: Theravada, Mahayana & Vajrayana - Video & Lesson Transcript | Study.com

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Most world religions have different sects or branches, each with their own school of thought. For instance, Christianity has Lutheranism and Evangelicalism, while Islam has their Sunni and Shiites. Similarly, Buddhism can be broken down into three main schools. They are Theravada Buddhism, Mahayana Buddhism, and Vajrayana Buddhism.

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Communism and Buddhism - Dictionary definition of Communism and Buddhism | Encyclopedia.com: FREE online dictionary

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Definition of Communism and Buddhism - Our online dictionary has Communism and Buddhism information from Encyclopedia of Buddhism dictionary. Encyclopedia.com: English, psychology and medical dictionaries

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conflict in buddhism: 'violence for the sake of peace?' - cnn

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Conflict in Buddhism: 'Violence for the sake of peace?' - CNN

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For Thailand's Queen Sirikit, the 2007 attack on a minibus in southern Thailand's Yala province -- in which suspected Muslim militants shot eight Buddhists through the head in broad daylight -- was simply further proof of what she'd been saying for more than three years.

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Buddhism

Core beliefs of Buddhism:

Buddhism, like most of the great religions of the world, is divided into many different traditions. However, most traditions share a common set of fundamental beliefs.

One fundamental belief of Buddhism is often referred to as reincarnation -- the concept that people are reborn after dying. In fact, most individuals go through many cycles of birth, living, death and rebirth. A practicing Buddhist differentiates between the concepts of rebirth and reincarnation. In reincarnation, the individual may recur repeatedly. In rebirth, a person does not necessarily return to Earth as the same entity ever again. He compares it to a leaf growing on a tree. When the withering leaf falls off, a new leaf will eventually replace it. It is similar to the old leaf, but it is not identical to the original leaf.
After many such cycles, if a person releases their attachment to desire and the self, they can attain Nirvana. This is a state of liberation and freedom from suffering.
The Three Trainings or Practices:

These three consist of:

1. Sila: Virtue, good conduct, morality. This is based on two fundamental principles:

The principle of equality: that all living entities are equal.

The principle of reciprocity: This is the " Golden Rule" in Christianity -- to do onto others as you would wish them to do onto you. It is found in all major religions.

2. Samadhi: Concentration, meditation, mental development. Developing one's mind is the path to wisdom which in turn leads to personal freedom. Mental development also strengthens and controls our mind; this helps us maintain good conduct.

3. Prajna: Discernment, insight, wisdom, enlightenment. This is the real heart of Buddhism. Wisdom will emerge if your mind is pure and calm.

The first two paths listed in the Eightfold Path, described below, refer to discernment; the last three belong to concentration; the middle three are related to virtue. Sponsored link
The Four Noble Truths:

The Buddha's Four Noble Truths explore human suffering. They may be described (somewhat simplistically) as:

1. Dukkha: Suffering exists: (Suffering is real and almost universal. Suffering has many causes: loss, sickness, pain, failure, the impermanence of pleasure.)

2. Samudaya: There is a cause for suffering. (It is the desire to have and control things. It can take many forms: craving of sensual pleasures; the desire for fame; the desire to avoid unpleasant sensations, like fear, anger or jealousy.)

3. Nirodha: There is an end to suffering. (Suffering ceases with the final liberation of Nirvana (a.k.a. Nibbana). The mind experiences complete freedom, liberation and non-attachment. It lets go of any desire or craving.)

4. Magga: In order to end suffering, you must follow the Eightfold Path.

The Five Precepts:

These are rules to live by. They are somewhat analogous to the second half of the Ten Commandments in Judaism and Christianity -- that part of the Decalogue which describes behaviors to avoid. However, they are recommendations, not commandments. Believers are expected to use their own intelligence in deciding exactly how to apply these rules.

1. Do not kill. This is sometimes translated as "not harming" or an absence of violence.

2. Do not steal. This is generally interpreted as including the avoidance of fraud and economic exploitation.

3. Do not lie. This is sometimes interpreted as including name calling, gossip, etc.

4. Do not misuse sex. For monks and nuns, this means any departure from complete celibacy. For the laity, adultery is forbidden, along with any sexual harassment or exploitation, including that within marriage. The Buddha did not discuss consensual premarital sex within a committed relationship; Thus, Buddhist traditions differ on this. Most Buddhists, probably influenced by their local cultures, condemn same-sex sexual activity regardless of the nature of the relationship between the people involved.

5. Do not consume alcohol or other drugs. The main concern here is that intoxicants cloud the mind. Some have included as a drug other methods of divorcing ourselves from reality -- e.g. movies, television, the Internet. 1

Those preparing for monastic life or who are not within a family are expected to avoid an additional five activities:

6. Taking untimely meals.
7. Dancing, singing, music, watching grotesque mime.
8. Use of garlands, perfumes and personal adornment.
9. Use of high seats.
10. Accepting gold or silver.

The Eightfold Path:

The Buddha's Eightfold Path consists of:

Panna: Discernment, wisdom:

2) Samma sankappa: Right thinking; following the right path in life

Sila: Virtue, morality:

5) Samma ajiva: Right livelihood; support yourself without harming others

Samadhi: Concentration, meditation:

References:

1. Guy Newland, Untitled essay at: http://www.chsbs.cmich.edu/

2. Bhikkhu Bodhi, "The Noble Eightfold Path. The Way to the End of Suffering," Buddhist Information, at: http://www.buddhistinformation.com/

Copyright © 1996 to 2017 by Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance
Latest update: 2017-DEC-04
Author: B.A. Robinson

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Buddhism, like most of the great religions of the world, is divided into many different traditions. However, most traditions share a common set of fundamental beliefs. One fundamental belief of Buddhism is often referred to as reincarnation -- the concept that people are reborn after dying.

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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 Meditation or Perfect Samadhi

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Siddhartha Gautama was a very well-off prince who left to visit less fortunate areas and meditate for a few years. When he came back, he was the enlightened "Buddha."

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Buddhism: The Different Forms of Buddhism

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Web resources on the different forms of Buddhism, including Theravada, Mahayana, Vajrayana and Zen Buddhism, and their relations to dharma, their conduct of monastic practice, and geographic boundaries.

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Buddhism: An Introduction

Buddhism is a major global religion with a complex history and system of beliefs. The following is intended only to introduce Buddhism's history and fundamental tenets, and by no means covers the religion exhaustively. To learn more about Buddhism, please look through our Web Resources section for other in-depth, online sources of information.

Siddhartha Gautama: The Buddha

Historians estimate that the founder of Buddhism, Siddhartha Gautama, lived from 566(?) to 480(?) B.C. The son of an Indian warrior-king, Gautama led an extravagant life through early adulthood, reveling in the privileges of his social caste. But when he bored of the indulgences of royal life, Gautama wandered into the world in search of understanding. After encountering an old man, an ill man, a corpse and an ascetic, Gautama was convinced that suffering lay at the end of all existence. He renounced his princely title and became a monk, depriving himself of worldly possessions in the hope of comprehending the truth of the world around him. The culmination of his search came while meditating beneath a tree, where he finally understood how to be free from suffering, and ultimately, to achieve salvation. Following this epiphany, Gautama was known as the Buddha, meaning the "Enlightened One." The Buddha spent the remainder of his life journeying about India, teaching others what he had come to understand.

The Four Noble Truths

The Four Noble Truths comprise the essence of Buddha's teachings, though they leave much left unexplained. They are the truth of suffering, the truth of the cause of suffering, the truth of the end of suffering, and the truth of the path that leads to the end of suffering. More simply put, suffering exists; it has a cause; it has an end; and it has a cause to bring about its end. The notion of suffering is not intended to convey a negative world view, but rather, a pragmatic perspective that deals with the world as it is, and attempts to rectify it. The concept of pleasure is not denied, but acknowledged as fleeting. Pursuit of pleasure can only continue what is ultimately an unquenchable thirst. The same logic belies an understanding of happiness. In the end, only aging, sickness, and death are certain and unavoidable.

The Four Noble Truths are a contingency plan for dealing with the suffering humanity faces -- suffering of a physical kind, or of a mental nature. The First Truth identifies the presence of suffering. The Second Truth, on the other hand, seeks to determine the cause of suffering. In Buddhism, desire and ignorance lie at the root of suffering. By desire, Buddhists refer to craving pleasure, material goods, and immortality, all of which are wants that can never be satisfied. As a result, desiring them can only bring suffering. Ignorance, in comparison, relates to not seeing the world as it actually is. Without the capacity for mental concentration and insight, Buddhism explains, one's mind is left undeveloped, unable to grasp the true nature of things. Vices, such as greed, envy, hatred and anger, derive from this ignorance.

The Third Noble Truth, the truth of the end of suffering, has dual meaning, suggesting either the end of suffering in this life, on earth, or in the spiritual life, through achieving Nirvana. When one has achieved Nirvana, which is a transcendent state free from suffering and our worldly cycle of birth and rebirth, spiritual enlightenment has been reached. The Fourth Noble truth charts the method for attaining the end of suffering, known to Buddhists as the Noble Eightfold Path. The steps of the Noble Eightfold Path are Right Understanding, Right Thought, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness and Right Concentration. Moreover, there are three themes into which the Path is divided: good moral conduct (Understanding, Thought, Speech); meditation and mental development (Action, Livelihood, Effort), and wisdom or insight (Mindfulness and Concentration).

Karma

Contrary to what is accepted in contemporary society, the Buddhist interpretation of karma does not refer to preordained fate. Karma refers to good or bad actions a person takes during her lifetime. Good actions, which involve either the absence of bad actions, or actual positive acts, such as generosity, righteousness, and meditation, bring about happiness in the long run. Bad actions, such as lying, stealing or killing, bring about unhappiness in the long run. The weight that actions carry is determined by five conditions: frequent, repetitive action; determined, intentional action; action performed without regret; action against extraordinary persons; and action toward those who have helped one in the past. Finally, there is also neutral karma, which derives from acts such as breathing, eating or sleeping. Neutral karma has no benefits or costs.

The Cycle of Rebirth

Karma plays out in the Buddhism cycle of rebirth. There are six separate planes into which any living being can be reborn -- three fortunate realms, and three unfortunate realms. Those with favorable, positive karma are reborn into one of the fortunate realms: the realm of demigods, the realm of gods, and the realm of men. While the demigods and gods enjoy gratification unknown to men, they also suffer unceasing jealousy and envy. The realm of man is considered the highest realm of rebirth. Humanity lacks some of the extravagances of the demigods and gods, but is also free from their relentless conflict. Similarly, while inhabitants of the three unfortunate realms -- of animals, ghosts and hell -- suffer untold suffering, the suffering of the realm of man is far less.

The realm of man also offers one other aspect lacking in the other five planes, an opportunity to achieve enlightenment, or Nirvana. Given the sheer number of living things, to be born human is to Buddhists a precious chance at spiritual bliss, a rarity that one should not forsake.

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Buddhism: An Introduction Buddhism is a major global religion with a complex history and system of beliefs. The following is intended only to introduce Buddhism's history and fundamental tenets, and by no means covers the religion exhaustively. To learn more about Buddhism, please look through our Web Resources section for other in-depth, online sources of information.

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Besides the fact that Buddhists are told to think for themselves, and that Buddhism as a philosophy exists across many cultures, time periods, and with varying teachings and practices, there are some core Buddhism beliefs that might be considered representative of most Buddhists.

This page may serve as a basic introduction to Buddhism. All quotes are from the Buddha, unless otherwise stated. If you wish to explore any idea further, select the link to navigate to a book or website specially recommended if you are interested in that topic. If you have an idea for a new belief that should be included, send us an email.
1. Buddha is Not a God
The Buddha was an ordinary man, who 2,500 years ago saw clearly into the true nature of reality. As such, Buddha's teachings are not set rules to follow, nor the only wisdom in the world. Rather, they should be seen as advice to consider, from someone who has 'gone beyond' everyday views, ideas, and conceptions. Many have also become 'enlightened' before Buddha, have since the Buddha, and will in the future.
Read more in this book explaining the Dalai Lama's most respectful views on Jesus " 2. You Should Not Believe Anything Without Thinking
Buddhists are encouraged to test everything they read or hear, to see if it stands up to their own standards as true or not.

Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, no matter if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense.

Good Basic Recommended Reading " 3. Gods and Deities are Cultural

Some Buddhist schools have many Gods, others have none. But it would be wrong to say that Buddhism itself teaches atheism, pantheism, or any other position on gods and deities. Gods are the conception of a particular time and culture, and may be used more or less wisely in the development of one's spiritual practice.
This book lays out some basics about the Buddhist Universe. 4. But... Don't worry too much about the nature of God
The Buddha said it was more important to take steps to end your suffering than to follow endless discussions on the 'true' nature of God (and other such unanswerable questions).

Our theories of the eternal are as valuable as are those which a chick which has not broken its way through its shell might form of the outside world.

5. The Purpose of Life
Life exists in itself - there is no inherent meaning attached to life. However - as all human beings (and animals) wish for happiness and not to suffer - the purpose of life may be said to end that suffering.
Read about what the Dalai Lama thinks the Meaning of Life is. 6. The Afterlife Depends on this Life

Buddhism teaches that in an interconnected world, all actions have consequences (karma). The consequences of acts undertaken in this and earlier lifetimes will be felt in a next one, in a process known as reincarnation. It is a Buddhist aim to educate oneself and meditate in order to escape from this cycle of rebirth, to enter Nirvana.

This book clearly explains why we shouldn't fear death, and this is the most famous book that explains what happens when we die.
7. Books and Teachings are Very Important
It is important to read and to listen to great teachers, so we can 'undo' more of our ignorance. Books are important, as is listening to great teachers. In fact, it is one of the most important things we can do with our lives.
If you're looking for a good one to start with, this one might be it. 8. Meditation is Key

A key belief in all Buddhist groups is the importance of meditation. Without calming our mind, and examining our mind's nature and its beliefs, we can never reach enlightenment. Doing this sitting down is called meditation, and doing this while we undertake everyday activities is called mindfulness.

Everything is based on mind, is led by mind, is fashioned by mind. If you speak and act with a polluted mind, suffering will follow you, as the wheels of the oxcart follow the footsteps of the ox.

A good introduction to sitting meditation is this book. A good one for meditation in everyday life is Mindfulness in Plain English. Thich Nhat Hahn is generally known as the master of mindfulness.
9. Healing Comes from Mind

Buddhism believes that our external situation is created by our internal minds. This is equally true for our health and the state of our bodies. Many Buddhists use meditation, mantras, and prayers alongside medicines to help heal themselves.

See HealingMeditation.org for more information on how this is done.
10. It's Up To Ourselves
Buddhism maintains that it is not up to others to make us meditate or study. We are responsible for creating our own suffering, and it is solely up to us to create the circumstances for our release. It requires personal wisdom and commitment.

Work out your own salvation. Do not depend on others.

The Buddha

11. Our Bodies Are Precious
A life reborn as a human is considered a very precious thing. To have a long life is a rare and important opportunity to end our suffering. Hence, it is important to keep healthy.

To keep the body in good health is a duty...otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.

In this book the Dalai Lama gives advice how to See Yourself As You Really Are 12. Your Spiritual Community is Important
You do not have to go to a temple or meditation class to be a Buddhist. But being surrounded by others with similar views and objectives as yourself will be beneficial for one's motivation, sense of purpose and deepening one's understanding.
13. Interconnectedness is the Nature of Reality

Buddhists believe that everything is interconnected - every object, being, and concept is connected to what caused it, and what is around it. Also known as 'emptiness', Buddhists try to see that there is nothing in the universe that is not connected to everything else.

Emptiness is impermanence, it is change.
We should not complain about impermanence,
because without impermanence, nothing is possible.

Thich Nhat Hanh

This is the editor's own favorite book! It most clearly explains how we are not separate from the people and objects around us, in beautiful writing.
14. It's Good to Be Good
Buddhists believe in the idea of karma (a logical extension from everything being interconnected). What we do to others will ultimately affect ourselves.

Hence Buddhism advocates doing good deeds, but not just the following strict rules. It is up to the individual to consider the wisest course of action for their future long term happiness. Five precepts, or 'guides', are often given as advice as to actions that will often most lead to beneficial outcomes. They are: not to lie, steal or defraud, kill or injure others, hurt via sexual relationships, and to not further cloud your mind with too many intoxicants.

Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one getting burned.

15. Compassion is Key

Compassion is a natural extension of understanding and wisdom. With true wisdom we grow more compassionate for the people we meet. And with compassion we ourselves grow wiser.

If you light a lamp for somebody, it will also brighten your path.

The Buddha

Perhaps the best book on compassion and how it is so transformative 16. Sex is Neither Bad nor Good
In Buddhism, it is less the act of sex, or when or with whom it is performed that is important. More important is the motivation, attachment, and consequences of any act.
Read about the Buddhist Ideas on Sex 17. Strive for Balance
The Buddha himself learned that it is important not to be too strict on oneself (or on others). Moderation is the key to success in most things.

If you tighten the string too much, it will snap, and if you leave it too slack, it won't play.

A nice book on a central idea in Buddhism - the "Middle Way" 18. It's Never Too Late to Begin
Some Buddhist schools emphasize that enlightenment is a quick process, that can happen at any moment. Others emphasize that it is difficult, and can take many lifetimes. Both agree, it is never too late to start practicing and thinking about the right way to live. The less ignorance you have, the less you will suffer.

It is never too late.
Even if you are going to die tomorrow,
Keep yourself straight and clear and be a happy human being today.
If you keep your situation happy day by day,
you will eventually reach the greatest happiness of Enlightenment.

Lama Yeshe

A great Buddhist book if you're going to pick one up.
Prayer Wheels, Meditation, and Oracles - read more about some of Buddhism's practices. Or, browse through a collection of Wise Quotes.

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Besides the fact that Buddhists are told to think for themselves, and that Buddhism as a philosophy exists across many cultures, time periods, and with varying teachings and practices, there are some core Buddhism beliefs that might be considered representative of most Buddhists. This page may serve as a basic introduction to Buddhism.