Buddhism

The Buddha did not concern himself with metaphysics. Ultimately, they were not essential in the relief of dissatisfaction and the attainment of perfect peace. Buddhism takes an agnostic approach to the whole study of metaphysics.

Belief about God

Does God exist?

Buddhism does not necessarily deny the existence of god/s, but does not consider this issue of sufficient importance to pursue. Many Buddhists would be willing to accept the label of "atheist," because belief in divine power is not a significant factor in their thinking and living.

How do you describe God?

Buddhists may refer to gods and spirits as a personification of human ureges and impulses. These are impermanent, intangible and impersonal. They are typically called "hungry ghosts", forces which are entirely driven by craving--slaves to craving. So, they are not necessarily immaterial beings floating around, but their influence is reflected in the thinking and actions of human beings all around us.

Is there any kind of spirit world?

Not specifically. Buddhism is a non-dualistic world view, so they do not draw a distinction between any kind of spiri versus non-spirit world of reality. Instead, all is one--everything is of the same essence. While Buddhism does teach the existence of heavenly realms, the preferred focus is on this singular, unified world .

Belief about the world

Is there an overall plan or order behind nature?

Although Buddhists would not endorse any sort of master plan (which preseupposes a master Planner), they place great faith in cause and effect. Karma is unavoidable, and functions as the basic structure of the world.

Belief about humanity

Are human beings different from the rest of nature?

Human beings are completely fluid. There is no self. All is one and humans are one with the universe. However, the human birth is considered precious. Even more precious is when a human is born and able to pursue spiritual things. Not everyone's life circumstance allows them to pursue spiritual things and this is tragic.

Where did we come from, & where are we going?

We don't know where we come from, but this is ok. The study of origins is not important. There is no beginning to time. The "not knowing" mind is to be cherished. Not knowing makes life miraculous. The Buddhist values mystery. As for where we are going…we are reborn, and where and how we are reborn to depends upon our karma. If there is a goal to our existence, it is to be free of suffering. There is a state called Nirvana which is the complete separation from the separate self.

Is there an afterlife?

There are meditative states that can be achieved, but ultimately all is one. Ultimately , the afterlife is shaped by our actions in the present so Buddhists direct their future lives by examining the trajectory of their life right nowBuddhists believe in rebirth(preferring the term rebirth over reincarnation) which is affected by karma. Karma is action, and all action has an effect, especially the actions of the mind. The actions you do now determine what your next birth will be like.

2.1 Beliefs about purpose

What is the overall purpose or meaning of humanity?

• There is not a single, overarching purpose or direction for the universe or humanity in particular. The belief system is not goal-oriented, and the day-to-day changes we observe are not to be understand as progress. All of reality is in a ceaselessly moving but never really changing equilibrium, like tides and waves on a vast ocean.
• Buddhists do not believe in the existence of the human soul (i.e. any distinction between a “spiritual” versus physical world that would sever a seamless unity of all reality). This disbelief ties in with the common Buddhist concept of “emptiness.” There is a common phrase "form is emptiness; emptiness is form," and it is one of the most well-known paradoxes associated with Buddhist philosophy. This does not mean physical emptiness, but more of a sense of freedom from the weight of the world.
• Essentially, we are utterly pure, clear, kind and wise. This is how we are born, but we are tainted with anger, greed and ignorance by the world around us. Our lives then are a process of becoming pure once again. Buddhist practice is about recognizing and living from our original pure nature.

What is the main purpose or highest good for each individual?

The meaning of life is not taught. However, the highest goal that can be held is to relieve the suffering of self and others. Connected to the relief of suffering is nirvana. When suffering has been eliminated, then the mind can become pure and the individual can achieve nirvana, the cessation of the individual. The goal of happiness can be described as a state of absolute clarity and purity and harmony with others around you.

Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism, created the Noble Eightfold Path as a way to end suffering. These guidelines are ethical standards meant to lead a person to the truth. They are found listed under several different descriptions but the meanings are always the same.

1. Right View or acceptance of the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold path with an open mind.
2. Right Intention or be pure in thought.
3. Right Speech or choose your words wisely.
4. Right Action or be moral.
5. Right Livelihood or chose your profession wisely.
6. Right Effort or work as hard to be the best that you can be.
7. Right Mindfulness or have the right mindset.
8. Right Concentration or self-examination for fault.

The goal is Nirvana – the place without suffering. Nirvana is finally reached when all accumulated karma over many, many lifetimes is balanced and rebirth ceases. It is not to be confused with paradise, heaven, or a happy resting place. Rather, it is the complete cessation of individual being, the ultimate “emptiness.”

Belief about ethics

How does one decide right & wrong?

The guiding principle is non-harm. In everything we do, we should think about how it effects others (remembering karma and effect). If what we do or think will harm someone, then it is bad. If it will help them, then it is good. Buddhism is not a religion about morality, but a world view that places a high emphasis on compassion.

Good and bad exist, but as a product of the mind.  Absolute truths exist, but none is superior to any other.   It is better to keep an open mind and a fresh perspective regarding everything.  It is not good to become focused solely on one view.   Buddhism cautions against selecting one truth as "best" or "good" because that would mean the others are evil and this would lead to harming others.  The example referred to was the Crusades in the Middle Ages.

Buddhists base their understanding of ethics on The Ten Precepts. These Ten Precepts are often compared to the Ten Commandments, but the Precepts are meant to be taken as recommendations, not commands. The first five precepts are mandatory, although number five is rarely followed. Precepts no. six to ten are meant for monastic Buddhists.

Buddhists commit to abstaining from the following actions.
1. Harming living beings.
2. Taking things not freely given.
3. Sexual misconduct.
4. False speech.
5. Intoxicating drinks and drugs causing heedlessness.
6. Taking untimely meals.
7. Dancing, singing, music and watching grotesque mime.
8. Use of garlands, perfumes and personal adornment.
9. Use of high seats.
10. Accepting gold or silver.

Is it possible for humans to know truth?

Yes, there are two parts to knowing truth. First of all, we must live ethically. This will help us to avoid mental confusion. Avoiding confusion prepares us for the second part, which is meditation. Individuals can directly experience the truth through the practice of meditation

What are legitimate sources of truth?

There is a circle of causes and effects that is the source of truth. An ethical life and meditation helps a person to have compassion on people which allows them to see greater truth which in turn allows them to have greater compassion on people. In the end though, the process of serving others is a huge starting point for knowing truth.