May The Third

BELIEFS OF BUDDHISM
The Four Noble Truths are the fundamental teachings of Buddhism. They are:
* Life is full of suffering
* The origin of suffering is attachment
* Suffering can be overcome
* This can be done by following the eight-fold path.

These truths relate to the origin, nature and cessation of suffering.
Components of the eight-fold path are sequential. The fulfillment of one component allows an individual to "go on" to the next one. The eight-fold path is comprised of:
* Perfect or right understanding, view or perception - correct understanding of the world through the four noble truths
* Right thought - avoiding anger, hatred or jealousy in thoughts
* Right speech - to speak mindfully, avoiding untrue and aggressive speech
* Right action - following the five precepts
* Right livelihood - practicing a profession that does not harm anyone and does not include intoxicants
* Right effort - making disciplined efforts in the right direction
* Right mindfulness - knowing one's thoughts, words and actions
* Right concentration - being able to concentrate fully, leading to a higher level of consciousness.

The Five Precepts, which form a part of the right action, include avoiding these things:
* Killing or harming living beings
* Taking possession of anything that has not been given
* Sexual misbehavior
* Lying
* All kinds of intoxicants.
Buddha advocated following the Middle Path, moderation: avoiding extremes of luxury and "mortification." Following these principles can lead to the elimination of desire, which is the root of all suffering. It can also lead to attainment of the ultimate aim of Buddhism, which is Nirvana, freedom of the soul from the cycle of birth and rebirth.