Key Beliefs and practices
Basic Buddhist teachings
The Four Noble Truths
Buddha's first teaching was of the Four Noble Truths. All sects of Buddhism believe in the Four Noble Truths, which are:
There is suffering.
Suffering has an origin.
Suffering can cease
There is a path out of suffering.
The Eightfold Path
In order to eliminate suffering permanently, one must follow the Eightfold Path.
Buddha's first teaching was of the Four Noble Truths. All sects of Buddhism believe in the Four Noble Truths, which are:
There is suffering.
Suffering has an origin.
Suffering can cease
There is a path out of suffering.
The Eightfold Path
In order to eliminate suffering permanently, one must follow the Eightfold Path.
- Right knowledge
- Right intention
- Right speech
- Right action
- Right livelihood
- Right effort
- Right mindfulness
- Right concentration
Special DOCTRINES
Bodhisattva
A Bodhisattva is a being who is close to achieving nirvana but delays it to help others.
The Six Virtues
In Mahayana Buddhism, it is believed that in order to achieve Nirvana, one must follow the Six Virtues. These include the perfection of giving (dana), morality (shila), patience (ksanti), courage (virya), meditation (dhyana), and wisdom (prajnaparamita).
A Bodhisattva is a being who is close to achieving nirvana but delays it to help others.
The Six Virtues
In Mahayana Buddhism, it is believed that in order to achieve Nirvana, one must follow the Six Virtues. These include the perfection of giving (dana), morality (shila), patience (ksanti), courage (virya), meditation (dhyana), and wisdom (prajnaparamita).
"Buddhist Studies: The Rise of the Mahayana." Buddhist Studies: The Rise of the Mahayana. Web. 15 June 2015.
Wangu, Madhu Bazaz. Buddhism. Rev. ed. New York: Facts On File, 2002. Print.
Wangu, Madhu Bazaz. Buddhism. Rev. ed. New York: Facts On File, 2002. Print.