Religious Teaching of Buddha

• Buddhism is based upon triratnas i.e., Buddha(the enlightened), Dhamma(doctrine) and Sangha(commune).
• The core of his doctrine is expressed in the Ariya-sachchani (Four Noble Truths):
  • there is suffering (dukkha);
  • it has a cause (dukh samudaya);
  • it can be removed (nirodha); and
  • There is a path leading to the cessation of sorrow (dukh nirodha gamini pratipada) the way to achieve this is following the Atthanga-magga (Eight-fold Path).
• Ashtangik marga: It consists of right view, intention, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration.
• Buddha propagated Ashtangik marga also called Madhya marga (Middle Path) one between extreme indulgence and extreme asceticism.
• He was always silent on the discussion of the existence of God but believed in rebirth.
• Buddha was against caste system and opened the gates of Buddhism for all castes.
• He allowed women to be admitted in sangha.
• Buddha suggested that when desires are conquered, nirvana will be attained which means that a man will become free from the cycle of birth and rebirth.
• Buddha’s chief disciple was Upali, and his favourite disciple was Ananda.
• Buddha regarded the social world as creation of humans rather than of divine origin. Therefore, he advised kings and gahapatis to be humane and ethical.

Symbols Related to Buddha