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MLS:
Basic Buddhist Principles
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Regardless of school, sect, or
lineage, Buddhism has a few basic principles which together
form the foundation for all Buddhist thought. These
principles were set forth by Shakyamuni Buddha himself after
his enlightenment beneath the Bodhi tree. For the 40 years
before his death, Buddha taught these simple ideas to anyone
who would hear him. We share them with you now to hopefully
increase your knowledge of Buddhism and to keep the wheel of
Dharma (the Buddha's teachings) turning. In addition, we
have added a glossary
of commonly used Buddhist and
Zen terms
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Buddhist Basics
The Three Marks of
Existence
1 Annica Impermanence
of all things
2 Dukkha Suffering
3 Annata
Non-Self
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The Four
Noble Truths
1 Life in all its forms is
Suffering
2 Suffering is caused by
attachment, desire and ignorance
3 The cycle of suffering (samsara)
can be broken
4 The way to achieve this is
through the Noble Eightfold Path
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The Noble Eightfold
Path
1 Right Understanding
2 Right Thought
3 Right Speech
4 Right Action
5 Right Livelihood
6 Right Effort
7 Right Mindfulness
8 Right Concentration
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The
Four Attachments
1 To sense pleasure
2 To our own views and
opinions
3 To spiritual materialism, the
belief that someone or something outside ourselves can save
us
4 To the belief that “I”
exist as a separate entity apart from everything else
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The Six
Paramitas
1 Charity
2 Morality (obeying the
Ten
Precepts)
3 Patience
4 Perseverance
5 Samadhi (Zazen)
6 Prajna (Wisdom)
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The Ten
Precepts
1 To be reverential and mindful with
all life; I practice nonviolence and do not kill.
2 To respect the property of others;
I do not steal.
3 To be conscious and loving in my
relationships; I do not abuse sexuality.
4 To be honest and truthful; I do
not deceive.
5 To exercise proper care of body
and mind; I am not gluttonous, I do not abuse drugs.
6 To recognize that silence is
precious; I do not gossip or engage in frivolous
conversation.
7 To be humble; I do not seek praise
for myself, nor do I judge others.
8 To be satisfied with yourself; I
do not covet or indulge in envy or jealousy.
9 To keep a calm mind and peaceful
manner; I do not indulge in anger.
10 To take refuge in the Three
Treasures: the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha; I do not defame
them.
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The Five
Skandhas
1 Form
2 Feeling
3 Perception
4 Impulse
5 Consciousness
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The Five
Hindrances of the Mind
1 Desire: sense, lusting,
grasping
2 Hatred: anger, ill will,
aversion, annoyance, condemnation
3 Laziness: sloth, torpor,
sluggishness, unconsciousness
4 Restlessness: worry, regret,
agitation,inability to concentrate
5 Doubt: in oneself, one’s
action, one’s ability
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This page last
updated 20 June 2000
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© 2000
Mindful Life Sangha
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