Beliefs

The Four Noble Truths contain the essence of Buddhist teaching

All life is suffering
called the Truth of Suffering

All sufferings have causes
called the Origin of Suffering

It is possible to be free from suffering
called the Truth of Cessation

A way exists to become free from suffering
called the Truth of the Path

The Path is the teaching that the Buddha left behind. The basis of the path is the practice of love and compassion for all other beings, non-violence and the development of a correct view of reality.

All thoughts and behaviour, such as violence, hatred, anger, dissatisfaction etc, are seen as harmful. They are harmful both to ourselves and others, and create suffering. Conversely the development of actions, such as genuinely caring for others, creating harmony and developing compassion, even towards those we dislike, will eventually be beneficial and bring peace and happiness to ourselves and others.

We each hold the responsibility for our own actions. This life is seen as one of many and the result of previous actions.

Buddhists do not believe in a creator God. “Training the Mind” through study, contemplation, and meditation of the main Dharma subjects Buddha taught, are central to individual Buddhist practice.

The Buddhist scriptures, known as Tripitakas (three baskets) date from the first century B.C.E (B.C.E - Before the Common Era). These sum up the Buddhist teachings as well as “rules” of the Buddhist moral life. Buddhists believe in rebirth and the “cause and effect” of karma (meaning “actions”). Every action we do has an effect. Most of our actions, or karma, ties us to the cycle of birth and death. By understanding and acting on the Four Noble Truths, Buddhists seek to free themselves from this cycle, which is a cycle of endless suffering.

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