The Principle of Buddha Dharma

1. True Aspect of Life (First Truth)

The first truth Sakyamuni Buddha revealed is that life is full of suffering. This was not clarified from the viewpoint of pessimistic but it was clarified on the Buddha Dharma.

 

The Buddha identified the four basic sufferings.

  • Birth
  • Aging
  • Illness
  • Dying

 

The Buddha added four more sufferings that arise from universal experiences.

  • Separation from loved ones
  • Having to live with someone or some situation one does not like
  • Non-fulfillment of one's most cherished desires
  • being attached to the five elemental aggregates which are composed by our mind and body

 

2. Truth of the Cause of Suffering (Second Truth)

Sakyamuni Buddha revealed that our life is full of suffering. The four basic sufferings he revealed are unavoidable sufferings for human beings. He revealed that the cause of our suffering is our helpless passions. The Buddha teaches that the cause of our sufferings is within us,  so he encourages us to look inside.  

 

3. Casting-off Suffering (Third Truth) 

The basic practice of Buddhism to observe the following three formulations, which reflect the concepts of dependent origination and the true aspect of life:

  • “All conditioned things are impermanent.” 
  • “Phenomenal things exist only because of conditions; hence, they have no substance.” 
  • “Nirvana is peace.” 

 

4. "Eightfold Path" (Fourth Truth)

The Eightfold Path is the classic subject to observe the Buddha Dharma. 

 

  1. Right View or Right Understanding
  2. Right Thought
  3. Right Speech
  4. Right Conduct
  5. Right Livelihood
  6. Right Endeavor
  7. Right Mindfulness
  8. Right Meditation

 

Furthermore, the Buddhist practitioner, known as Boddhisattva who acts the compassion, is encouraged to practice the following subjects known as the Six Paramitas

 

"SIX PARAMITAS"

  1. Dana Paramita; May I be generous and helpful!
  2. Sila paramita; May I be pure and virtuous!
  3. Ksanti Paramita; May I be patient! May I be able to bear and forbear the wrongs of others!
  4. Virya Paramita; May I be strenuous, energetic, and persevering! 
  5. Dhyana Paramita; May I practice meditation and attain concentration and oneness to serve all beings!
  6. Prajna Paramita; May I gain wisdom and be able to give the benefit of my wisdom to others!

These are considered the standard practices to attain Nirvana.