Buddhism is an organized and distinct religion and is based on the teachings of Lord Gautam Buddha. The practice of Buddhism begun since 13th century and had left great impact on the people. The Buddhist moral concept was of right and wrong, evil and good with respect to actions of human being. In simple words concept of Buddhism is the power of understanding between the right and wrong when it’s viewed as one of the qualities of human mind.Buddha’s Law of Karma, has stated that ones moral actions, whether it is good or bad is determined by the present deeds. Buddhism gradually spread all over Asia with ardent followers seeking enlightenment by way of renouncing the worldly pleasures.
The basic foundation of Buddhism : Four Noble Truths
1. The Truth of suffering2. The Truth of the cause of suffering
3. The Truth of the end of suffering
4. The Truth of the path that free us from suffering
Thus, Buddhism is the process of exploring, understanding, testing and realizing. One can only attain the enlightenment way of experiences and seeking the true meaning of it. The study Buddhism had come up with two schools of Buddhism, i.e. Theravada and Mahayana. The first school preaches that “one should be selfless and be devoid of ego, if freed from the ego one would enjoy complete bliss”. On the other hand the Mahayana talks about liberating all the human beings from the cycle of Birth and Death. Thus one school is about preaching the world for ones own enlightenment and the other for the enlightenment of all the other human beings. The last school of Buddhism is said to be the Vajrayana Buddhism, which talks about Enlightenment in all spheres of life. This became quite famous among the people in China, Bhutan, Tibet, etc.
When it comes to the study of Buddhism as religion, the most principal side of this religion was based on “The Noble Eight Fold Path”. This means that how one could actually end ones suffering. Following the eight fold path was strictly incorporated by the Buddhist Disciples and monks in all parts of the world. To begin with it is the Right view or understanding of everything which is devoid of any prejudice and superstition. Secondly, it’s about the Right Thought. This clearly brings out that one should abstain onself from indulgence in worldly pleasures. Thirdly, it’s about Right Speech, i.e. one should control oneself from speaking harsh or ill to anybody. Fourthly, Buddhism speaks of Right Action, where one should not indulge oneself into sexual immorality, killing. Rather, it talks about self control. Then, fifth noble path talks about Right Livelihood, which means “earning from profession which has no evil consequences”. The sixth Path that Buddhism preaches us to develop is the Right Effort, which says about promoting goodness in others. Right Mindfulness, as in Buddhism is about spreading noble words and cherish good thoughts. Lastly, it’s about the Right Meditation by way of calming ones mind and asking for wisdom and enlightenment.
The morality of Buddhism as followed by monks and nuns all over the world only states that, one should only believe in simple living. They follow certain basic morals and values in day to day life; that is to believe in having one simple meal a day, sleeping on simple bed, avoid spending money, not to adorn themselves with fancy clothes and avoids indulging onself into frivolous entertainments.
Buddhism is not only about the preaching of religion, it is about self-enlightenment or describes as having “Buddha Nature” in all human beings. One of the contemporary Buddhism is called to be known as Zen Buddhism. It’s about Buddhism being both Philosophy and religion. Zen Buddhism encourages everyone gain knowledge by the practice of meditation. This concept throws light more on the pr actical aspects on ones life rather than the theoretical knowledge. The practice of Zen originated in China and one of it most important point is to have “intuitive understanding”.
One of the most popular celebrations in Buddhism is the “vesak day”, which is also considered to be Buddha’s birthday, as recognized by practicing Buddhists in South-east Regions like in Nepal, India, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia, Myanmar etc.
