A Buddha is an enlightened one who has attained Bodhi or Nirvana, which is the enlightenment or awakening of the freedom from hate, one’s ego and greed. Siddhartha Gautama was born in Lumbini, Nepal to an Indian king 563 years before Jesus Christ was born and attained his enlightenment under the bo tree at the Buddh Gaya in India. Buddhists believe that a Buddha is born each aeon of time, Gautama Buddha was the seventh in the succession.
Buddha taught his disciples that anyone can possess the power to make himself good, wise, and happy within themselves through Dhamma. Dhamma or Dharma is our own truth or law, the law which exists in a our own hearts and minds. Dhamma is the principle of righteousness. Buddha appeals to those who desire to be noble, pure, and charitable not in order to please any Supreme Deity, but in order to be true to their highest self.
With that said, Buddhism is not a religion or a organized faith or worship to a supreme being, a one creator, an immortal being or savior. Buddhism is the search for one’s own truth to their highest good and well being of all beings. Buddha helps to point out the path, he is not intended to walk it for us.
The Five Rules of Buddhism
- Refrain from taking life. Not killing any living being. …
- Refrain from taking what is not given. Not stealing from anyone.
- Refrain from the misuse of the senses. Not having too much sensual pleasure. …
- Refrain from wrong speech. Not lying or gossiping about other people.
- Refrain from intoxicants that cloud the mind.
Buddha’s last words before he left this earth were,”Strive on, untiringly.”