Buddhism

Three Jewels

The three jewels of Buddhism are Buddha (the person), Dharma (the teaching), and Sangha (the community). These are considered the fundamental aspects of Buddhism that practitioners take refuge in.

Four Noble Truths

The Four Noble Truths are the foundational teachings of Buddhism. They state that all is suffering, the cause of suffering is desire, there is a way out of suffering, and the way out is the Noble Eightfold Path.

Noble Eightfold Path

The Noble Eightfold Path is the fourth noble truth and consists of eight principles or steps that lead to the cessation of suffering. These principles include right understanding, right thought, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration.

Karma

Karma is the law of moral causation in Buddhism. It is the belief that actions and attitudes have natural consequences and that the accumulation of karma influences the cycle of rebirth.

Nirvana

Nirvana is the ultimate goal of Buddhism, representing the cessation of suffering and the extinction of desire. It is a state of enlightenment where the self ceases to exist and is one with the world.

Theravada

Theravada is one of the three major schools of Buddhism. It is the most traditional and earliest form of Buddhism, focusing on the development of ethical conduct, meditation, and insight.

Mahayana

Mahayana is another major school of Buddhism, mainly practiced in Tibet, China, and Japan. It emphasizes the idea of laying down one's life for the sake of others' enlightenment and the belief that all humans possess the potential for Buddhahood.

Vajrayana

Vajrayana is a more mystical version of Buddhism that originated in Northern India. It is known for its use of tantra and rituals, and it is practiced mainly in Tibetan Buddhism.

Puja

Puja is a personal devotion and ritual in Buddhism. It involves practices such as meditation, prayer, and offering to express devotion and gratitude. It is not considered worship, but rather a way to reflect on the teachings of Buddhism.

Shrine

A shrine is a special place where Buddhists practice puja. It often includes pictures, flowers, incense, candles, and a statue of Buddha. It is a place for meditation and focusing on higher