What Is Buddhism?

After years of wandering, searching, and meditation, Siddhartha Gotama attained enlightenment. He was then called the Buddha, the "Awakened One." When Sakyamuni Buddha achieved this final state of perfect liberation, he decided to reveal what he had learned to others. Buddhism is the way of life taught by the Buddha.

The central tenet of Buddhism is that all beings possess Buddha-nature, or the potential for full and complete enlightenment.

Buddha first taught the Four Noble Truths:
o Suffering is universal.
o Suffering is caused by ignorance.
o Ignorance can be overcome.
o The way is the Eightfold Path.

 

The Eightfold Path:

Right understanding
Right thought
Right speech
Right conduct
Right livelihood
Right effort
Right mindfulness
Right meditation

Buddhism teaches the way of Oneness--a non-dualistic view of life and the world. The meaning of life is living in awareness and deep appreciation.

Buddhism emphasizes the Buddha as a teacher, not a deity. Statues of the Buddha are not idols to be worshipped, but symbols of enlightenment representing the highest ideals of perfect wisdom and compassion.
Buddhism is based on the teachings of a man who made no claim to being a prophet, a god, or a son of a god. Yet, the Buddha set out to bring hope and peace of mind to people around him--many of whom suffered from despair and fear.

For 45 years, the Buddha taught throughout northern India, spreading the Dharma (teachings) and attracting a large group of disciples. He spoke about impermanence, ignorance, the cycle of existence, and the law of cause and effect.

When, at the age of 80, he was preparing to die, he gave final instructions to his disciples. "My brothers," he said, "all component and created things are subject to decay. So it is with me. Work out your own salvation with diligence. Be lamps unto yourselves."

Throughout his life, the Buddha sought to free man from the bonds of the accepted, the customary. He stressed effort--right effort. Laziness and torpor were to be avoided as much as evil desires and false views.

Buddhism is a path--of behavior, learning, mental attitude, and respect for all life--upon which the historic Buddha walked, a path which is open to others who are earnest as well.

Buddhism has extended its influence throughout the world. It has been adapted to conditions all over the globe by people of different races, cultures, and languages. As a result, the practice of Buddhism varies from country to country, fitting the needs of particular cultures. The basic tenets and teachings are the same throughout the world, and the different emphasis given to one teaching or another within an ethnic or cultural milieu is a point of mutual appreciation rather than argument. Indeed, argument or anger are not the way of Buddhism, and there has never been a war fought in the name of the Buddha.

We of the Buddhist Council of the Midwest welcome you to our multi-cultural event. Please share with us this most important celebration. Feel free to contact any or all of the temples or centers listed here and see for yourself the diversity available to Buddhists in the Midwest.

Due to space and time considerations, the following list of Midwestern Buddhist organizations is not all-inclusive. We sincerely apologize to groups omitted and ask that they submit information about their group to us for the next edition of the Directory.