What is that all about?

Buddha's Teachings:
  • Life is governed by the rules of debit and credit.
  • Life will end one day but consciousness lasts forever.
  • The goal is to break the wheel of life and death.
  • Enlightenment is not difficult and it just signifies the entry point of the path leading to the state of Buddha.
  • All creatures have the same Buddha nature.
  • Letting go completely is the key.
  • Time and space don't exit in the linear fashion.
  • Buddhism is not a religion. Buddhism interprets and reveals the nature of existence, the principle of birth and death of the universe and life itself. It advises all sentient beings on how to co-exist with and manipulate the principle, so as to pursue the ultimate liberation and happiness by the highest level of wisdom. It is much more than a science, a philosophy or a religion.
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​Buddha's teachings, often referred to as the Dharma, form the foundation of Buddhism. These teachings are centered around understanding the nature of suffering and the path to liberation from it. Here are some of the key concepts:
​1. The Four Noble Truths
The core of Buddha's teachings, the Four Noble Truths, outline the reality of suffering and the path to its cessation:
  • Dukkha (Suffering): Life is characterized by suffering, dissatisfaction, and impermanence.
  • Samudaya (Origin of Suffering): The cause of suffering is desire, attachment, and ignorance.
  • Nirodha (Cessation of Suffering): By eliminating desire and attachment, one can achieve the cessation of suffering, known as Nirvana.
  • Magga (Path to the Cessation of Suffering): The way to end suffering is through the Eightfold Path.

2. The Eightfold Path
This is the practical guideline for ethical and mental development with the goal of freeing individuals from attachments and delusions. It consists of eight interconnected factors:
  • Right Understanding (Samma Ditthi): Understanding the Four Noble Truths.
  • Right Thought (Samma Sankappa): Cultivating thoughts of renunciation, non-ill will, and harmlessness.
  • Right Speech (Samma Vaca): Speaking truthfully, avoiding slander, and speaking kindly.
  • Right Action (Samma Kammanta): Acting in ways that are ethical and non-harmful.
  • Right Livelihood (Samma Ajiva): Earning a living in a way that does not harm others.
  • Right Effort (Samma Vayama): Cultivating positive states of mind and avoiding negative ones.
  • Right Mindfulness (Samma Sati): Being aware of body, feelings, mind, and phenomena.
  • Right Concentration (Samma Samadhi): Developing deep concentration through meditation.
​3. The Three Marks of Existence
Buddha taught that all conditioned things exhibit three fundamental characteristics:
Anicca (Impermanence): Everything is in a state of constant change.
Dukkha (Suffering): Because of impermanence, life is unsatisfactory.
Anatta (Non-Self): There is no permanent, unchanging self or soul.
4. The Five Precepts
These are ethical guidelines that Buddhists follow in their daily lives:
  • Abstain from killing living beings.
  • Abstain from taking what is not given.
  • Abstain from sexual misconduct.
  • Abstain from false speech.
  • Abstain from intoxicants that cloud the mind.

5. Karma and Rebirth
Karma refers to the law of cause and effect, where one's actions in this life affect future lives. Rebirth is the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara) that continues until one achieves Nirvana.

6. Nirvana
Nirvana is the ultimate goal in Buddhism, representing the cessation of all desires and the end of the cycle of rebirth. It is a state of liberation, peace, and freedom from suffering.

7. The Middle Way
​Buddha advocated for a balanced approach to life, avoiding the extremes of self-indulgence and self-mortification. The
Middle Way is the path of moderation that leads to wisdom, ethical conduct, and mental discipline.

These teachings form the basis of Buddhist practice and philosophy, guiding individuals toward spiritual awakening and liberation from the cycle of suffering.
The Great Matter of Life and Death - The Secret Tibetan Book of the Dead

The Tibetan text describes, and is intended to guide one through, the experiences that the consciousness has after death, during the interval between death and the next rebirth. This interval is known in Tibetan as the bardo. The text also includes chapters on the signs of death, and rituals to undertake when death is imminent, or has taken place. It is the most internationally famous and widespread work of Tibetan Nyingma literature.
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The Secret Tibetan Book of the Dead from History Channel Documentary
Inner Worlds Outer Worlds