It was after attaining his enlightenment; Buddha went to the Deer Park
near the holy city of Benares and shared his new understanding and
thought with five holy men. They understood immediately and became his
disciples. This marked the beginning of the Buddhist community. During
his enlightenment he found the answer to three questions. He discovered
three great truths of life. Through his teachings he explained these
truths in a simple way so that everyone could understand and apply that
in their life. For the next forty-five years, the Buddha and his
disciples went from place to place in India spreading the Dharma, his
teachings. Through his teachings he won the hearts of the people because
he dealt with their true feelings. He even advised them not to accept
his words on blind faith, but to decide for themselves whether his
teachings are right or wrong, then follow them. He encouraged everyone
to have compassion for each other and develop their own virtue. The
basic teachings of Buddha comprises of the three universal truth, they
are as follows:
The Three Universal Truth
1. Nothing is lost in the universe
2. Everything Changes
3. Law of Cause and Effect
Than there were the four noble truths of life. They are as follows:
The Four Noble Truths
1. There is Suffering Suffering is common to all.
2. Cause of Suffering We are the cause of our suffering.
3. End of Suffering Stop doing what causes suffering.
4. Path to end Suffering Everyone can be enlightened.
The Noble Eightfold Path
1. Right View.
2. Right Thought.
3. Right Speech.
4. Right Conduct.
5. Right Livelihood.
6. Right Effort.
7. Right Mindfulness.
8. Right Concentration.
The teachings of Buddha are an ethical system determined by our motives
for our actions. For those who do work with honest and pure intentions
they will have happiness in life. For those who do work with wrong
intentions and ill feelings will have suffering. According to his
teachings we are responsible for our actions and results. This is
defined as karma. He has even talked about Nirvana, the cessation of
desire and rebirth.
