Buddhism is not merely a religion, but the greatest teaching in the world that deeply
explores life and is not limited to any particular nation or race. Its uniqueness lies in the
fact that it was revealed by a human being who was born among humans and who himself
discovered the true nature of the world. A Buddha was born among humans and attained
the understanding of reality on his own. The emergence of Buddha is a natural
phenomenon of the world.
Among those who have arisen, the most recent and closest to us is Siddhartha Gautama
Buddha, who was born in India around 2500 years ago. Everyone seeks happiness within
an unsatisfactory life. Buddhism teaches the correct path to find happiness. It is a
systematic practice with individual transformations.
Buddhism does not place one’s liberation in the hands of gods or any external person.
Each person must discover their liberation. It is something that can be practiced if one is
willing, without any compulsion. Therefore, Buddhism is a path that shows you how to
find your happiness by yourself.
Is Buddhism a Religion or a Philosophy?
According to the teachings of Buddha, the ultimate goal of a Buddhist is the attainment of
Nibbana(Nirvana) enlightenment. The journey towards Nibbana begins with life itself. Life
represents both the worldly aspect and the supramundane aspiration. Therefore, the
Buddha’s teaching always emphasizes the development of physical and worldly life as
the foundation for progressing toward a higher, spiritual life. In this sense, Buddhism
provides a practical path for personal development.
Buddhist philosophy refers to the Dhamma taught by the Buddha. While some consider
it a religion, the depth of Buddhist thought goes far beyond the conventional
characteristics of religion. From a border perspective, labeling it a “philosophy” may be
more appropriate than calling it a religion. This is because Buddhist thought is profound
enough to guide not just individuals, but entire societies and civilizations along a righteous
path.
Key value in Buddhism
Compassion: caring for others and wishing them well
Mindfulness: Being fully present in each moment
Non-attachment: Letting go of what we cannot control
Simplicity: Living a life free of excess and distraction
How to Begin Practicing Buddhism
A prominent and distinctive feature of the Buddha’s social philosophy, which embodies
the fundamental principles necessary for a variety of societies, is that it is directed toward
the well-being and prosperity of the entire human race. It transcends boundaries of time
and space, and disregards divisions based on religion, ethnicity, caste, or language,
focusing solely on the common good. This Buddhist social philosophy proves to be
especially effective in social contexts where there is a breakdown in key societal domains
such as morality, economy, social justice, the rule of law, and political authority.
In such a world, practicing Buddhism offers a meaningful response starting not with
external systems, but with individual transformation. Buddhism teaches that true change
begins from within. It guides people to live mindfully, ethically, and compassionately,
offering tools to restore harmony not only within oneself but also in society.
To start practicing Buddhism, one should begin by understanding the Four Noble Truths,
which reveal the nature of suffering and the path to freedom from it. From this
understanding comes the application of the Noble Eight-Fold Path, a practical guide for
ethical and mindful living. These eight aspects- right view, intention, speech, action,
livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration are not commandments but steps that
support a balanced life rooted in awareness and compassion.
Another important part of beginning Buddhist practice is meditation. You don’t need to
retreat to a monastery or follow complex rituals. Simply setting aside a few minutes each
day to observe your breath or your thoughts can help calm the mind and build insight.
Consistent practice leads to better emotional control, clarity of thought, and inner peace.
I hope to clarify these points further through upcoming videos, using authentic Buddhist
sources such as the Sutta Pitaka, |Dhammapada, and other reliable teachings. My goal
is to provide practical, easy-to-understand guidance for anyone interested in beginning
the path of Buddhism, either for peace of mind, ethical living, or deeper spiritual
understanding. Stay connected for more insight on how to apply Buddhist wisdom in your
daily life, step by step.
