What is Buddhism?
Shakyamuni Buddha
What Buddhism is not is a set of doctrines or dogmas. This is why talking of ‘Buddhism’ is somewhat misleading.
In this way it is very different from religions like Christianity or Islam. What Buddha (‘the Awakened One’),
otherwise known as Gotama Siddhatha, did was to inquire into the nature of dissatisfaction and suffering,
to identify their causes, to affirm that there is a way to remove the root causes of these and to outline a
practical path enabling anyone to do so. All of this is open to any individual to investigate and test in their
own experience, and to confirm or deny.
What Gotama Siddhatha did was to wake up to how things really are, which is known as dharma
(the natural order of things). Through investigation and trial and error, similar to a natural scientist,
he not only arrived at knowledge, but also discovered the means to tackle the root causes of the problems of
human existence. He is frequently likened to a physician who first diagnoses an illness and then prescribes a
well-tested remedy.
Subsequently those who have followed in his wake have mastered and developed his teachings to fit a wide range of
people and situations, so that there is now an enormous body of wisdom, and set of practical resources and methods,
available to help us overcome the negative experiences of life and to cultivate positive, wholesome states, that
are conducive to happiness and well-being. Many of these are quite accessible to those who would not consider
themselves ‘Buddhist’, while others are most properly applicable to those who have ‘Taken Refuge’ in the Buddha,
the Dharma (or his teaching about the nature of reality), and the Sangha (or community of those who help and
support each other in their development and practice).
Individuals are free to choose how they take what is offered and to see how best they can use it in their life.
Inquiry and investigation are important elements promoted by a ‘Buddhist’ approach to life, as are the development
of love, compassion, wisdom and enlightened living.