12 Principles of Buddhism
1. Self-salvation is the goal of humanity by facing the immediate and the present
2. Nothing in life is permanent, everything changes. Only suffering will come from the resistance of change.
3. The fact that nothing is permanent is inclusive of the soul, man is intimately changing.
4. The Universe is governed by natural law. This is Karma, the law of action and reaction.
5. The universal reality of life is imperishable, although the individual souls of man are transient. This is the law of harmony, and any who breaks it suffers.
6. The interests of the individual should be in accord with the interests of the group, or the community.
7. The daily fulfillment of the eight-fold path is essential to self-salvation of the individual.
8. Reality is indescribable, however, the state of consciousness, nirvana, enlightenment can be attained my men on earth, like the Buddha.
9. The middle path exists between asceticism and lavish indulgence. This is the path to enlightenment.
10. Inward concentration and meditation is most important, ones reactions can be controlled through this.
11. No individual should be worshiped or prayed to, this will not relieve suffering, only though inward individual meditation can this be achieved.
12. Buddhism is not escapist or pessimistic, it is all encompassing and all-embracing.
The Three Jewels
The Buddha
"The awakened one" through his enlightenment, the Buddha reached a more perfect state of existence which allowed him overcome the suffering of human life.
The Dharma
In his great compassion, the Buddha decided to teach others of the enlightened way of life. Thus the Dharma is comprised of all the essential teachings of Budhism.
The Sangha
This is the monastic community founded by Buddha which is highly important in the search for enlightenment. (the monks are the bhikkhus and the nuns are the bhikkhunis)
The Kalama Suttra
This is the Buddhist scripture where the Buddha educates followers as to how they should decide whether a teaching is valid and true: only when one personally knows that a certain teaching is skillful, blameless, praiseworthy, conducive to happiness, and praised by the wise, should it be accepted as true and thus practiced.
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