The giving up of all worldly pleasures and
possessions follows naturally as one progresses
along the spiritual path. when one feels it is the
time to do so. The Buddha never encouraged
people to give up everything suddenly on an
emotional impulse only to regret their decision
later on.
The central teachings of the Buddha are found
in the Four Noble Truths. The first two Noble
Truths present the philosophy of worldly
sufferings and their causes. The Third Noble
Truth declares that sufferings can be brought to
an end, while the Fourth Noble Truth presents a
detailed method to get rid of all worldly
sufferings.
A system of philosophy and psychology that
dwells on the negative aspects of life are rightly
labelled as pessimistic. However. Buddhism not
only dwells on these aspects but also offers a
way out. It is therefore realistic and practical,
and anything but pessimistic.
In private and public human relationships,
Buddhism advocates the peaceful and
harmonious approach. The Buddha discouraged
human conflicts thus:
Victory breeds hatred. The defeated· live in
pain. Happily live the peaceful. giving up victory
and defeat.
It is more important for Buddhists to pay
respect to the Buddha by practicing his
teachings and abstaining from evil. Serving
others, learning more about the teachings and
purifying their own minds.
Not reciting prayersA Buddhist does not pray to the Buddha to beg
for favors from him. Neither does he pray so as
to be given preference for salvation over others
who do not.Meditation takes the place of prayer in
Buddhism. It can take the form of reciting the
qualities of the Buddha and his teaching, and
radiation of thoughts of kindness and
compassion to other beings. It is also the
striving to transform one's nature into
something better and nobler.The Buddha himself had clearly expressed that
neither the recital of religious books, nor self-
torture, nor repetition of prayers, penances,
hymns, charms, incantations and invocations
can bring salvation.A man who wishes to cross the river does not sit
on the bank and pray that the far bank comes
to him. Instead he must build a raft, look for a
bridge or swim across the river.Not dogmatic and superstitiousThe Buddha spoke out against the ignorance
and superstition - the dread and horror which
accompanies popular religion. Dogmatic views
fill man's mind with intolerance and the world
with unhappiness, injustice, crime and hatred.Buddhism docs not claim the monopoly of truth
nor does it condemn any other religions.
Intolerance is the greatest enemy of religion.
The Buddha said that if you can find truth in any
religion accept that truth.The Buddha did not encourage meaningless
ceremonies and rituals because his way of life is
a practical one. Not only are ceremonies and
rituals a waste of time and money but in higher
stages of spiritual development they are fetters
which impede progress.