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n ntroduction to uddhism
Buddhism is a universal religion, one which has brought peace
of mind, happiness and harmony to millions of people in its long
history of more than 2,500 years. It is suitable for anyone who
has a mind to perceive the Truth and who wishes to live his life
meaningfully for the benefit of others as it teaches one to have a
realistic view of both life and the world. It has no place however,
for those who are selfish and narrow-minded.Buddhism does not encourage blind faith nor indulge in fright-
ening and agonising people with imaginary fears and feelings
of guilt in order to convert them. It is a practical religion which
encourages its followers to reason and query, even the teachings
of the Buddha. To live the life of a Buddhist, one must be ready
to follow the way of life that the Buddha has taught and this
requires great discipline, determination and self-effort. Right
practice of the religion leads to peace, tranquillity, happiness,
wisdom and perfect freedom. For these and many other reasons,
Buddhism has satisfied the spiritual needs of more than one
third of mankind.Buddhism is a way of life. It is also a religion of reason and dis-
ciplinary meditational practices leading to the purification of the
mind and Deliverance, the full liberation from the cycle of birth,