What is the goal of Buddhism?

Answer: The ultimate goal of Buddhism is to attain enlightenment or nirvana, which is a state of liberation from suffering and the cycle of birth and death (samsara).

What are the Four Noble Truths?

Answer: The Four Noble Truths are the foundational teachings of Buddhism:
The truth of suffering (dukkha).
The truth of the cause of suffering (samudaya).
The truth of the cessation of suffering (nirodha).
The truth of the path leading to the cessation of suffering (magga).

What is the Eightfold Path?

Answer: The Eightfold Path is the path to liberation from suffering and consists of eight interconnected principles: right view, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration.

What is karma in Buddhism?

Answer: Karma refers to the law of cause and effect, where actions (karma) have consequences, either in this life or future lives. Positive actions lead to positive outcomes, while negative actions lead to negative outcomes.

What are the Three Universal Truths?

Answer: The Three Universal Truths are fundamental principles in Buddhism:
Impermanence (anicca): All things are transient and subject to change.
Suffering (dukkha): Life inherently involves suffering, dissatisfaction, or stress.
Non-self (anatta): There is no permanent, unchanging self or soul.

What is the significance of meditation in Buddhism?

Answer: Meditation plays a crucial role in Buddhism as a means to cultivate mindfulness, concentration, and insight. It is central to the path of self-discovery and awakening.

What are the Five Precepts?

Answer: The Five Precepts are ethical guidelines that Buddhists strive to uphold:
Refrain from killing.
Refrain from stealing.
Refrain from sexual misconduct.
Refrain from false speech.
Refrain from intoxicants that cloud the mind.

What is the significance of the Bodhisattva ideal?

Answer: The Bodhisattva ideal represents the aspiration to attain enlightenment not only for oneself but also for the benefit of all sentient beings. Bodhisattvas vow to postpone their own nirvana until all beings are liberated from suffering.

What is the role of a teacher or guru in Buddhism?

Answer: A teacher or guru in Buddhism serves as a guide who imparts teachings, offers guidance on the path, and serves as an inspiration for students to cultivate wisdom and compassion.

How does Buddhism view the concept of attachment?

Answer: Buddhism teaches that attachment (or clinging) to impermanent phenomena leads to suffering. By cultivating detachment and letting go of attachment, one can attain inner peace and liberation from suffering.