Origin Of Buddhism And Basic Precepts

Origin of Buddhism and basic precepts

It is always said that Buddhism is a religion, but it is surely much more than that: it is a real philosophy of life. And although the different branches of Buddhism make it at times a complex network of precepts, beliefs and practices. The truth is that all of them have in common the search for personal growth, peace and harmony.

Origin of Buddhism

Today Buddhism is the fourth most widespread religion worldwide, and of course it is one of the most followed in the Asian continent. And it is that its origins are very old, since they move us approximately until the sixth century before Christ north of India, where Siddharta Gautama would be born.

A character who still living in comfortable economic conditions, one day leaving his palace realized that he was surrounded by suffering in the form of diseases, poverty and death. And yet, to all the monks I saw, they were smiling, calm and happy. So he decided to undertake that path and ended up becoming a Buddha. It was the beginning of Buddhism.

Who is Buddha?

Actually, Buddha is more a concept than a God as we understand it in the West. It is the state of total liberation that Gautama reached when it detached from all the needs and concerns. Reached inner peace, without disturbances and self-awareness. This is what Buddhism calls Nirvana. And in that state the figures of Buddha, large or small, are always represented, which are always smiling.

I mean, they are happy.

The Buddhist karma

The Nirvana is one of the most enlightening Buddhism concepts of this religion. But there are others that surely they sound in one way or another.

For example, the idea of reincarnation and karma. Buddhists believe in the death of the physical body, but in the reincarnation of the soul in other beings. And they also believe that all actions have their consequences, in this or other lives. It is what is called karma, that is to say that if we do good we will receive good, while if we practice evil, it is obvious that we will suffer.

Variety in Buddhism

As we said in a country as gigantic as India where Buddhism originated, the basic ideas of this doctrine were expanding, and acquired different nuances in different regions and monasteries. Something that also happened in its extension by other lands of Asia such as China or Japan.

So the rituals are modified in different regions, as well as the practices that are associated. We are talking about meditation such linked to Buddhism, and other cultural manifestations such as yoga and even Zen philosophy. And even the different branches of Buddhism have their own sacred cities to which pilgrimage.

There are no commandments in Buddhism

Unlike other majority religions expanded by the world such as Christianity or Islam, in Buddhism there are no commandments as such. They call them precepts, and they are behavioral recommendations and their mandatory explanation to understand why you don’t have to behave in such a way. Something that we can summarize as follows, who does not follow these precepts is bound to unhappiness and suffering.

The five basic precepts

1. With actions of love and goodness the body is purified. So you have to commit not to kill.
2. With generosity without limit, the body is purified. So you don’t have to steal.
3. With tranquility, simplicity and happy, the body is purified. That is, you have to commit to not having harmful sexual behaviors.
4. With truthful communication, speech is purified. Therefore there is no lying.
5. With clear and lucid awareness, the mind is purified. Which means that narcotic substances should not be taken.

In short, we can appreciate that these precepts indicate moral and ethical behaviors that guide the life of Buddhists. Something that can be verified in many places in Asia, but is especially visible in one of the territories where Buddhism is more settled and is part of the landscape. We refer to the Fascinating Landscapes, Landscapes and Monasteries of Katmandu, in Nepal.