What is the most important thing one should know about Buddhism?

Sopwith Camel: What is the most important thing one should know about Buddhism?
What are the most important things about Buddhism that I should know? If somebody asked you what Buddhism was, what would you reply? What are some key concepts/symbols/values that are present in Buddhism?

Answers and Views:

Answer by Desiree
It’s another crackpot religion with absurd dogma that Buddhists dishonestly present as rational.

Answer by Carl
That it is an empty religion, offering no hope, no forgiveness and no peace with God.

Answer by Godless Heathen
“Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it,
no matter if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own
reason and your own common sense.”
-Buddha (536 B.C.-483 B.C.)

Answer by Zombie Batman!
moderation

Answer by yip yip yip
Strive for the middle way.

Answer by ~~Birdy~~
I would say, “Why should I know anything about Buddhism? What do you know about Christianity?”

Answer by jack s
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***********the most important thing one should know about Buddhism is…… Don’t become one !
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Answer by Special EPhex
The most important thing you should know about Buddhism are the teachings of Buddha.

Buddhism is not really a religion, but a way of life and self-discovery.

Answer by Pastor Art (((SFECU)))
It does not have the truth.

Answer by F. Perdurabo
Ignore the majority of clown hats that are answering your question please.

Buddhism is not centered around deities
Buddhism teaches a very simple and rational way to truly get to know yourself (meditation)
Buddhism teaches a very simple and rational way to deal with people and situations in this world (karma and imprints)
Buddhism is very simple and down to earth.
If you aren’t meditating you aren’t doing it.

Answer by god is a cat
there is 3 different buddas. and also you cant eat meat unless someone gives you a live animal as apresent to eat. thats all i know

Answer by Angelically Sexy Sassy
Do good and be good.

“I do not care to know your various theories about God. What is the use of discussing all the subtle doctrines about the soul? Do good and be good. And this will take you to freedom and to whatever truth there is….” ~ Buddha

Answer by Bradwast88
Important thing is don’t believe in something just because that book says so or that man says so.Believe what make sense to you.

Answer by The Foreigner
Q What are the most important things about Buddhism that I should know?
A- 1. Four Noble Truths (Ariya-Sacca)
2. Three Marks of Existence (Three Characteristics of Nature, Ti-lakkhana)
3. Five Aggregates (5 Khandhas)
4. Satipatthana (Vipassana)
5. Threefold Training

Q- What is Buddhism?
A- Over 2,500 years ago, the Buddha discovered the true reality of nature (Four Noble Truths) by himself and taught others about these truths. This can be compared with a scientist who uncovers any fact that already exists in the nature and tells people about it. Collectively, his teachings are called Dhamma (Dharma).

The Four Noble Truths (Ariya-Sacca) are the ultimate truths that the noble ones (Ariya-Puggala) see but ordinary people cannot — in this world, there is no animal, person, or self but only groups of four basic natural elements (earth, water, fire and air) that temporarily assemble together. These elements are all Body and Mind (also known as Rupa and Nama, 5 Khandas or 5 Aggregates), but we call them dog, cat, man, etc.

In order to comprehend these truths that seem to be unreal to an ordinary person, one has to study and to practice Satipatthana (= Vipassana = Insight Meditation). This is the most straightforward way to realize the true nature of Body and Mind.

When we constantly observe our body and mind until we accept that they are not ourselves, the mind will enter the level of the Stream-enterer (Sotapanna). When the mind finally lets go of the body and mind, the Enlightenment (Nirvana) will be attained. A person is then called the Worthy One (Arahant). This achievement of Enlightenment is the ultimate goal of Buddhism.

Answer by FakeGenius007Ironman
morality (sila) is the foundation of Buddhism. self-control is another word for morality.

morality is basically composed with five precepts – avoid: killing, stealing, lying, sexual misconduct (not to make love with others’ wives or husbands etc.) and intoxication.

sila – morality
samadhi – concentration
panna – understanding
are three levels in Buddhism.

sila – is thus the foundation.

Answer by Sati
The most important thing one should know about buddhism is the Four Noble Truths:

1. Suffering exists and is unavoidable

2. Causes of suffering – attachment and desire (in the forms of greed, craving, and grasping)

3. End of suffering – complete eradication of all attachment and desire

4. The Eightfold Path or Middle Way

– Right Understanding: understanding skillful behavior in terms of cause and effect and the Four Noble Truths and how they fit into the overall scheme of the Buddha’s teachings

– Right Thinking: generosity, letting go, loving-kindness, and compassion

– Right Speech: telling the truth and avoiding malicious talk, harsh language, and gossip

– Right Action: the principles for leading an ethical life; abstaining from killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, and intoxication

– Right Livelihood: choosing an appropriate profession that is important to spiritual practice

– Right Effort: preventing negative states of mind, overcoming negative states of mind, cultivating positive states of mind, and maintain positive states of mind

– Right Mindfulness: the practice of mindfulness meditation; cultivating mindfulness of body, feelings, mind, and thoughts

– Right Concentration: the stages of deep absorption reached in meditation

If someone asked me what buddhism was, my reply would be a science of mind.
Hope this helps. May all beings be at peace and ease.

Answer by bo k
Buddhism is a practice to understand mind and body relationship.