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The life of the Buddha |
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I would like first to examine the situation that happened
in India before the time of the Buddha, that is to say, the pre-Buddhist
background of Buddhism. It is impossible to have a clear understanding of
Buddhism unless one takes into consideration the cultural, philosophical,
and religious background of India before the time of the Buddha. I
personally believe such an examination to be helpful because it enable us to
understand the life of the Buddha and his teaching as well.
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The Four Noble Truths |
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The Four Noble Truths are the most fundamental of the
principles delivered by the Buddha. They virtually coincide with the whole
of the doctrine of the Buddha. The understanding of the Four Noble Truths is
synonymous with the attainment of the goal of Buddhist practice.
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The Five Precepts |
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In practical life a lay adherent is traditionally
required to take refuge in the Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Sangha, to
observe the five basic principles of moral conduct. The five precepts are
the basic principles of Buddhism best known to most people. It is customary
for Buddhist people to be explained during almost every religious ceremony
and those present at the ceremonies generally make a formal declaration of
their intention to comply with the five precepts. People in Buddhist
countries must have seen or heard monks enunciating the five precepts ever
since the time when they were still very young and did not understand them.
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