Buddhism, founded by Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) over 2500 years ago, is both a philosophy and a practical path aimed at understanding the true nature of reality and finding lasting freedom from suffering.

Key Concepts

• The Four Noble Truths: The core framework of Buddhism outlines the nature of suffering (dukkha), its origin in craving and attachment, the possibility of its cessation, and the path leading to that freedom.
• The Eightfold Path: This path offers practical guidance for cultivating wisdom, ethical conduct, and mental discipline. It includes aspects like Right Understanding, Right Mindfulness, and Right Concentration.
• Impermanence (Anicca): Buddhism emphasizes that all things, including our own sense of self, are in a constant state of flux and change. Clinging to permanence leads to suffering.
• Interdependence: All phenomena arise in dependence on other causes and conditions. There is no isolated, independent self.

Central Practices

• Mindfulness (Sati): Paying deliberate attention to the present moment, to our thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations, without judgment. This cultivates clarity and breaks the cycle of reactive patterns.
• Meditation (Samadhi): Developing focused concentration through various techniques such as breath awareness or loving-kindness meditation. This deepens insight and cultivates mental stability.
• Ethical Conduct (Sila): Living by precepts that cultivate compassion, generosity, and non-harming. This creates a foundation for peace within oneself and towards others.