The basic teachings of the Buddha

Abstract

Key terms and teachings Anatta / Anatman: Literally “no-self,” this term refers to the denial of a fixed, permanent, unchanging self or soul ( atta/atman ). On a more general level, it refers to the Buddha's denial of any fixed or permanent substantial nature in any object or phenomenon. According to the Buddha, everything lacks inherent existence, because all things arise in dependence on impermanent causes and conditions. Dukkha / Duhkha: The subject of the Four Noble Truths, whose root meaning refers to an off-center wheel hub, “ dukkha ” captures the fact that life never quite lives up to our expectations, hopes, dreams, and plans. Usually translated as “suffering,” it includes the broader psychological ideas of dissatisfaction, lack of contentment, discontent, pain, misery, frustration, and feeling ill at ease. Eightfold Path: A basic summary of the Buddha's teachings in morality/ sila (right or appropriate speech, action, and livelihood), mental concentration or meditative cultivation/ samadhi (right or appropriate effort, mindfulness, and concentration), and wisdom/ panna (right or appropriate view or understanding, and thought or intention). Four Noble Truths: The Buddha's insight into dukkha ; the source or arising or coming to be or cause of dukkha ( tanha ); the cessation or ceasing of dukkha ( niroda ); and the path or way ( magga ) leading to the extinction of dukkha . Kamma / Karma: Literally “action” or “deed,” this term refers to the fact that actions and intentions have or produce consequences. The basic Buddhist account of it is that both appropriate and inappropriate tendencies or habits lead to actions that ultimately produce fruits or consequences. […]