Buddhists believe humans are caught in samsara: the endless cycle of existence, characterized by maya (illusion), tanha (craving) and hatred/aversion, leading to dukkha (suffering or unsatisfactoriness)
Where are we going?
- to a favorable or unfavorable rebirth after death
- to enlightenment through entering nirvana
- to Buddhahood
- to bodhisattvahood (Mahayana Buddhism)
How do we get there?
We achieve Enlightenment by:
- acknowledging the Three Jewels: Buddha, dharma, and sangha, by joining the sangha
- accepting the Four Noble Truths
- following the Middle Way/the Eightfold Path
- following the precepts consistent with a lay or monastic way of life
- following the path of the bodhisattva
- developing wisdom and compassion
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