Beyond Morality

The three most common religions in our time right now are: Buddhism, Islamic, and Christianity. These religions are common because they have been around for a very long time with minor changes made to each one of them dividing them up into different branches. Most of the world’s populations follow one of these three popular religions.


Buddhism is a religion which originated in India and has had major changes made to them depending on where it is practiced. The main things are still the same though. According to the theory of Buddhism, the religion was created by Buddha, who created a way of life for people to follow. He did not want to be idolized, but people idolized him and made him the “creator” of this religion. He taught people to live a life of happiness, not to have greed, but be good to everyone. This religion originated in India and as it went through Asia, people developed this religion to match their culture. Buddhism does not have any particular branches, but there are small differences found in religious practices.


Dharma is one of Buddha’s teachings. He does not demand people to convert to Buddhism, unlike some other religions which preach and encourage people to join their faith. This religion mostly teaches humans how to live their lives morally. This religion discourages lying, and deceitful acts, and is based on good morals. The goal of Buddha was not to have people convert to Buddhism, but to teach them the way of living a fulfilling and good life.


Source:
http://reflectionofabuddhistmonk.com/2011/07/02/the-witness-of-the-buddha/s. 

Now, Kalamas, do not be led by reports, or tradition, or hearsay. Be not led by the authority of religious texts, nor by mere logic or inference, nor by considering appearances, nor by the delight in speculative opinions, nor by seeming possibilities, nor by the idea: “This is our Teacher”. But, O Kalamas, when you know for yourselves that certain things are unwholesome and wrong and bad, then give them up… and when you know that certain things are wholesome and good, and that the wise believe them to be so, then accept them and follow them. 

Meaning: 

This quote is trying to tell people not to believe everything you hear just because you’ve heard it from a rumor, or that it was found in some religious book, or an elder’s words, or some tradition. This quote tells you that you should believe things based on your own observations and by doing things for your own good and benefit. Accept it, and live through life. 


To follow Buddhism, the individual himself has to be able to reflect and understand what he anticipates in life and what he desires in return because Buddha’s teaching is not just about learning what we have to learn; it’s about learning to love life and know how life is like. The Three important rules in the practice of Buddhism are: Listen, Reflect, and Meditate. It is an individual or a group’s study of life experiences and approaching your goal.



http://thebuddhistcentre.com/text/reflection