Central Doctrines of Buddhism

♦ The Law of Causation

♦ Seal of the Three laws  ♦ The Four Noble Truths 

♦ Eightfold path  ♦ Six paramitas

The Law of Causation

The Law of Causation states that all phenomena in the universe are produced by causation. According to this doctrine, since all phenomena result from the relation of cause and effect, all things in the universe exist in interrelationship with one another (“Nothing has an ego”), and all things and phenomena in this world constantly change (“All things are impermanent”).

Seal of the Three Laws

All things are impermanent – following natural direction of human life, advancing toward realization that we are one substance with the Buddha – the great life force of the universe, the one thing unchangeable, permanent in this world—the cause to live.

Nothing has an ego – without exception all things, all existences are related to one another. Nothing leads to an isolated existence. Everything is permeated by the same life-energy. We cannot live our lives alone.

Nirvana is quiescence – The quiet stage in which we cling to nothing, extinguishing all illusions.

To realize these three great truths, it is necessary to practice them, endeavoring to realize them in daily life; and to practice the Eightfold Path of the bodhisattva—in mind, body, and actions. Note the Truth of the Path as the Eightfold Path.

The Four Noble Truths

The Truth of Suffering – all things in this world are comprised of suffering for those who do not reach beyond personal ego nor pursue a path toward enlightened thinking and awareness—in doctrinal terms, to reach toward the Buddha-way, Buddha mind, Buddha thought. Human life is filled with spiritual, physical, economic, and other forms of suffering. To acknowledge the real conditions of suffering and see them through without avoiding them, or meeting them only half-way—this is the truth of suffering.

The Truth of the Cause of Suffering – to reflect on those causes which produce human suffering, investigating them and understanding them clearly.

The Truth of Extinction of Suffering – the state of absolute quietude wherein all sufferings of life are extinguished. The state of mind which is attained only by awakening to the great truths Shakyamuni Buddha has taught in The Seal of the Three  Laws: All things are impermanent, Nothing has an ego, and Nirvana is quiescence.

The Truth of the Path – method of practice to extinguish suffering—the Eightfold Path and the Six Perfections of the Bodhisattva Way

The Eightfold Path

the “right way” of conduct:

following the middle beyond extremes

Right View – abandon self-centered way of looking at things based on the Buddha’s wisdom which discerns and understands the principle of the Reality of All Existence.

Right Thinking – not to incline toward a self-centered attitude but to think of things from a higher standpoint, with “the mind of the Buddha.”

Right Speech – avoiding words which cause others suffering.

Right Action – daily conduct in accordance with mindfulness of the Buddha’s teachings.

Right Living – Not to make our living in work which causes trouble for others.

Right Endeavor – an extension of Right Living—harmony as the basis  for human society and communities, celebrating, depending upon it, and endeavoring to realize it.

Memory – gaining the same mind as the Buddha. We cannot say we have the same mind as the Buddha unless we address ourselves to all things in the universe with a fair and right mind. [note: also seeing “Memory” as keeping the teachings in mind through memorizing, copying, studying the Lotus Sutra, very much resonating with Meditation.]

Meditation – not to be agitated by any change of circumstances, thus leading to practicing consistently the “right” teachings of the Buddha.

The Six Paramitas

Perfected Practice of the Bodhisattvas

Donation – to be open to and perceive the needs of others, practicing “nothing has an ego.” Helping others according to their needs – not one’s own.

Keeping the precepts – to release the personal ego, keeping the mind at peace day and night, and always in meditation, contemplating the Buddha-way, Buddha- thought, rendering service to others, removing arrogance.

Perseverance – ego-free generosity, sustaining attitude of compassion.

Assiduity – to intend, not distracted by trivial things (this is sure a rough one to follow!) – to advance single-mindedly.

Meditation – remembering we are gestures of the great perfection: to contemplate, the true aspect of things.

Wisdom– to realize we are all one substance with the imperishable life-force of the universe.