Buddhism - Beliefs

1. Buddhists do not worship a Creator God.

2. Buddhists believe that they should look at their own actions and how they affect others with a view to reduce suffering.

3. Buddhists believe in following the Middle Way.

4. The Middle Way is a way of life that is not luxurious nor extremely hard - this is known as the Dharma.

5. The Middle Way is based on the Four Noble Truths.

1) Suffering exists

(2) Suffering has a cause

(3) That there can be an end to suffering

(4) That in order to avoid it you should follow the Eightfold Path

6. Buddhists believe that the Eightfold Path should be followed in order to reduce suffering and bring happiness.

7. It teaches Buddhists to overcome greed and hatred.

8. Eightfold Path is: right understanding; right thought; right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, right concentration.

9. Buddhists believe in the cycle of birth, life and rebirth, unless someone gains enlightenment they will be reborn.

10. Buddhists believe that there are six realms into which you can be reborn; Heaven, Humanity, Titans, Hungry Ghosts, Animal, Hell.

11. They think that the actions of their previous lives can determine what they will be reborn as.

12. Enlightenment allows Buddhists to break out of the cycle.

13. Following enlightenment Buddhists reach Nirvana.

14. Nirvana can be achieved by meditating and following the Four Noble Truths.

15. Buddhists believe that meditation is very important to well-being.

16. Meditation helps people to clear their minds and think positively.