What are the fundamental beliefs of Buddhism?

Answer 1

Sometimes when I'm asked to describe the Buddhist teachings, I say this:

(1) Everything is connected;

(2) Nothing lasts;

(3) You are not alone.

These first three are really just a restatement of the traditional Three Marks of Existence: non-self, impermanence, and suffering. The fact that we all suffer means we are all in the same boat, and that's what allows us to feel compassion.

(4) Life is full of suffering

(5) Suffering exists because of our desires, aversions and ignorance.

(6) There is a state of mind in which suffering ends (enlightenment).

(7) There is a path to attain this state; That path is called the Eight Fold Path.

Items 4 - 7 are the Four Noble Truths.

(8) Bodichitta (Loving- Kindness / Compassion) is the first step to

enlightenment (and to solving the world's problems)

(9) The 5 Precepts concisely describe a moral life

The 5 precepts are:

(1) not to take the life of any sentient being,

(2) not to take anything not freely given,

(3) to abstain from sexual misconduct and sensual overindulgence,

(4) to refrain from untrue speech, and

(5) to avoid intoxication, that is, losing mindfulness.

(10) Mindfulness of thoughts and actions are the key to wisdom and therefore to the path of enlightenment.

Answer 2

We generally think of the fundamental teachings of Buddhism to be the four noble truths. These ideas would be taught to and understood by most people who regard themselves as Buddhist:

1.The truth of suffering, where we are now

2.The truth regarding the beginning or origin of suffering

3.The truth connected to the cessation of suffering

4.The truth of an end to suffering through an eight fold path