Buddhism is an amazing religion with unique practices and beliefs that are both practical. The basic teachings of Buddhism are divided into three subdivisions, “the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha,” each a part in Buddhist faith. Other Buddhism practices include the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path, which both are foundations of the characteristics of reality. One of the main characteristics of reality is suffering, also known as dukkha, the inevitable feeling and emotion of disease and dissatisfaction in life. It is said that “life, when lived conventionally, can never be fully satisfying because of its inescapable change” that it brings, due to some sort of suffering or misery. Through the Fourth Noble Truth, one can release suffering from oneself and following the Noble Eightfold Path can help achieve that. Through my understanding of the Buddhist faith, Nirvana is achieving peace in mind, end the suffering, and cutting the lines of limitations and suffering from you and the world. Nirvana can be achieved following the Noble Eightfold Path, eight paths practiced all-together “to face life objectively, to live kindly, and to cultivate inner peace." One should desire to reach nirvana as it is the natural cure to human suffering; a way around the misfortunes of life, giving hope to those who devote themselves to inner peace. Why wouldn’t someone want to rid them self of suffering and misery?

Buddhism has changed over decades because of the affect of modern world. The major problem that exists is that “the modern world has adopted what it likes from Buddhism and ignored the rest." Human existence doesn’t see the beauty in the most important religion belief, celibacy of Buddhist monks and nuns. The world doesn’t see fit the idea of reincarnation, but adapt the idea of recycling.

There are three branches of Buddhism that the religion is based on: Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana. Through Mahayana and Vajrayana, teachings and enlightenment are called upon to the average person, and the both branches contact Shingon, mantras. In Theravada, main points touch the monk process and the conservative movement in Buddhism. Though Buddhism has many teachings and instructions, I believe that this last belief sums it all up: “Trust your own insights, and use self-control to reach perfection and inner peace.”

sources: World Religions, Molloy 2008