Aware of the suffering caused by sexual misconduct: I undertake the training to refrain from using sexual behavior in ways that are harmful to myself and to others.

I will attempt to practice generosity and will be mindful about how to use the world’s resources.

Aware of the suffering caused by theft: I undertake the training to refrain from stealing - to refrain from taking what is not freely given.

I will attempt to treat all beings with compassion and loving kindness.

Aware of the suffering caused by violence: I undertake the training to refrain from killing or committing violence toward living beings.

They include an individual’s choice or willingness to be: As a branch of the Eight-Fold Path, the Five Precepts serve as voluntary guidelines for life and are the bases of Buddhist morality. The basis for all schools of Buddhism includes the Three Universal Seals (premise of existence), the Four Noble Truths (philosophical enlightenment), the 12 Links of Dependent Origination (laws of existence) and the Eight-Fold Path (guide to enlightenment).

In the West, Theravada Buddhism, Zen Buddhism (a branch of Mahayana Buddhism) and Tibetan Buddhism are most predominant. Conversely, Mahayana Buddhism, also known as Northern Buddhism, is considered a more diverse form of Buddhism, whereas Vajrayana Buddhism, also known as Tibetan Buddhism, incorporates major aspects of both Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism and has become a much-revered form of Buddhism in the United States. Practiced primarily in southern areas of Asia, Theravada Buddhism is considered the oldest and most traditional school of the three. Theravada Buddhism, also known as Southern Buddhism, is viewed as the more traditional form of Buddhism. Though varied in practice and beliefs, the majority of individuals who subscribe to Buddhism belong to one of three major schools of thought: Theravada Buddhism, Mahayana Buddhism or Vajrayana Buddhism. It is sometimes described more as a philosophy or psychology than a religion.

The fourth largest religion in the world, Buddhism is largely built on concepts that foster individual enlightenment and encourage personal responsibility. Though it is impossible to present a comprehensive overview of Buddhism within this context, we hope this brief overview will lead you to further explore the religion.īased on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, Buddhism is considered a way of life for more than 500 million individuals across the globe.

Dalai lama quotes on marriage