Core Buddhist Principles

Overview of fundamental Buddhist concepts & practices.

The Four Noble Truths

Fundamental teaching on experience & potential.

  1. The existence of sufferingdukkha.
    Acknowledge dissatisfaction (gross to subtle) without aversion/judgment.
  2. The originsamudāya of suffering (craving).
    Observe how craving (clinging/aversion) fuels suffering. Identify taṇhā.
  3. The cessationnirodha of suffering (Nibbāna).
    Know liberation is possible via cessation of craving.
  4. The pathmagga for the cessation of suffering (The Noble Eightfold Path).
    Engage the Eightfold Path to uproot craving & realize cessation.
The Noble Eightfold Path
Ethical ConductSīla
  • Right speechSammā-vācā
    Speak truthfully, kindly, beneficially, harmoniously. Avoid lies, slander, harsh words, idle chatter. Pause before speaking.
  • Right actionSammā-kammanta
    Act ethically: refrain from killing, stealing, sexual misconduct. Choose actions supporting well-being & non-harming.
  • Right livelihoodSammā-ājīva
    Engage in work that doesn't harm self/others. Avoid deceit, exploitation, trade in weapons, poisons, intoxicants, beings.
ConcentrationSamādhi
  • Right effortSammā-vāyāma
    Cultivate balanced diligence: prevent/overcome unskillful states, develop/maintain skillful ones. Avoid laxity & excess striving.
  • Right concentrationSammā-samādhi
    Develop ability to unify mind on object (e.g., breath), leading to calm absorption (jhāna) supporting insight.
  • Right mindfulnessSammā-sati
    Cultivate clear, non-judgmental present awareness of body (kāya), feelings (vedanā), mind-states (citta), & mental objects (dhammā).
WisdomPaññā
  • Right viewSammā-diṭṭhi
    Understand Four Noble Truths, kamma (karma), Three Marks (impermanence, suffering, not-self), dependent origination.
  • Right intentionSammā-saṅkappa
    Cultivate intentions of renunciation (letting go), goodwill (mettā), harmlessness (avihiṃsā). Check motivation before acting.
/ The Three PoisonsKilesa & Virtues

Root causes of suffering & their antidotes.

  • Greed/lustLobha
    Observe desire's arising & impermanence without acting. Counter with generosity, letting go, contemplating unattractiveness (asubha).
  • Hatred/angerDosa
    Meet anger/aversion with mindful breath. Investigate roots (unmet expectations). Cultivate loving-kindness (Mettā) as antidote.
  • Delusion/ignoranceMoha
    Challenge assumptions about self/reality. Question 'self'-views. Cultivate clarity via mindfulness; investigate Three Marks & Dependent Origination.
  • GenerosityDāna
    Look for chances to give (time, attention, support, smile, advice). Notice letting go & joy. Give without expecting return.
  • LovingkindnessMettā (Antidote to Hatred)
  • WisdomPaññā (Antidote to Delusion)
    Reflect on Three Marks daily. Investigate cause/effect (kamma). See how understanding impermanence, suffering, not-self reduces clinging/aversion.
The Five PreceptsPañcasīla

To live ethically, refrain from:

  1. KillingPāṇātipātā veramaṇī
    Extend compassion to all beings, even insects. Respect life. Avoid intentionally causing death.
  2. StealingAdinnādānā veramaṇī
    Respect others' property/consent. Practice contentment. Be mindful of unintentional taking (e.g., office supplies).
  3. Sexual misconductKāmesumicchācāra veramaṇī
    Engage sexually responsibly & ethically, avoiding harm, exploitation, coercion, deceit. Respect commitments & consent.
  4. False speechMusāvādā veramaṇī
    Speak truthfully, kindly, constructively, timely. Avoid gossip, slander, harsh words, meaningless chatter.
  5. Intoxicants causing heedlessnessSurāmerayamajja-pamādaṭṭhānā veramaṇī
    Avoid substances (alcohol, drugs) & excessive activities (entertainment) causing carelessness, impairing judgment, hindering mindfulness.
The Three Kinds of SufferingDukkha

Understand Dukkha via categories:

  1. The suffering of painDukkha-dukkhatā
    Acknowledge physical/mental pain, loss, sadness without resistance, avoiding the 'second arrow' of added suffering.
  2. The suffering of changeVipariṇāma-dukkhatā
    Reflect how pleasant experiences are temporary; dependence leads to stress/disappointment when they inevitably change/cease.
  3. The suffering of conditionalitySaṅkhāra-dukkhatā
    Contemplate pervasive unsatisfactoriness of being subject to birth, aging, death, & the five aggregates (khandhas) - inherently impermanent & not-self.
3 Marks of ExistenceTilakkhaṇa

All conditioned phenomena are marked by:

  1. ImpermanenceAnicca
    Observe constant arising/passing of thoughts, feelings, sensations. Nothing is static; reduces clinging & expectation.
  2. Suffering/UnsatisfactorinessDukkha
    See how attachment to impermanent things leads to disappointment/stress when they change. Recognize inherent unease in conditioned states.
  3. Not-selfAnattā
    Investigate experiences (thoughts, body, feelings). Find a permanent, independent 'I'? Notice phenomena arise/cease based on conditions, not a fixed self.
The Seven Points of Posture

(Primarily Tibetan, not specific Theravada Sutta list)

  • Legs (Crossed)
  • Back (Straight)
  • Jaws (Relaxed)
  • Head (Slightly Tilted)
  • Arms (Hands in Lap)
  • Eyes (Gently Lowered)
  • Tongue (Touching Palate)
  • Shoulders (Level)
Aids stability & alertness. Find a comfortable, balanced seat maintainable without strain. Adjust as needed. Key is relaxed alertness.
The Five HindrancesNīvaraṇa

Mental obstacles obscuring clarity.

  1. Sensual desireKāma-chanda
    Recognize sensual desire. Note it ('desire') & gently return focus to meditation object. Contemplate unattractiveness (asubha) or impermanence.
  2. Ill willVyāpāda / Byāpāda
    Acknowledge aversion/ill will. Counteract by cultivating Mettā, even towards difficult people/sensations. Understand its harm.
  3. Sloth and torporThīna-middha
    Notice drowsiness/heaviness. Counteract: brighten mind (visualize light), adjust posture, walking meditation, mindful energy cultivation.
  4. Restlessness and worryUddhacca-kukkucca
    Recognize agitated mind or worry/remorse. Gently return attention to breath/body. Broaden focus slightly if needed. Cultivate calm & acceptance.
  5. DoubtVicikicchā
    Acknowledge doubt (about practice, teachings, teacher). Note it ('doubt'). Recall motivation, trust process, investigate wisely, seek clarification.
The Four Metta Phrases

(Common practice phrases from Mettā Sutta)

  1. May I/you be free from danger
  2. May I/you be happy
  3. May I/you be healthy
  4. May I/you live with ease
Use phrases sincerely in meditation towards self & others. Feel the intention, let goodwill grow. Modify as needed.
The Five RemembrancesAbhiṇhapaccavekkhaṇa

Subjects for reflection.

  1. I am subject to aging...
    Reflect on inevitable aging. How does this change priorities? Use to motivate practice & compassion, not despair.
  2. I am subject to illness...
    Acknowledge fragile health. Cultivate well-being now, but don't cling. Develop mental resilience for illness.
  3. I am subject to death...
    Contemplate certain death, uncertain time. Focus on what matters, live meaningfully *now*. Reduces fear/procrastination.
  4. I will grow different, separate from all dear...
    Reflect on impermanence of relationships, possessions, status, body. Appreciate now without clinging. Reduces suffering from loss.
  5. I am the owner of my actionskamma...
    Understand intentional actions (kamma) shape future experiences. Focus on cultivating skillful actions. Take responsibility.
The Six Stages of Metta

(Common practice structure, cf. Visuddhimagga)

  1. Yourself
  2. A good friend/respected person
  3. A neutral person
  4. A difficult person
  5. All four (equally)
  6. The entire universe (all beings)
Systematically cultivate Mettā using phrases/visualization. Start self, extend outwards, breaking down self/other & like/dislike barriers. Aim for impartial goodwill.
The Four Brahma-ViharasBrahmavihāra

Sublime Abodes / Divine States:

  1. LovingkindnessMettā
    Cultivate warmth, friendliness, unconditional positive regard towards self & all beings, wishing them true happiness.
  2. CompassionKaruṇā
    Develop empathy for suffering (self/others). Cultivate sincere wish for suffering to end. Feel into pain without being overwhelmed.
  3. JoyMuditā (Sympathetic Joy)
    Cultivate sympathetic joy – genuinely rejoicing in others' happiness & success, free from envy or resentment.
  4. EquanimityUpekkhā
    Develop mental balance, stability, impartiality towards all beings & circumstances (gain/loss, praise/blame). See beings as heirs of kamma.
The Eight VicissitudesAtthalokadhamma

Universal worldly conditions:

  1. Pleasure & pain
  2. Gain & loss
  1. Praise & blame
  2. Fame & disrepute
Recognize these pairs as natural parts of life. Observe with equanimity (Upekkhā), understanding their impermanence, without elation or despair.
The Three JewelsTiratana

Core objects of refuge.

  • I take refuge in the BuddhaBuddha (The Awakened One)
    Recall Buddha's qualities (wisdom, compassion) as inspiration. Cultivate confidence in the path.
  • I take refuge in the DharmaDhamma (The Teachings/Truth)
    Trust teachings as map to end suffering. Study, reflect, investigate via practice, realize truth for yourself.
  • I take refuge in the SanghaSaṅgha (The Community)
    Appreciate support & example of fellow practitioners. Engage community for learning/encouragement. Recognize value of Ariya Sangha.
The Five AggregatesPañca Khandha

The components of "self":

  1. Form/MatterRūpa
  2. Feeling/SensationVedanā
  3. PerceptionSaññā
  4. Mental FormationsSaṅkhārā
  5. ConsciousnessViññāṇa
Observe experiences as arising within these aggregates. Note their impermanence & impersonality to weaken self-identification and see Anattā (not-self).