Gautama Buddha
Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha (the Awakened One), was an Indian ascetic and spiritual teacher who founded Buddhism. His core teaching is not about gods or faith, but a pragmatic analysis of human suffering (dukkha). He mapped the exact mechanism of desire, attachment, and the self-illusion, offering a direct path (the Eightfold Path) to the cessation of suffering. He is a psychologist of the mind before the term existed.
Who was Gautama Buddha?
A North Indian prince who renounced his throne to find the cause of human suffering and became the founder of Buddhism.
What is the Four Noble Truths?
1) Life is suffering (Dukkha). 2) The cause of suffering is craving/desire (Tanha). 3) The end of suffering is possible (Nirvana). 4) The path to end suffering is the Eightfold Path.
What is the mechanism of desire according to Buddha?
Desire leads to attachment; attachment leads to expectation; expectation leads to disappointment; disappointment leads to suffering.
Does Buddhism believe in a soul (Atman)?
No. Buddha taught Anatta (no-self). The idea of a permanent, independent self is the primary illusion that causes suffering.
What is the Middle Way?
The path between two extremes: extreme asceticism (self-torture) and extreme hedonism (self-indulgence).
How does one end suffering?
By extinguishing craving through ethical conduct, mental discipline (meditation), and wisdom (seeing reality as it is).
What is Karma in Buddhism?
Intentional action. It is not cosmic justice but a natural law of cause and effect on the mind.
What is Nirvana?
The "blowing out" of the fires of greed, hatred, and delusion. It is the cessation of suffering, not a "heaven."
Did Buddha talk about God?
He remained silent on the existence of a creator God, as he considered the question irrelevant to ending suffering.
What is mindfulness (Sati)?
The bare, non-judgmental observation of body, feelings, and thoughts in the present moment, without reaction.
