By Liam Ballinagar

Buddhism is the practice of “Dharma”, or “protection”. Protection from what, you ask. In essence…ourselves. Buddhism is a philosophy of the mind; by solving all of our inner problems, can we begin to solve those outside of us. According to this philosophy, we must approach all problems with a positive attitude so they become challenges and even opportunities. Serendipity in practice… And here it is; serendipity…the application of something bad towards something good or vice versa. If you make a mistake, learn from it. If you do something good, do it that way from that point forward. This is the Basis of Being.

So, who was Buddha? Or a better question is, who IS Buddha. The actual meaning of Buddha a dead language, Pali, and means “Bodh”, which our closest translation is ‘awakened’ or ‘aware’ - enlightened. According to Buddhism, we can all be Buddha. How? Because to be aware or awake to the world is to literally be…Buddha. Enlightenment comes from within, Buddhism teaches us, and there have been many enlightened beings through the history of this world. But, there is one man, whom most ‘versions’ of Buddhism are referring to, especially Theravada Buddhism.

This man lived in India around 2500 years ago, born into a wealthy royal family; he was called Siddhartha Gotama. His clan, whose royal name is Shakya, made it’s place in Lumpini Park, Kapilavastu; which is now known as Nepal. Later, the Buddha would be called Sakyamuni, a holy name. Raised in luxury, he demonstrated special powers and superb intelligence, early in childhood. For this, he was also shielded from the outside world; leading a sheltered life. A prophecy was made, early in Siddhartha’s childhood; that he would either become the conqueror of the world, or he would become the ‘Enlightened One’, as a priest. This is what brought Siddhartha’s father to shelter him from the outside; he wanted Confucius to become leader of the world, not a lowly priest.

Growing into a man, Siddhartha led a normal royal life, eventually starting a family; but he felt that much was missing. Something pulled at him…was this all of which life consisted? On several occasions, Siddhartha snuck out of the palace. Starving for knowledge of the outside world, he enlisted the help of his servants each time. The awe he felt was soon overcome by shock, as the things that he had been sheltered from filled his vision. Sickness, old age, and death; pain and suffering everywhere he looked. Eventually, during his nocturnal wanderings, Siddhartha spied a religious wanderer.

The man’s life intrigued him. Siddhartha decided that he would live similarly; to gain insight and understanding on life and resolve the problem of human suffering. At the age of 29, Siddhartha began his traverse; slipping away after a raucously decadent party, he kissed his sleeping wife and child goodbye…never to return. On his way, he shed everything of his royal life – all his possessions. He bade his manservant to return to the palace with his horse and royal garb. At the forests edge, he cut his hair; shaving himself bald. Siddhartha joined the ascetics in his travels; adopting their philosophy of understanding and release from suffering through deprivation of the body and meditation.

All this was for naught, though; after many years he was no closer to the truth, if a little leaner and very weary. As it happened, a young woman came upon him one day and offered him sweet rice. It was at this very moment that Siddhartha understood the way to enlightenment was not gained through deprivation of the bodies needs… Balance was necessary. Between the two extremes the way to the truth existed. To learn, the body and mind must be healthy and strong. Beneath the Bodhi tree (as it’s now called), Siddhartha meditated for six long years. During this meditation he was thwarted by Mara (the spirit of temptation), but he never succumbed. And at the age of 35, enlightenment was attained. It was all so clear to him, he finally understood the problem of life and the solution to suffering through the power of the mind.

His next step was to teach this newfound knowledge, but he feared that it was truly too profound to teach to the masses; but teach it he must. Whilst most people are oblivious to the truth, there were some who could see past the veil and get a glimpse of it. These are the people he saught. So, he traveled to Deer Park, near what is now know as Varanasi. Here, he found five Brahmins, lofty in their knowledge of the truth, or so they believed. He proceeded to teach them what he had learned. From this teaching, a community of monks arose – the original Sangha. The Buddha continued his wandering, teaching wherever he traversed, until his death at the age of 80. This was only the beginning for Buddhism. Anyone can be Buddha. According to Mahayana Buddhism, there have been many Buddha’s throughout history, all worshipped for the specific attributes that particular incarnation of Buddha symbolizes. It should be mentioned that there are four basic principles of Buddhism:

1.) Suffering exists.
2.) Suffering arises from attachment to desires.
3.) Suffering ceases when attachment to desires ceases.
4.) Freedom from suffering is possible by practicing the eightfold path.

The eightfold path is akin to the Basis of Being. – The right understanding. – The right thought. – The right speech. – The right action. - The right livelihood. – The right effort. – The right mindfulness. – The right contemplation. If one delves into the Basis of Being, one will see that Buddhism holds the same values high; proving that all religion and no religion have the same goals in mind, even if their paths are different. The happiness and fulfillment of the human race.

The Basis Of Being supports all beliefs that lead to a prosperous and peaceful lifelong pursuit of happiness for not only ourselves, but those around us.

What is the Basis of Being?

The Basis Of Being is a groundbreaking book broken down into 13 Chapters of 28 Maxims each. Written by Liam Ballinagar & Gamble Leidolf; edited by Corine San Crainte, this wonderful pocket sized guide will change your life forever. With 364 Pearls of Wisdom, you can make but one alteration a day and by the end of 12 months, you might not recognize yourself. But of course your good deeds will have been rewarded and come back to you tenfold. Thank you for considering the Basis Of Being. If you are ready for the Future: CLICK HERE