Page 11 - Popular Deities of Chinese Buddhism (Illustrated) and Symbols

n ntroduction to uddhism

Buddhism is a universal religion, one which has brought peace

of mind, happiness and harmony to millions of people in its long

history of more than 2,500 years. It is suitable for anyone who

has a mind to perceive the Truth and who wishes to live his life

meaningfully for the benefit of others as it teaches one to have a

realistic view of both life and the world. It has no place however,

for those who are selfish and narrow-minded.

Buddhism does not encourage blind faith nor indulge in fright-

ening and agonising people with imaginary fears and feelings

of guilt in order to convert them. It is a practical religion which

encourages its followers to reason and query, even the teachings

of the Buddha. To live the life of a Buddhist, one must be ready

to follow the way of life that the Buddha has taught and this

requires great discipline, determination and self-effort. Right

practice of the religion leads to peace, tranquillity, happiness,

wisdom and perfect freedom. For these and many other reasons,

Buddhism has satisfied the spiritual needs of more than one

third of mankind.

Buddhism is a way of life. It is also a religion of reason and dis-

ciplinary meditational practices leading to the purification of the

mind and Deliverance, the full liberation from the cycle of birth,

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