Buddhist Fundamentals

Fundamental Teachings

The Triple Gem

Name (memorize)	Description (memorize)
The Buddha	The self awakened one. The original nature of the Heart
The Dharma	The Teaching. The nature of reality
The Sangha	a. The Awakened Community. b. Any harmonious assembly. c. All Beings.

The Four Noble Truths

Item (memorize)	Description (memorize)
1	Dukkha - stress, unsatisfactoriness, suffering;
2	The causal arising of Dukkha, which is grasping, clinging and wanting;
3	Nirvana, the ending of Dukkha. Awakening, Enlightenment. "Mind like fire unbound";
4	The Path leading to Nirvana or Awakening.

The Four Bodhisattva Vows

Item (memorize)	Description (memorize)
1	I vow to rescue the boundless living beings from suffering; (Link to 1st Truth)
2	I vow to put an end to the infinite afflictions of living beings; (Link to 2nd Truth)
3	I vow to learn the measureless Dharma-doors; (Link to 4th Truth)
4	I vow to realise the unsurpassed path of the Buddha. (Link to 3th Truth)

The Eight Fold-Path

Item (memorize)	Description (memorize)
1	Right View, Understanding;
2	Right Attitude, Thought or Emotion;
3	Right Speech;
4	Right Action;
5	Right livelihood;
6	Right Effort, Energy, and Vitality;
7	Right Mindfulness or Awareness;
8	Right Samadhi "concentration", one-pointedness. Integration of, or establishment in, various levels of consciousness.

The Five Precepts

Item (memorize)	Description (memorize)
1. I undertake to	Abstain from killing living beings;
2. I undertake to	Abstain from taking that which not given;
3. I undertake to	Abstain from sexual misconduct;
4. I undertake to	Abstain from false speech;
5. I undertake to	Abstain from distilled substances that confuse the mind. (Alcohol and Drugs)

 

The underlying principle is non-exploitation of yourself or others. The precepts are the foundation of all Buddhist training. With a developed ethical base, much of the emotional conflict and stress that we experience is resolved, allowing commitment and more conscious choice. Free choice and intention is important. It is "I undertake" not 'Thou Shalt". Choice, not command.

The Five Precepts in positive terms

Item (memorize)	Description (memorize)
1. I undertake the training precept to	Act with Loving-kindness;
2. I undertake the training precept to	Be open hearted and generous;
3. I undertake the training precept to	Practice stillness, simplicity and contentment;
4. I undertake the training precept to	Speak with truth, clarity and peace;
5. I undertake the training precept to	Live with mindfulness.

The Ten Paramita

Item (memorize)	Description (memorize)
1.	Giving or Generosity; *
2.	Virtue, Ethics, Morality; *
3.	Renunciation, letting go, not grasping;
4.	Panna or Prajna "Wisdom" insight into the nature of reality; *
5.	Energy, vigour, vitality, diligence; *
6.	Patience or forbearance; *
7.	Truthfulness;
8.	Resolution, determination, intention;
9.	Kindness, love, friendliness;
10.	Equanimity.

The Four Sublime or Uplifted States

Item (memorize)	Description (memorize)
Metta	Friendliness, Loving-kindness;
Karuna	Compassion;
Mudita	Joy, Gladness. Appreciation of good qualities in people;
Upekkha	Equanimity, the peaceful unshaken mind.

The Five Powers or Spiritual Faculties

Item (memorize)	Description (memorize)
1.	Faith, Confidence;
2.	Energy, Effort;
3.	Mindfulness;
4.	Samadhi;
5.	Wisdom.

The Five Hindrances

Item (memorize)	Description (memorize)
1.	Sense craving;
2.	Ill-will;
3.	Sloth and Torpor;
4,	Restlessness and Worry;
5.	Toxic doubt and the ruthless inner critic.

The Four bases or Frames of Reference of Mindfulness

Item (memorize)	Description (memorize)
1.	Mindfulness of the Body — breath, postures, parts;
2.	Mindfulness of Feelings, Sensations — pleasant, unpleasant and neutral;
3.	Mindfulness of States of Consciousness;
4.	Mindfulness of all Phenomena or Objects of Consciousness.

The Three Signs of Existence or Universal Properties

Item (memorize)	Description (memorize)
Anicca	Impermanent;
Dukkha	Unsatisfactory, stress inducing;
Anatta	Insubstantial or Not-self.