In general, Buddhists believe: We are all responsible for our own actions. Unwholesome actions eventually lead to negative results; wholesome actions lead to positive results. We are all responsible for our own happiness. Humans have the ability, through their own effort, to give up greed, hatred, and delusion. True happiness doesn’t come from material possessions.

Specifically, they believe: The Buddha, named Gautama, discovered the true nature of reality. He identified the cause of suffering, craving, and the way to end it. With this understanding, he attained enlightenment, completely removing the roots of greed, hatred, and delusion from his mind. He taught these truths to the world, and this knowledge is still accessible today. By practicing these teachings, others have also fully ended suffering in their lives.

If you find these ideas interesting, you’ll definitely be able to learn more by participating in the activities at our monastery and meditation center.