An Introduction to Buddhism

Buddhism is the practice of the Buddha’s teachings, also known as ‘dharma’, which means ‘protection’. By practising the Buddha’s teachings, sentient beings are permanently protected from suffering. Shakyamuni Buddha is the founder of Buddhism. In 589 BC, at Bodh Gaya in India, the Buddha demonstrated how to attain enlightenment, the ultimate goal of all living beings. He then began to expound his profound teachings, or ‘turn the wheel of the Dharma’. The Buddha gave eighty-four thousand teachings, and Buddhism spread throughout the world on the basis of these precious teachings.

Today, we can see many different forms of Buddhism, such as Zen and Theravada Buddhism. These different aspects are all practices based on the Buddha’s teachings and are therefore equally valuable. They are simply different ways of presenting the teachings. In the book *A Modern Buddhism*, Geshe Kelsang Gyatso explains Buddhism according to the Kadampa tradition, which he has studied and practised. This book presents the Dharma in a way that is specially designed for people in the modern world.

There are three reasons why we need to study and practise the Buddha’s teachings: to develop our wisdom, to cultivate a good heart, and to maintain a peaceful state of mind. If we do not strive to develop our wisdom, we will always remain ignorant of the ultimate truth, the true nature of reality. Although we wish to be happy, our ignorance causes us to commit unwholesome actions, which are the main cause of all our suffering.

If we do not cultivate a good heart, our selfish motives will destroy our harmonious relationships with others. We will not live in peace and will not be able to attain pure happiness. Without inner peace, outer peace is impossible. If our mind is not at peace, we are not happy even when external circumstances are excellent; but if, on the other hand, our mind is at peace, we are happy even when external circumstances are poor. That is why developing these qualities is of the utmost importance for our day-to-day happiness.