What I know about Buddhism

29 Aug, 2025

Here are some things I think I know about Buddhism:

1. There is no one Buddhism.
2. Buddhism is both astonishingly simple and overwhelmingly complex; this is just one of Buddhism’s many contradictions.
3. Buddhism’s defining characteristic is its intrinsic approach. The answers (and motivation) are within oneself, not without.
4. Buddhism plays nicely with other spiritual and religious traditions.
5. That said, Buddhism is most meaningful when you commit to it.
6. If you forget everything, just breathe.
7. Buddhists love lists; so far I have discovered the Four Noble Truths, the Noble Eightfold Path, ten wholesome actions (or ten virtues), five aggregates, 51 mental factors (mental states), and many others.
8. Buddhism is much more than meditation, though meditation is essential to Buddhism.
9. Buddhism is zero-trust; it teaches first principles so that the answers become self-evident. You don’t have to take anyone’s word for it.
10. What I think I know about Buddhism is constantly changing (like everything).

#Buddhism