Page 101 - รวมเล่มศาสนาในประเทศไทย ภาคภาษาอังกฤษ

Principles and Practices of Buddhism

Buddhism is an atheist religion that does not reply on or
need gods. Buddhism places heavy emphasis on “self-reliance”. The
ultimate goal of Buddhism is the cleaning of the mind, sometimes
called purification of the mind, leading to enlightenment and
liberation from Samsara which is the perpetual cycles of existence
or endless rounds of rebirth. Being released from this cycles of
rebirth pattern is called “Nirvana,” the true liberation of suffering.
The belief, principles and practices of Buddhist are based on the
“Three Jewels,” belief in potential of human, and belief of Karma.

“Three Jewels” or “Three treasures” are the Buddha,
the Dhamma, and the Sangha. Buddhist takes refuge in the Three
Jewels. It is by making these the central principles of one's life that
one become a Buddhist. Refuge in the “Buddha,” is like moving to
an awareness of the possibility within oneself. By taking refuge in
the Buddha, one seeks the capacity to be awaken to what the Buddha
experienced. The “Dhamma” is the path that will ultimately lead
to awakening. Understanding Dhamma is understanding the law of
cause and effect. The “Sangha” is the community of those who learn
Dhamma, seek that understanding, and follow the Buddha's path.

In Theravada Buddhism, human is a living creature
that can be taught. With a good advisor and good friend, along
with perseverance, one can be liberated from suffering. Human
has potential for inner change. Intent and actions of an individual
(cause) influence the future of that individual (effect). The mind is
everything. All that we are is the result of what we have thought.
If a man speaks or acts with an evil thought, pain follows him.
If a man speaks or acts with a pure thought, happiness follows him.
2
1 Mural Painting on The Life of The Lord
Buddha Depicting the Scene when the
Buddha experienced the happiness of
freedom and peace, after he attained
Enlightenment Wat Choltharasinghae,
Narathiwat
2 Mural Painting of The Life of The Lord
Buddha Depicting the Scene when
Preaching to the Relatives at Kapilavastu
Wat Ratchasittharam, Bangkok
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