Answers to the 3 most important questions in life .

Where Did We Come From?

Buddhists believe in a cyclical view of history, and do not have a theology of origins. Samsana, or the cycle of birth, life and death, is never-ending, except for those who have attained nirvana. Since life before nirvana is considered illusory, there is no attempt to discern a beginning. Rather, all effort is directed toward nirvana, to ending the cycle of transmigration and reincarnation.

Why Are We Here?

We are here to attain nirvana, the cessation of suffering. Life is suffering, according to Buddha, and the cycle of samsana or reincarnation perpetuates this suffering. Through nirvana, or enlightenment, one can reach a place where suffering and pain do not exist. Life is thought to be illusory, and nirvana is considered attainment of true life. Related to nirvana is the concept of karma, or the idea that good conduct brings a pleasant and happy result and creates a tendency toward similar good acts. Likewise, bad conduct brings about evil results and creates a tendency toward similar evil acts. Karma affects

What Do We Have To Do?

Buddhists generally acknowledge the four noble truths. They are as follows:

1. Life is suffering (dukha)

2. The cause of suffering is desires (tanha)

3. The cure for suffering (cessation of suffering ) is to remove desires

4. To remove desires, and end suffering, follow the Eight Fold Path (to nirvana)

The Eight Fold Path is as follows:

1. Right Knowledge (understanding of the noble truths)

2. Right Thinking (setting one's life on the correct path)

3. Right Speech (don't lie, don't criticize unjustly, no harsh language, no gossip)

4. Right Conduct (follow the Five Precepts)

5. Right Livelihood (earn a living that doesn't harm living things)

6. Right Effort (conquer evil thoughts, maintain good thoughts)

7. Right Mindfulness (intense awareness of all states in body, feeling and mind)

8. Right Concentration (deep meditation to lead to a higher state of consciousness)

The Five Precepts are as follows:

1. Do not kill

2. Do not steal

3. Do not lie

4. Do not be unchaste

5. Do not take drugs or drink intoxicants

how long it takes a person to achieve nirvana, and the process often takes many lifetimes. When Gautama was born he is believed to have said this is the last birth I shall endure, a prophetic statement pointing to his achievement of nirvana.