The essence of Buddhism

The essence of Buddhism is the Dharma, i.e., Moral Consciousness which starts with a deep problem of suffering. Suffering and its total eradication is the main theme of Buddhism. The root cause of suffering is Avidya -Ignorance and the passions (attachment, aversion, avarice, anger and lust). The entire existence springs from the 'I' Consciousness (Satkayadristi), the basic wrong notion of something permanent, identical with one universal entity which endangers thirst for life.

Buddhism is committed to the Dharma-moral law and the theory of Karma. This law operates without any super agency. The entire universe is the expression of the Moral Order (Karmajam lokavaichitryam). This is the basic assumption of Buddhism, the Hinayana as well as Mahayana. The suffering is Samsara -the endless series of birth and death, with which one's soul is bound, coming and going which is the result of our Karmas. The cessation of suffering is Nirvana - liberation. The human problem is basically moral and spiritual i.e. absence of self-analysis through self -control, self-effort and self-education. We must understand what the Buddha taught: "Be light unto thyself".

The Buddhist concept of reality is dynamic and functional. It believes in the theory of casual efficiency -Arthakriyakritvam). The reality must produce it. It must be effective. The reality is Svalaksana, i.e. extreme particular. This is another basic assumption of Buddhism. This establishes the theory of momentariness.

The Buddhist theory of causality, i.e. Dependent Origination (Pratityasamutpada) explains both Samsara as well as Nirvana.