Buddhism can seem like a vast, ancient, and complex subject. If you’re curious, it’s easy to feel like you don’t know where to start.

At its heart, Buddhism is not a set of beliefs you must accept, but a very practical path for understanding our own minds. It’s less of a “religion” in the Western sense (there is no creator god) and more of a 2,500-year-old “science of the mind.”

It is a complete path to finding lasting peace and clarity, right in the middle of the stress and business of our modern lives. This guide will walk you through the very basics: who the Buddha was, what he taught, and how you can get started.

Who Was the Buddha?

First, the Buddha was not a god. He was a human being named Siddhartha Gautama, who lived in India about 2,500 years ago. “Buddha” isn’t his name, but a title that means “the one who is awakened.”

Siddhartha was a prince who lived a life of luxury, but he was deeply troubled by the suffering he saw in the world. He left his palace on a quest to answer one big question: “Why do we all experience suffering, and is there a lasting way to be free from it?”

After years of study and meditation, he “woke up” (became enlightened). He discovered the path to ending suffering, and he spent the rest of his life teaching that practical, compassionate path to others.

What is the Core Teaching?

The Buddha’s very first teaching is the foundation of all Buddhism. It’s called The Four Noble Truths, and it’s best understood through the simple analogy of a doctor:

1. The Sickness: We all experience stress, anxiety, dissatisfaction, and a feeling that things aren’t quite right. (The word for this is Dukkha).

2. The Cause: This suffering isn’t random. It comes from our reactions to life, specifically our “grasping” at what we want and “pushing away” what we don’t.

3. The Prognosis: There is a cure! A state of lasting peace, freedom, and the end of suffering (called Nirvana) is possible for everyone.

4. The Prescription: The way to this freedom is by following a practical, step-by-step path.

What is “The Path”?

So, what is this “prescription”? It’s a practical guide to training our minds and living with more awareness. While it’s known as the “Noble Eightfold Path,” it can be simplified into three main categories:

1. Ethical Living: Living with compassion and kindness. Trying our best not to cause harm to others or ourselves in our actions, speech, and livelihood.

2. Meditation (Mind Training): This is the central practice. Think of it as the “gym” for your mind. It’s where we train our attention, learn to be present, calm our racing thoughts, and become less reactive.

3. Wisdom: Learning to see the world (and ourselves) more clearly, just as they are.

Do I Have to Be a Buddhist?

No. Absolutely not. You can be a “Buddhist” (someone who has formally taken refuge), or you can just be a visitor who wants to use the practical tools.

The methods of Buddhism, especially meditation, mindfulness, and the practice of compassion, are universal. They can help anyone, of any faith or no faith at all, to live a calmer and more meaningful life. At our centre, all are truly welcome.

Your First Step

Buddhism is a 2,500-year-old path to help you find peace in a busy world. The first step isn’t to “believe” anything; it’s just to be curious.

• If you’re interested in the practice, Our Monthly Calendar shows all our beginner-friendly meditation sessions.

• If you’d like to see what a visit is like, please read our Beginner’s Guide: What to Expect on Your First Visit.