I was doing some research and found this simple website which simply sets out the basics of Buddhism.
http://www.4truths.com/
First come the Four Basic Truths
Nothing lasts forever. When you understand this it makes it easier to not be so attached to what you're experiencing. So when you're experiencing something you think is bad, you can relax in the knowledge that nothing bad lasts forever. Similarly, when you're experiencing happiness you can also realize that nothing good lasts forever. Why would you want to do that? Because it helps you to be more aware of how you're reacting to your experiences at all times.
The Second Noble Truth
THE ARISING OF
SUFFERING BECAUSE OF CRAVING
"Samudaya"
The Third Noble Truth
THE CESSATION OF SUFFERING
"Nirodha"
You can end eternal suffering by ending the craving
that leads to the continuation of suffering. Remember that suffering is caused
by endlessly wanting what you can't have. So if you can stop this endless
wanting, you won't suffer anymore. That's not to say that you won't ever feel
pained or sad (or happy or ecstatic) ever again. It's just that it won't be
part of an endless cycle of wanting--not getting--being sad--wanting again.
The Fourth Noble Truth
THE MIDDLE WAY, or THE
NOBLE EIGHTFOLD PATH
"Magga"
So how do you end eternal craving? Just live by the ideals of the Noble Eightfold Path. The Path is grounded in a program of meditation. It delineates a plan of self-discipline regarding ethical conduct, mental discipline, and wisdom. The Path avoids two extremes--the pursuit of complete and ultimate sensory pleasure, or the pursuit of utter self-denial.
http://www.4truths.com/
First come the Four Basic Truths
The First Noble Truth
THE
EXISTENCE OF IMPERMANENCE
"Dukkha"
Nothing lasts forever. When you understand this it makes it easier to not be so attached to what you're experiencing. So when you're experiencing something you think is bad, you can relax in the knowledge that nothing bad lasts forever. Similarly, when you're experiencing happiness you can also realize that nothing good lasts forever. Why would you want to do that? Because it helps you to be more aware of how you're reacting to your experiences at all times.
The Second Noble Truth
THE ARISING OF
SUFFERING BECAUSE OF CRAVING
"Samudaya"
Craving sensory stimulation, craving
existence, and craving non-existence give rise to the "continuity of
being" (the tendency to confuse reality with your perception of reality),
and with it its attendant suffering. Say you want something and you don't get
it--you'd get sad or frustrated. But say you want something and you do get it.
Eventually you'll get bored with it and you'll start wanting something else.
And so you start all over again. And that's a bummer.
The Third Noble Truth
THE CESSATION OF SUFFERING
"Nirodha"
You can end eternal suffering by ending the craving
that leads to the continuation of suffering. Remember that suffering is caused
by endlessly wanting what you can't have. So if you can stop this endless
wanting, you won't suffer anymore. That's not to say that you won't ever feel
pained or sad (or happy or ecstatic) ever again. It's just that it won't be
part of an endless cycle of wanting--not getting--being sad--wanting again.
The Fourth Noble Truth
THE MIDDLE WAY, or THE
NOBLE EIGHTFOLD PATH
"Magga"
So how do you end eternal craving? Just live by the ideals of the Noble Eightfold Path. The Path is grounded in a program of meditation. It delineates a plan of self-discipline regarding ethical conduct, mental discipline, and wisdom. The Path avoids two extremes--the pursuit of complete and ultimate sensory pleasure, or the pursuit of utter self-denial.
The path will follow tomorrow
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