10 Basic Buddhist Beliefs

Dr. Alexander Berzin

Everyone would like to lead a happier life, but few know what that would mean or how to accomplish it.

Our emotions and attitudes affect how we feel. With training, we can rid ourselves of negative ones and develop those that are healthier and more positive. Doing that will make our lives happier and more fulfilling.

Disturbing emotions such as anger, fear, greed and attachment make us lose peace of mind and self-control. With training, we can free ourselves from being under their control.

Acting compulsively out of anger or greed creates problems for us and leads to unhappiness. With training, we can learn to calm down, think clearly and act wisely.

Positive emotions such as love, compassion, patience and understanding help us remain calm, open and clear, and bring us more happiness. With training, we can learn to develop them.

Self-centered, selfish behavior and thought close us off from others and make us unhappy. With training, we can overcome them.

Realizing that we are all interconnected and that our survival depends on each other opens our hearts and minds, helps us develop concern for others, and brings us more happiness.

Most of what we perceive in ourselves and in others are projections of fantasy, based on confusion. When we believe that our projections correspond to reality, we create problems for ourselves and others.

With correct understanding, we can rid ourselves of confusion and see reality. This enables us to deal calmly and wisely with whatever happens in life.

Working on ourselves to become a better person is a life-long challenge, but the most meaningful thing we can do with our lives.

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