What is Buddhism? - Basics 1

 This series aims to elucidate the essence of Buddhism for those curious about its principles. However, it diverges from traditional introductory Buddhist texts, avoiding dense explanations laden with technical jargon that can be daunting for newcomers.

The challenge with many introductory Buddhist texts lies in their use of traditional Buddhist terminology without providing accessible explanations. This approach stems from the difficulty in simplifying these terms without compromising their essence, which necessitates a profound understanding of the Buddhist worldview.

Authors of introductory Buddhist literature often strive to align their explanations with the common naive realist worldview, prevalent among most readers. However, this endeavor often dilutes the true significance of Buddhist ideas and concepts, rendering them peculiar and less meaningful.

Given the radical disparity between the Buddhist worldview and naive realism, grasping Buddhist ideas and concepts becomes nearly impossible without first comprehending the Buddhist worldview itself.

In this series, I will begin by elucidating the Buddhist worldview before delving into the interpretation of its ideas and practices in subsequent discussions. By laying this foundational understanding, I can navigate the intricacies of Buddhism with clarity and insight.

 

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