The Origins of Buddhism

1) Ordinary views concerning reality are inadequate and ultimately delusory. 2) Earthly existence is essentially flawed: we form false and improper attachments, and, as a consequence, reap a miserable existence. Through rebirth, we are locked into a vicious cycle of suffering and delusion. This cycle is called samsara. 3) Ignorance (avidy_) prevents us from understanding reality as it truly is, and prevents us from perceiving the true nature of our own reality. 4) Through dispelling ignorance, we can learn to perceive the true nature of reality, and to free ourselves from false and improper attachments. As a result, we can eliminate suffering, and escape the vicious cycle of eternal suffering. 5) Self-effort is mandatory: we cannot look to any external forces to solve our problems for us.