Harry Gilson: What is Buddhism?

#1 - Published on December 6, 2025 - 3 min read

Overview

The Buddha was a prince, who renounced his nobility in his search for truth. I cannot recall anyone doing that in the common era. Perhaps they thought differently 2500 years ago, The Buddha certainly seemed to.

One day, Siddhartha Gautama (who we now call The Buddha) left his palace, and received a huge reality check. He came across an old man, a sick person, a corpse, and a holy man. These encounters made him realise his own mortality. It is likely that the inevitability of death, made Siddhartha Gautama feel rather claustrophobic. Especially when you consider the extremely sheltered life the prince had lived up to this point. As you might imagine, he was deeply affected by what he saw, so much so, that he left his palace, wife, and newborn son - on a quest for spiritual enlightenment. After years of asceticism (including fasts that almost took his life), the prince realised that neither luxury nor abstinence led to liberation.

Siddhartha resigned to sit under a sacred fig tree (Ficus religiosa/Bhodi Tree) and vowed not to rise until he had figured it all out. We have all been there. Eventually, after much deliberation, he cracked it. Firstly, he realised the Four Noble Truths: The nature of suffering, its origin, its cessation, and the path to its cessation. Helpfully, the Buddha also outlined the steps that he beleived led to the cessation of suffering, even giving it a catchy name: Ariya-Atthangika-Magga. Hopefully, I never have to read that aloud. The term roughly translates to The Noble Eightfold Path, or simply The Middle Way.

The Four Noble Truths:

  1. Dhukka (The Truth of Suffering)
    This truth recognises that suffering is an inherent part of existence.
  2. Samudaya (The Truth of the Origin of Suffering)
    This truth identifies that desire and attachment are the root causes of suffering.
  3. Nirodha (The Truth of the Cessation of Suffering)
    This truth states that is possible to end suffering by eliminating the cause of it (desire and attachment), leading to nirvana.
  4. Magga (The Truth of the Path to the Cessation of Suffering)
    This truth outlines the way to end suffering: The Eightfold Path.

The Eightfold Path

  1. Prajna (Seek wisdom to understand reality)
    1. Right View: An accurate understanding of The Four Noble Truths.
    2. Right Resolve: Committing to growth without harm.
  2. Sila (Conduct yourself ethically)
    1. Right Speech: Speaking truthfully, kindly, and helpfully.
    2. Right Action: Abstaining from harm.
    3. Right Livelihood: Earning a living without harm.
  3. Samadhi (Practice mental discipline)
    1. Right Effort: Nurturing wholesome states, and abandoning unwholesome ones when they arise.
    2. Right Mindfulness: Maintaining clear awareness of the body and mind.
    3. Right Concentration: Developing focused attention and meditation.

Conclusion

That's all on The Buddha for now. Personally, I think he sounded like a pretty cool guy. Undeniably dedicated, with a strong moral compass. I'm not into ascribing myself to ideas or groups. But, I can see why one might be tempted in to Buddhism.