Siddhartha Gautama, born approximately 563 BCE in  what is now Nepal, became known simply as The Buddha after his "enlightenment." His enlightenment sought to establish a philosophy, not a religion, to liberate people from suffering. While there are countless sects in Buddhism today, two principles are common throughout: The Four Noble Truths and The Eightfold Path. These principles are taught at the American Buddhist Center.

Some Benefits of Meditation

    •    Stress reduction

    •    Greater creativity

    •    Pain management

    •    Improved personal relationships

    •    Increased trust

    •    Improved self-discipline

    •    Greater awareness

    •    Living more compassionately

The Four Noble Truths

    1.    Life is full of dukkha (literally "non-satisfactoriness," usually referred to as "suffering").

    2.    This suffering is caused by our desires.

    3.    There is a cure.

    4.    The cure is the Eightfold Path.

The Noble Eightfold Path

1) right understanding

2) right intention

3) right speech

4) right action

5) right livelihood

6) right effort

7) right concentration

8) right mindfulness.