Buddhism

Buddhism is based on the teachings of Siddharta Gautama – known as the Buddha – about 2,500 years ago.  He was a prince who became a holy man.  Buddhists do not believe that the Buddha was a God, but a man who reached enlightenment (a state of wisdom and understanding).

Buddhists believe that people are born, live, die and are then reborn (re-incarnated) until they reach this state of enlightenment, the circle is then broken and they finally reach Nirvana, a state of secure perfect peace.

The basic rules for living for Buddhists are the Five Precepts (not harming living things, not taking what is not given, no sexual misconduct or misuse of the senses, no harmful speech, no drink or drugs which cloud the mind).  They also try to follow the Eightfold Path as the way to end and avoid suffering: Right Views, Right Aims, Right Speech, Right Conduct, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Awareness, Right Meditation.

Buddhists worship at a temple where they make offerings at a shrine. They also meditate alone.  There are two Buddhist retreats in the Denbighshire area – one in Corwen and one in Colwyn Bay.  You can find details on the Clubs and Societies Database.