ll. In the same way, for those born and subject to death, there is always the fear of dying. Just as the pots made by a potter all end by being broken, so death is (the breaking up) of life.", "The young and old, the foolish and the wise, all are stopped short by the power of death, all finally end in death. Of those overcome by death and passing to another world, a father cannot hold back his son, nor relatives a relation. See! While the relatives are looking on and weeping, one by one each mortal is led away like an ox to slaughter.", and "With the arrow withdrawn, unattached, he would attain to peace of mind; and when all sorrow has been transcended he is sorrow-free and has realized Nibbana."Even though there are many forms of Buddhism, since his death, there is still a basic essence they all believe in, the Four Noble Truths. The first noble truth is dhukka, or suffering, the second is tanha, or desire, the cause of suffering, the third is that to overcome suffering, one must overcome desire, and the fourth tells how the third can be accomplished by the eight-fold path. The eight-fold path is the way to overcome suffering. This also helps people attain Nirvana. It includes, right view, right thought, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration. The most simple teaching, and one of the most important, was to do good, avoid evil, and to purify the heart. He said that one may purify his heart by practicing self-control and self-restraint, by meditating upon one's own self, and by following the eight-fold path that leads to the end of all suffering.Their are very few Buddhist holidays, but one very important holiday, is Vesak day. It commemorates the birth and enlightenment of Buddha, and his entry into Nirvana.The day starts with chanting of the sutras, by saffronclad monks, while followers visit the temples to pray and meditate and to make offerings. Acts of generosi...
