The unique concept of Nibbana [Nirvana in Sanskit] in Buddhism is a state of supreme happiness in the human mind and definitely not something we attain after our death. It is the ultimate aim of Buddhists and we need to strive to attain it when we are alive in this world itself as a human being.
Nibbana is attained by completely eradicating Loba (Craving), Dosa (Aversion) and Moha (Delusion) from one’s mind.
The concept of the Four Noble Truths and the three characteristics of existence, Anicca (impermanance), Dukka ( suffering), Anatta (selflessness) are unique in Buddhism
Samsara is a fundamental concept in Buddhism and it is simply the perpetual cycles of existence or endless rounds of rebirth among the six realms of existence. The pattern of rebirth will only end when a sentient being attains Nibbana, i.e. virtual exhaustion of kamma and cessation of habitual traces, defilements and delusions.
The doctrine of Paticca Samuppada, Dependent Organization, is another unique concept in Buddhism and according to this law every phenomenon owes its origin to another phenomenon prior to it. In other words it is the Law of Cause and Effect
Buddhism goes beyond doing good and being good. One must not be attached to good deeds or the idea of being good; because it is just another form of craving.
There is no almighty God in Buddhism. There is no one to hand out rewards or punishment on a supposedly Judgment day.
Buddhism is strictly not a religion in the context of being a faith and worship owing allegiance to a supernatural being.
No savior concept is there in Buddhism. A Buddha is not a savior who saves others by His personal salvation. Although Buddhists seek refuge in the Buddha, who advocated the path of purity, the Noble Four Fold “Ariya Attangika Magga", the layman himself has to follow the path of purification ardently and relentlessly to achieve the purity of the mind, virtually the enlightenment.
A Buddhist does not think that he can gain purity merely by seeking refuge in the Buddha or by mere faith in Him. It is not within the power of a Buddha to wash away the impurities of others.
A Buddha is not an incarnation of a God. The relationship between a Buddha and his disciples/followers is that of a teacher and student.
According to Buddhism, the liberation of self is the responsibility of one's own self. Buddhism does not call for an unquestionable blind faith by all Buddhist followers. It places heavy emphasis on self-reliance, self discipline and individual striving.
Taking refuge in The Triple Gem i.e. the Buddha, the Dhamma and Sanga; does not mean self surrender or total reliance on an external force or third party for help or salvation.
The Dhamma, teachings of the Buddha, exists regardless whether there is a Buddha. Buddha discovered and shared the Dhamma comprising universal truths (Four Noble Arya Truths) with all beings.
In Buddhism, the objective of its disciples is enlightenment or from Samsara rather than go to a Heaven or a deva realm in the context of Buddhist cosmology.
Law of Kamma or Kamma energy are cornerstones in Buddhist doctrine. Kamma refers to an important metaphysical concept concerned with action and its consequences. In other words, this is the natural Law of Cause and Effect.
The law of Kamma explains the problems of sufferings, the mystery of the so-called fate and predestination of some religions, and above all the apparent inequality of mankind.
Rebirth is another key doctrine in Buddhism and it goes hand in hand with Kamma. Buddhism rejects the theary of a transmigrating permanent soul whether created by a god or emanating from a divine essence.
The Buddha taught people to cultivate Brahma viharas (Four Devine States) i.e. Metta (Loving –kindness), Karuna (compassion), Muditha (altruistic joy), and Upekha (equanimity) towards all living beings including animals. Buddhism strictly forbids animal sacrifice for whatever reason.
In Buddhism, there is consideration for all sentient beings. Buddhist acknowledge and accept the existence of animals and beings in other realms in Samsara.
No holy war concept in Buddhism. One is strictly forbidden to kill another person in the name of religion or a religious leader or whatever religious pretext or worldly excuse.
Suffering is another cornerstone in Buddhism. It is the first of Four Noble Truths.
The Buddha is omniscient yet He does not claim to be a creator of lives or the Universe.
Panna or Wisdom occupies a paramount position in Buddhist teachings. One needs to develop Sati, mindfulness, tranquility of the mind, and, Samadhi, concentration to develop, Panna, Wisdom to attain the Right Understanding & Right Thoughts in order to eradicate the causes of sufferings.
The tradition and practice of meditation in Buddhism are important and strong. While some religions teach some forms or variations of stabilizing single-pointedness meditation (Samatha) only. Buddhism emphasizes Vipassana (Insight) meditation to achieve Wisdom for enlightenment.
The doctrine of Sunyata or emptiness is also unique to Buddhism. It declares the phenomenal world to be void of all limitations and that all concepts of dualism are abolished.
The concept of Hell in Buddhism is very different to that of other religions. It is not a place for eternal damnation as viewed by ‘almighty creator religions’ In Buddhism, it is just one of six realms in Samsara.
The Buddhist cosmology (Universe) is distinctly different from that of other religions, which usually recognizes only one solar system (earth as the center) of the Universe and only planet with living beings whereas the Buddhist viewpoint is known as three thousand fold world system in one billion solar systems.
[Adapted from Buddhism - Major Differences from other Religions compiled by Tan Swee Eng, Buddhist Studies Sydney, Australia, 'Introductory Course in Buddhism' compiled by Bro. Chan Khoon San, Klang Malaysia, and from 'Buddhism for Lay Disciples' by Bro AK Nelson.]
