The philosophy of Buddhism, articulated by Gautama Buddha, represents a practical, ethical, and experiential system rather than a speculative metaphysics. Rooted in human suffering and its cessation, Buddhist philosophy challenged prevailing Brahmanical and ascetic traditions of ancient India.

Core Philosophical Foundations of Buddhism

•         Four Noble Truths (Ariya-Saccani)

• Life is full of suffering (Dukkha).
• Desire (Trishna) is the cause of suffering.
• Cessation of desire leads to liberation (Nirodha).
• The Eightfold Path leads to liberation.

•         Eightfold Path (Astangika Marga)

• Right view, resolve, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, meditation.
• Emphasizes ethical conduct (Sila), mental discipline (Samadhi), and wisdom (Prajna).

•         Doctrine of Impermanence (Anicca)

• Everything is transient; attachment leads to suffering.

•         Doctrine of No-Soul (Anatta)

• Rejection of permanent soul (Atman), unlike Upanishadic thought.
• Personality seen as a combination of five skandhas.

•         Karma and Nirvana

• Moral actions determine rebirth.
• Nirvana is freedom from desire and rebirth, achievable in this life.

1. Departure from Contemporary Traditions

Conclusion

Buddha’s philosophy humanized spirituality by grounding it in ethics, reason, and compassion rather than ritual or metaphysics. Its adaptability, moral clarity, and universal appeal allowed Buddhism to transcend its Indian origins and influence civilizations across Asia.