Describe three main philosophical principles stressed by Buddhism.
(i) Buddha taught that the world is full of sufferings and this is due to the desire for worldly things. A man should free himself from desires by following the eight fold path, eight kinds of action and thoughts which would lead to virtuous living and which he described as leading a balanced life without wanting too much of anything.
(ii) The Buddha also emphasized the importance of Ahimsa or non-violence. He forbade the killing of animals as the part of the religious sacrifices.This unnecessary killing of animals was seen as an inhuman activity. The breeding of animals was important to agriculture in those days and there was little point in killing animals without reason.This concern for animal life also influenced the growth of vegetarianism in food habits.
(iii) The purpose of leading a good life was to purify the mind and attain nirvana when there would be no more rebirth.