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At its core, Buddhism is based on observation of reality and direct experience, as opposed to revealed truths about the nature of the world. Hence the emphasis in Buddhism for training people in ways they can observe and experience reality at a deeper level (e.g. meditation).
Like Western scientific thought, Buddhism emphasizes causality – expressed in the concepts of Karma and Saṃsara. The latter is the cycle of suffering and rebirth (or cause-and-effect), and Karma the energy that drives this cycle.
Nirvana means "cessation" and refers to the cessation of suffering. Awakening (or enlightenment) means reaching Nirvana. This what the Buddha did, and Buddhism (especially the Mahayana traditions) offer people a path to reach awakening.
See:
- The Heart Sutra (an adaptation)
- Free ebook featuring illustrated text of Twenty Mahayana Verses by Nagarjuna.
See also: Zen, Koans
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