Good question. And the answer will depend on who you ask. Is there a set of beliefs that all Buddhists share? I’m sure there’s no definitive answer, but here’s one noble credo that attempts to make it clear:
This I believe: That phenomena do not have any kind of demonstrable, intrinsic existence. That anything that is the composite sum of other parts is, logically, impermanent. That suffering is a given in any form of existence where confusion and ignorance are present. That when confusion and ignorance have been definitively eliminated, and goodness, caring, and wisdom have entirely taken their place, that is true happiness.
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