Expert: John Willemsens aka Advayavadananda - 9/29/2006

Question
 I'd like to know: What are the fundamental principles of buddhism? I mean what are the beliefs central to it? Is it similar to religion? If not, where do they differ?

Answer
Hello Roy,
Buddhism is not a religion, but a way of life with no God or soul.
The fundamental teaching are the Buddha's four noble truths: that suffering is universal, that suffering is due to wanting things to be different, that the suffering will disappear if you get rid of that wish, and the middle way to actually get rid of it.
There is an Advayavada Study Plan on our website.
Kind regards,
Advayavadananda.