Buddhism teaches us how to live life in a healthier way.

Buddhism is the fourth largest religion in the world and Buddhist teachings based on core principles and precepts help people who practice this lifestyle to live a healthier life.

The Buddhist faith is based on the idea of overcoming suffering through the concept of rebirth.

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Many people practice the Buddhist lifestyle all over the world. In fact, Buddhism has over 520 million followers meaning that over seven percent of the population identifies as Buddhist.

Some people think of vegans or a person who practices meditation or yoga when they imagine what a Buddhist is; however, a look at the teachings of Buddha and the mindset of this religion's followers reveals that it's much more than that.

The goal of Buddhism is to reach Nirvana. Buddhists strive to detach from the world and its suffering, so they practice the daily art of letting go.

Nirvana is when you are finally able to release yourself from all of your sufferings.

When you crave something in life, it removes you from a center of peace. For this reason, Buddhists strive to control the mind and body, through meditation, fasting, and prayer.

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Buddhists believe in the concept of reincarnation. They also believe very strongly in karma.

In Buddhism, what you put out into the universe is what you get back.

Buddhisms first historical record was sometime between the 6th and 4th centuries BCE. Its first documentation was in India and quickly spread all over Asia.

The first theme of Buddhism is to have good moral conduct.

This encompasses understanding, speech, and thought.

The second theme of Buddhism involves meditation.

Through meditation, we enhance our mental development, including all of our actions, livelihoods, and efforts.

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The third theme of Buddhism is wisdom.

Wisdom provides insight and we should seek wisdom that deals mainly with mindfulness and concentration.

Buddhism has what are referred to as The Five Precepts. These are sort of like the Christians 10 commandments.

The rules are pretty general, the first of them being respect for life, hence why many Buddhists are also vegetarians or vegans.

The respect for the property of others means if it's not yours, you don't want it nor do you take it.

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Buddhists have respect for the purity of nature. Buddhists adhere to no sexual misconduct.

Respect for honesty means no lying. The pathway to nirvana is acceptance, so Buddhists embrace the truth in all forms.

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Buddhists have respect for a clear mind, so a sober lifestyle is a must.

All rules in Buddhism are based on respect.

Respect for others, respect for the world around you and respect for yourself.

So in the recognition of the belief of karma and the goal to clear your life of suffering, by showing everything respect, that respect should come back to you.

Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, faithfulness the best relationship. Buddha

Be a lamp for yourselves. Be your own refuge. Seek for no other. All things must pass. Strive on diligently. Dont give up. Buddha

If we could see the miracle of a single flower clearly, our whole life would change. Buddha

To be angry is to let others mistakes punish yourself. Buddha

Wear your ego like a loose-fitting garment. Buddha

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Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned. Buddha

What we think, we become. Buddha

In the end, only three things matter: how much you loved, how gently you lived, and how gracefully you let go of things not meant for you. Buddha

Those who consider the unessential to be essential, and see the essential as unessential, dont reach the essential, living in the field of wrong intention. Buddha

There are two mistakes one can make along the road to truthnot going all the way, and not starting. Buddha

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To keep the body in good health is a duty; otherwise, we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear. Buddha

Neither fire, nor wind, birth, nor death, can erase our good deeds. Buddha

The only real failure in life is not to be true to the best one knows. Buddha

To conquer oneself is a greater task than conquering others. Buddha

Each morning we are born again. What we do today is what matters most. Buddha

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Those who have failed to work toward the truth have missed the purpose of living. Buddha

Good health is simply the slowest way a human being can die, Buddha

Even death is not to be feared by one who has lived wisely. Buddha

Perhaps the deepest reason why we are afraid of death is because we do not know who we are. Buddha

If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading. Buddha

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Kaitlin Kaiser is a writer who covers astrology, spirituality, love and relationship topics.

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What Buddhists Believe & 20 Buddha Quotes On Healthy Living - YourTango