ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Nikaya Buddhism

Nikaya Buddhism is a type of Buddhism that teaches about the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, and the importance of meditation. It originated in India around 2,500 years ago and is sometimes called Theravada Buddhism.

The Four Noble Truths are the core teaching of this form of Buddhism. They say that life is full of suffering, but that suffering can be overcome. This is achieved by understanding the nature of suffering, letting go of material desires, and following the Eightfold Path of right thinking, right speech, right action, and so on.

The Eightfold Path encourages people to lead peaceful, virtuous lives and to practice meditation to calm their minds and gain insight into their own nature. Through mindfulness, one can come to understand the true nature of reality, which is impermanent and constantly changing.

In Nikaya Buddhism, monks and nuns are highly respected, and devotees often visit monasteries to learn from them. The Buddha is also highly revered, but not worshipped as a god. Instead, he is seen as a teacher who can show the way to enlightenment.

Overall, Nikaya Buddhism teaches that the key to happiness and peace is to live a simple, virtuous life, free from attachment to material possessions and desires, and to cultivate mindfulness and wisdom through meditation.