According to Buddhist philosophy, the preaching of Gautama Buddha mainly emphasised which key aspect of religious life and personal behaviour?

Introduction / Context:
Buddhist philosophy developed in reaction to the overemphasis on rituals, sacrifices and rigid social hierarchy in ancient India. The teachings of Gautama Buddha, also called the Dhamma, focused on inner transformation rather than outer show. Many examinations test whether students know that the main thrust of Buddha teaching was ethical and psychological reform, not ritual worship or belief in one personal God. This question checks if you can identify that central idea and distinguish it from other religious features common in ancient Indian traditions.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• We are talking about the general emphasis of Buddha preaching, not a single sermon.
• Options include belief in one God, rituals, purity of conduct and idol worship.
• Buddhism historically rejected excessive ritualism and speculative theology.
• The famous Eightfold Path stresses moral and mental discipline.

Concept / Approach:
To answer this question, you need to recall the core concepts of Buddhism. Buddha explained the Four Noble Truths, which diagnose the existence of suffering and prescribe a path to end it. The Noble Eightfold Path emphasises right view, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness and right concentration. These are all about purity of thought and conduct. Buddhism does not insist on belief in a single creator God, and it strongly criticises empty rituals that do not transform character. Idol worship developed later in some Buddhist traditions, but it was not the early focus.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path are the heart of Buddha teaching. Step 2: Note that each element of the Eightfold Path deals with ethical behaviour or mental discipline, such as right speech and right action. Step 3: Observe that these teachings aim at purifying one mind and conduct to end suffering. Step 4: Compare this with belief in one God, elaborate rituals or idol worship, which are not central to early Buddhism. Step 5: Therefore, the option that mentions purity of thought and conduct and the Middle Path matches the core of Buddha preaching.

Verification / Alternative check:
A quick check is to remember key Buddhist texts and summaries taught in school: they repeatedly emphasise morality, compassion, moderation and mindfulness. The Middle Path itself means avoiding the extremes of self indulgence and severe self torture. This again points to ethical balance and mental control. There is no demand that followers must worship one personal God or offer complex sacrifices. Instead, they are asked to purify their mind, speech and action. This confirms that the correct option is the one that focuses on purity of thought and conduct.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Option A: Belief in one supreme God is more typical of monotheistic religions and is not the main foundation of early Buddhism.
• Option B: Strict rituals and sacrifices were criticised by Buddha as meaningless if they did not change inner character.
• Option D: Idol worship became common later but was not central to the original preaching.
• Option E: Magic and occult practices are not core teachings and are even discouraged in many Buddhist traditions.

Common Pitfalls:
Students often assume that every religion must emphasise either belief in one God or ritual worship. This leads them to confuse Buddhism with other traditions. Another mistake is to think that because later Buddhist temples have images, idol worship must have been the first focus. Exam questions usually refer to the original message of Buddha, not later cultural developments. Always connect Buddha teaching with the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path and the idea of the Middle Path to avoid such confusion.

Final Answer:
The correct answer is Purity of thought and conduct and following the Middle Path.