[amotoustict]

In Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, one has a clear ultimate goal in mind while they live their life (which would be going to heaven) but because Buddhism doesn't have a God, I would like to know about what a person's goals should be when they practice Buddhism.

hello Seeker

I suppose some useful questions are: "What is heaven?" "What is hell?" "How do they differ?"

Answering these questions may possibly clarify a similar goal in buddhism

I would like to know if there is a "Holy Book" in Buddhism as there is with many other religions.

Original buddhism has its scriptures (five sets, at this link), which are a report of what buddha taught, however, they are voluminous.

If you wish to browse, start with the Dhammapada and then Anguttara Nikaya or the other smalls books of the Khuddaka Nikaya, which have well known teachings such as the Maha-mangala Sutta and the Karaniya Metta Sutta.

The Maha-mangala Sutta offers an excellent summary of what Buddhism teaches, useful for the ordinary lay person or non-Buddhist.

The Dhammapada is a serious little book, probably originally compiled for monks.

The Sigalovada Sutta is the classic discourse for lay people, covering topics such as bodily & mental conduct, friendship & social relationships.

Also, are these texts unanimously accepted by everyone, or do some sects of Buddhism have their own scriptures?

The linked texts are those of the Theravada school but are also accepted by most Mahayana schools. However, most Mahayana schools have additional texts, which they attribute to the Buddha, and which are equally voluminous .

Kind regards

Element