buddhism basics
buddhism basics
This section will basically tell you the essence of buddhism.
~Buddhism has for nobel truths. They are:
That was the very basics of buddhism. For a more detailed explanation, I suggest you go here.~Suffering exists~The noble eightfold path:~Suffering arises from attachment to desires
~Suffering ceases when attachment to desire ceases
~Freedom from suffering is possible by practicing the Eightfold Path
~Wisdom (panna)~Right View~Morality (sila)~Right Thought
~Right Speech~Meditation (samadhi)~Right Action
~Right Livelihood
~Right Effort~Right Mindfulness
~Right Contemplation
this list might not be all inclusive
click on the links to get a more in depth explanation of each type
Buddhism
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...Theravada....Mahayana
I could not find any types of Theravada Buddhism. Have any? Email me at buddhismboy@email.com |
Zen Buddhism |
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Pure Land |
Madhyamika |
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Shingon |
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Tendai |
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Nicheren |
Buddhist meditation is used to get the practitioner closer to oneself. Instead of letting tv or video games invade the body, meditation brings us back to ourself. It waters the seeds of compassion, mindfulness and joy. The most basic type of meditation is breathing meditation. You sit in an erect cross-legged position. You usually close your eyes or look at a candle, burning incense, or a highly colored picture. Then focus on your breath. Try not to think. The goal is just to have an underlying awareness that you are alive, but your should try not to think. Don't try to hard to become good. It will come.
I really became interested in Buddhism when I saw the Dalai Lama talking. I was amazed by how incredibly happy he was. I also liked the fact that Buddhism was basically about being a nice person. Buddhism is also great because you rarely, if ever, hear of wars in the name of Buddhism, unlike dogmatic religious wars taking place in Ireland. Another great thing about Buddhism is taht it avoids blind faith. I could never just believe something just because it was written in the Bible, Q'ran, or any religious book. I could see how blind faith brought so many problems, such as wars, discrimination, apartheid etc. I quote a text:
"Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it. Do not believe
simply because it has been handed down for many generations. Do not believe
in
anything simply because it is spoken and rumoured by many. Do not believe
in
anything simply because it is written in Holy Scriptures. Do not believe
in
anything merely on the authority of Teachers, elders or wise men. Believe
only
after careful observation and analysis, when you find that it agress with
reason
and is conducive to the good and benefit of one and all. Then accept it
and live
up to it."
As I explored Buddhism more I found that it took some courage to disagree or not be sure about some things in Buddhism. I thought Buddhism may have been the truth....but I later realized that there is no truth...I quote a Taoist book:
"If someone says they are seeking the truth, believe them.
If someone says that they have found it, don't."
I guess you could say that, like in any good relationship, we have honest differences. :)
Here are some books that I have read, or either heard are good. The links will take you to amazon.com or bn.com. * Denotes a very good one
Books by Thich Nhat Hahn
Peace Is Every Step : The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life *
Going Home: Jesus and Buddha as Brothers
The Art of Mindful Living, Vol. 2
Books by The Dalai Lama
The Dalai Lama's Book of Wisdom
Awakening the Mind, Lightening the Heart *
A
Flash of Lightning in the Dark of Night
I read this book early in my Buddhist
life...I found it slightly hard
except people at amazon.com give
in five stars
Other books:
Buddhism
Plain and Simple
The
Beginner's Guide to Zen Buddhism
Buddhism
Without Beliefs
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