buddhism
“Buddhism is a most virtuous and perfect education directed by the Buddha towards all sentient beings in the universe. This education covers a boundless range of phenomena and principles that is much broader than what is currently studied in modern universities. In regards to time, it encompasses the past, present, and future. In regards to space, it encompasses everything from our daily lives to the infinite universe. Buddhism is a teaching of the wisdom and understanding of life and the universe. ”
Teachings
If we are to progress on the path, we need to be focused in both our study and practice. This is true of any endeavor we might wish to accomplish …
FIVE GUIDELINES
The five guidelines form the foundation and are the way we progress in our practice. They are first, the three conditions; second, the six harmonies; third, the three learnings ...
karma
Karma is an action or a combination of actions performed by us and which invariably produces results. These actions may be good, bad, or pure …
rebirth
Rebirth is the causal link from one lifetime to the next, as the most subtle level of consciousness passes from one life to the next, like a river flowing from one place to another …
impermanence & nonself
Our thoughts and feelings, our bodies, our world—all are impermanent and subject to constant change, an unremitting state of flux. One moment we are happily laughing with friends and in the next miserable as …
three poisons
As human beings, we are subject to many negative habits.The most serious and detrimental being craving and anger, which stem from our emotional attachments to the concept of having an individual self and …
Three conditions
The first of the five guidelines is the three conditions, which were related by the Buddha in the Visualization Sutra. He explained that the three conditions were the true causes of pure karma for all Buddhas of …
three refuges
At some point in our learning and practice, we will likely wish to formally commit ourselves to the Buddhist path. To do this, we take refuge in the Three Jewels of the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha …
three learningS
The third of the five guidelines is the three learnings. To counteract the major illnesses of the people in our world and time, the Buddha taught …
FOUR IMMEASURABLE MINDS
The first mind is that of loving-kindness, which is offering happiness to others. Second is the mind of compassion, which is the intention and wish to relieve the suffering of others. Third is joy, which is felt when beings experience happiness. And fourth is …
four noble truths
In life there is suffering. Suffering is caused. Suffering can end. The way to its end is through the practice of discipline, concentration, and wisdom. It might seem pessimistic for the Buddha to say that in life there is suffering …
five precepts
Most people want to live a safe, healthy, and happy life. How do we proceed toward this ideal? The Buddha provided us with five precepts to guide us on our way to individual liberation. We are to abstain from killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, lying …
Six Harmonies
The second of the five guidelines, the six harmonies, tell us how to get along in groups, especially in a Sangha, which is a group of four or more people who practice together. As the six harmonies are the …
SIX PARAMITAS
To interact successfully with others, the Buddha taught us the six paramitas. The fourth of the five guidelines, the paramitas are the practices of bodhisattvas, awakened beings who are dedicated to helping all …
TEN GREAT VOWS
The fifth of the five guidelines is the ten great vows of Samantabhadra in the Avatamsaka Sutra. These vows lead to the attainment of Buddhahood and are the practice of the highest-level bodhisattvas …
TEN VIRTUOUS Deeds
The ten virtuous karmas are divided into three major categories: physical, verbal, and mental. Physically, we are prohibited from killing, stealing, and engaging in sexual misconduct. Mentally, we are …