How-to-learn-about-Buddhism

How to learn about Buddhism

Buddhism found its origins in the 5th century BC with the awakening of the great man Siddhartha Gautama. He is the first Buddha who managed to reach Nirvana. To be initiated into Buddhism, one must first of all reject the existence of God in itself. The road to initiation to Buddhism is a little long, but it is worth it. To carry it out, here are 10 stages which it is necessary to know. After this initiation, whoever wants to become a Buddhist will be officially a Buddhist.

 

Initiation to Buddhism with the Study of Buddhism

As before, it is really important to collect information about Buddhism. We must therefore bear in mind that lack of information is an evil. There are terms and concepts in Buddhism that are quite difficult to grasp. The choice of the spiritual path must not only be based on feelings, it must also make a critical evaluation of Buddhism, its purpose and its teaching. Thus, here are some specific terms that are still used daily in the Buddhist path.

First of all, the Buddha is a person who has attained Nirvana in the course of learning Buddhism. He has therefore achieved enlightenment. Secondly, the Dharma is the Buddha's set of teachings. It is also the set of laws, political, family and personal norms. Then, we have the Sangha which designates the community of Buddhism, all the practitioners and adepts who learn how to awaken. Finally, there is Nirvana which is one of the key concepts of Buddhism, it is synonymous with a state of permanent happiness or paradise.

Learn about Buddhism by analyzing the different paths to Buddhism.

Currently, there are only two main paths to becoming a Buddhist. First, there is Theravada, which is an ancient branch of Hinayana Buddhism. Quite conservative, it is also closer to early Buddhism than other existing Buddhist traditions. Then there is Mahayana Buddhism which is redefined as the original Buddhism. Even if they have slight differences, what should be kept in mind is that the different paths lead to the same goal. Theravada is primarily Dharma oriented while Mahayana is primarily focused on the goal of becoming a Bodhisattva.

Studying the Buddhist teachings

Although the monasteries certainly have books available for studying the Sutras, it should be noted that they are also available on the Internet by doing some research. Some Buddhist monks have written books that explain what Sutras are. Among the best known are the Heart Sutra, the Daisy Sutra of the Gift of the Law, the Diamond Sutra or the Lotus Sutra.

Once you have assimilated enough information about Buddhism, it is only a matter of choosing to teach it to others. However, assimilating too much information quickly is strongly discouraged, as there are hundreds of Buddhist teachings and concepts that could lead to confusion. Attending classes at monasteries or temples would be an excellent way to gain more information and knowledge about Buddhism.

 

introducing-3-minutes-meditations

 

 

Understanding Nirvana and Karma

Nirvana is defined as the end of reincarnation cycles. In Buddhism, the goal is to achieve Nirvana, which consists of putting an end to all suffering and illusions that are sources of unhappiness for the human being. According to Buddhists, the human being reincarnates until reaching Nirvana. It is important to know that reincarnations take different forms. In other words, a human being in this life may not be reincarnated as a human in the next life, but as vegetation or other sources of life.

Among other things, reincarnation depends greatly on Karma, hence the importance of the relationship between Karma and Nirvana. But what is Karma? Karma determines the reincarnation of a being. It is made up of good and bad actions performed in the past life, that is to say, the present and the future. To carry out good actions will thus be to develop a positive karma while bad actions will generate a negative karma.

 

To understand the existence of the four noble truths in Buddhism

To be a Buddhist, one must at all costs understand the four noble truths which are Dukkha, Samudaya, Nirodha and Magga. These four noble truths are the pillars of Buddhism. They are there to help reduce the suffering of Man, but also to liberate sources of desires that are harmful to him, such as pleasure. But what about these four noble truths?

The Dukkha is existence itself impregnated with suffering. Being born and growing old is suffering. Illness is also another suffering. For the second noble truth, Samudaya, it points to the origin of suffering. It is quite logical to think that suffering does not happen alone. It is there because there are things that caused it. The thirst for new things is the most immediate cause of suffering. Furthermore, Nirodha is the way to eradicate this suffering. This is the third noble truth. Now that the source of suffering is known, the human being will therefore seek to avoid it or even eliminate it permanently in order to avoid suffering again. Thus, it is necessary to act on the causes of suffering in order to be liberated. Finally, the Magga is a noble path composed of eight distinct elements. The simultaneous practice of these eight elements makes it possible to reach Nirvana.

 

Nirvana-and-Karma

 

Visiting Buddhist temples and integrating the community

To become part of the Buddhist community, one can visit temples and monasteries. The latter offer stays of discovery, meditation or mutual aid. Visiting Buddhist temples allows the understanding of the Buddha's life and his teaching, namely the Dharma. In addition, Buddhism has a community that is currently called the Sangha. As an aspirant, one should not be afraid to join this community. Also, it is necessary to travel with Buddhists.

It is a very good way to get involved in the community. Buddhism is open to anyone who wants to convert. Keeping in touch with the Buddhist community is also an excellent initiative to easily initiate oneself into Buddhism. By going to the monastery closest to one's home, one can attend prayer and meditation sessions. However, Buddhism presents language barriers as it is most widespread in Asia, China and Japan. It is very advantageous to know and speak many languages.

 

Search and take the 3 Shelters path

In order to become a Buddhist, it is necessary to seek and take the path of the 3 refuges since these three are the fundamental bases of the rite of initiation to Buddhism. This means having respect for the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha, but also proving that there is a determination to go towards what is true and good. In other words, recognizing the possession of the ability to love and understand all that is around. Taking refuge is also the knowledge of the source and origin of Buddhism, Buddha is the one who shows the way and teaches the understanding of love.

It should be emphasized that the totality of the elements that make up this world is known as Dharma. It must be understood that it is consciousness that guides on the path to liberation. It shows the path leading to love, understanding of peace and deep insight. Apart from all these, it is important to know that living and adapting in the Buddhist community is also synonymous with living in harmony and mindfulness. The Sangha is made up of all that is all around namely friends, family and the Buddhist master.

 

Buddhist-temples

 

Understand and respect the Five Precepts of Buddhism

The status of Buddhist is obtained after taking refuge in the three jewels of Buddhism. The Buddhist must respect certain oaths made during the ceremony of passage. At the time of reincarnation in his next life, the Buddhist will not be demoted to the lower worlds thanks to the respect of these five precepts.

The first precept is not to kill, in other words, not to harm the lives of others. The second precept insists on not stealing or taking what is not given to him, while knowing how to be content with possessed things. The third precept emphasizes not committing sexual misconduct, i.e., not engaging in unlawful sexual relations or abstaining from unlawful sexual relations. The Fourth emphasizes that the practitioner of Buddhism must not lie in any way and therefore must not spread false words. And finally, the last one insists on consuming products that alter the mind, such as drugs or alcohol. If the practitioner does not follow any of these five precepts, he or she must repent and not do it again in the future.

 

Buddhist meditation

After the theoretical part, it is now time to move on to the practical part. Buddhist meditation is the set of skillful techniques to bring out what is happening in the mind. Once the functioning of the mind is understood, a certain inner freedom is gained and allows one to follow the path of emancipation.

The best way to practice Buddhist meditation is to find a qualified spiritual friend or master and receive meditation instructions. Not only is Buddhist meditation vast in meaning, but it is also known as vast in methods. It can be simple and at the same time technically complicated. It aims for the perfect awakening of a Buddha. It is good not to confuse it with entertaining meditation, which even though it has similarities, it differs in many essential ways.

At present, Buddhist meditation is hijacked and perverted by people who seek only profit or glory. Buddhist meditation must be taken as a whole. It must lead naturally to a change in the way of life. It directs the life in the good direction while giving to this one the true direction in particular that to reach the supreme awakening of the Buddha. Within the Sangha, the practice of meditation will be easier and more pleasant.

 

Follow the Middle Way

Following the Middle Way allows Buddhists to have a fairly balanced life. It must be learned by associating it with daily life. The Middle Way consists in avoiding two extremes, namely the incessant search for the pleasure of the senses and asceticism. The practice leads to the purification of oneself, by oneself. It is also known as the Middle Way or the Middle Way. It makes it possible to reach awakening and liberation from suffering thanks to eight elements. Right intention is translated as having the will to do something.

In addition, intention interacts with the view that conditions desires and the decisions that flow from them. Desires condition the views that serve as their justification. The right intention and the right view form the conditions for a mind properly engaged on the path. It is necessary to know that the Right Vision is the understanding of reality and the four noble truths. The Right action is linked to the respect of the Five Precepts. The Right word concerns not lying, not sowing discord or disunity, not using foul language. Right Consciousness consists in mastering all parts of the body, emotions and thoughts. Right Sustenance is to be content with what is in possession, to just hold on to the means of survival and existence. Right Concentration is the establishment of the being in awakening, that is to say not to concentrate only on what is essential while avoiding superfluous things. And finally, the Right effort or perseverance is based on overcoming what is unfavorable and undertaking what is favorable.

 

bioenergy-code