Across the world, the number of Buddhists has been rising steadily. For anyone looking to join the religion, there are a few things to learn first. From the read below, you will learn a couple of principles that guide Tampa Buddhism.
The first principle revolves around striving to bring the suffering of all kinds of beings to an end. Buddhist teaching is centered on the Four Noble Truths. The corresponding vows here are the Four Great Bodhisattva Vows that can help you alleviate suffering. Additionally, it is important to follow the Noble Eightfold Path. This is the practice behind Buddhism.
To practice this religion, it is also vital that one ends craving and wanting. Such habits are believed to be the major causes of human suffering. They usually result from ignorance, desire and the want for both material things and pleasure. As a Buddhist, you have to realize that suffering cannot be ended easily. Instead, you have to make a deliberate effort to do your part.
The third truth is that learning can be used to end suffering. So, to become a Buddhist, you will have to continue learning and teaching yourself about dharma. The last of the four truths is to work towards reaching nirvana. This was part of the Buddha and suffering ends when one is enlightened and reaches nirvana. Reaching the place requires a practitioner of the religion to live as per the dictates of the Noble Eightfold Path.
There are also five guiding precepts that a Buddhist needs to live by. First, one must abstain from taking the lives of living creatures. It means that one is required to be kind and loving to humans, insects, and animals. This philosophy revolves around nonviolence and is the reason as to why many Buddhists do not take meat.
Stealing is also a habit that one should refrain from. Again, you are not forced to do this, but it should come from within you. It involves refraining from taking anything that does not belong to you. So, it means that you should never rob your neighbors, relatives, colleagues or strangers. It also requires being generous and open. With regards to generosity, you can volunteer your time, give to charity and raise awareness.
Another important principle in the religion is the avoidance of exploitation. Practicing Buddhists have to commit to avoiding sexual, physical, emotional and mental exploitation. However, you do not have to completely abstain from sex. Instead, you should be mindful of the consequences of exploiting yourself and others. Any sexual activity has to be between consenting people, but not with someone who has been married before.
Telling the truth at all times is also a guiding pillar for Buddhists. So, to practice Buddhism, you have to always refrain from telling lies. Instead of lying, you should want to be a source of honesty, openness, and truthfulness. Taking alcohol and other drugs that alter the mind is also discouraged. This is because such substances are likely to confuse your thinking and lead you to make wrong choices.
The first principle revolves around striving to bring the suffering of all kinds of beings to an end. Buddhist teaching is centered on the Four Noble Truths. The corresponding vows here are the Four Great Bodhisattva Vows that can help you alleviate suffering. Additionally, it is important to follow the Noble Eightfold Path. This is the practice behind Buddhism.
To practice this religion, it is also vital that one ends craving and wanting. Such habits are believed to be the major causes of human suffering. They usually result from ignorance, desire and the want for both material things and pleasure. As a Buddhist, you have to realize that suffering cannot be ended easily. Instead, you have to make a deliberate effort to do your part.
The third truth is that learning can be used to end suffering. So, to become a Buddhist, you will have to continue learning and teaching yourself about dharma. The last of the four truths is to work towards reaching nirvana. This was part of the Buddha and suffering ends when one is enlightened and reaches nirvana. Reaching the place requires a practitioner of the religion to live as per the dictates of the Noble Eightfold Path.
There are also five guiding precepts that a Buddhist needs to live by. First, one must abstain from taking the lives of living creatures. It means that one is required to be kind and loving to humans, insects, and animals. This philosophy revolves around nonviolence and is the reason as to why many Buddhists do not take meat.
Stealing is also a habit that one should refrain from. Again, you are not forced to do this, but it should come from within you. It involves refraining from taking anything that does not belong to you. So, it means that you should never rob your neighbors, relatives, colleagues or strangers. It also requires being generous and open. With regards to generosity, you can volunteer your time, give to charity and raise awareness.
Another important principle in the religion is the avoidance of exploitation. Practicing Buddhists have to commit to avoiding sexual, physical, emotional and mental exploitation. However, you do not have to completely abstain from sex. Instead, you should be mindful of the consequences of exploiting yourself and others. Any sexual activity has to be between consenting people, but not with someone who has been married before.
Telling the truth at all times is also a guiding pillar for Buddhists. So, to practice Buddhism, you have to always refrain from telling lies. Instead of lying, you should want to be a source of honesty, openness, and truthfulness. Taking alcohol and other drugs that alter the mind is also discouraged. This is because such substances are likely to confuse your thinking and lead you to make wrong choices.
About the Author:
Learn more about the Tampa Buddhism and how to join the community. The web page you should refer to is right here at http://www.sgi-tampabay.com.
No comments:
Post a Comment