What’s Buddhism
The Buddha
The Buddha taught to benefit all beings
in the universe. Buddhism’s virtuous teachings,
therefore, extend to all cultures or people:
It is multicultural. Buddhism
explains the reality of life and the universe:
that all beings are equal by nature and that all teachings are
equal. The Buddha said many times that the wisdom to understand
the true reality of life and the universe, and the virtuous abilities
to cultivate are all already within our true nature. Buddhism
teaches us to have a broad mind, one that overflows with
sincerity, purity, equality, proper understanding, and
compassion. Everyday, we must strive to awaken to
this reality. Being contented with all conditions
and settings is a good example for all, and
striving for attainment of freedom of mind
Chinese Green Jade 108 Prayer Beads
and spirit will help to awaken. From this,
Silver Statue Buddha
we can see that the Buddha is a
compassionate multicultural
educator who is worthy of
emulation.
Buddhism is the most profound and wholesome education directed by the Buddha towards all people.
The content in Shakyamuni Buddha’s forty-nine years of teaching describes the true face of life and the universe. Life refers to oneself, the universe refers to our living environment. The teachings directly relate to our own lives and surroundings.
Buddha in the Lotus Flower
Those who possess a complete and proper understanding of life and the universe are called Buddhas or Bodhisattvas. Those who lack the understanding are called worldly people.
Cultivation is changing the way we think, speak, and act towards people and matters from an erroneous way to a proper way.
The guideline for Cultivation is understanding, proper views, and purity. Understanding is without deviation, and purity is without pollution. This can be achieved by practicing the Three Learnings of self-discipline, concentration, and wisdom.
The Three Basic Conditions are the foundation of cultivation and study. When interacting with people,
Mystery Buddhism Singing Bowl
accord with the Six Harmonies, and when dealing with society, practice the Six Principles. Follow the lessons taught by Universal Worthy Bodhisattva and dedicate one’s mind to everlasting purity and brightness
The Buddha Jewel
“Buddha” is a Sanskrit word which means ‘Awareness and Understanding’. When we take refuge in the Buddha, we vow to return from blind faith and delusion and rely upon Un-derstanding and Aware-ness as a way of life. We are not relying upon the statues or Buddha-images, but rather the spirit of Understanding and Awareness they represent.
Gilded Bronze Buddha Statue
As students of the Pure Land Teach-ings, we learn to rely upon Amitabha Buddha’s lessons on wisdom and com-passion. ‘Amitabha’ stands for Infinite Light and Infinite Life. When we follow his teachings, we will attain wisdom, happiness, and lon-gevity.
This is taking refuge in the Buddha.