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Rat's Place

Meditation Websites
Centre for Buddhist
Studies (Taiwan)
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� What is Buddhism?

Buddhism is a religion to about 300 million people around the world. The word comes from 'budhi', 'to awaken'. It has its origins about 2,500 years ago when Siddhartha Gotama, known as the Buddha, was himself awakened (enlightened) at the age of 35.

� Is Buddhism a Religion?

To many, Buddhism goes beyond religion and is more of a philosophy or 'way of life'. It is a philosophy because philosophy 'means love of wisdom' and the Buddhist path can be summed up as:

(1) to lead a moral life,
(2) to be mindful and aware of thoughts and actions, and
(3) to develop wisdom and understanding.

� How Can Buddhism Help Me?

Buddhism explains a purpose to life, it explains apparent injustice and inequality around the world, and it provides a code of practice or way of life that leads to true happiness.

� Why is Buddhism Becoming Popular?

Buddhism is becoming popular in western countries for a number of reasons, The first good reason is Buddhism has answers to many of the problems in modern materialistic societies. It also includes (for those who are interested) a deep understanding of the human mind (and natural therapies) which prominent psychologists around the world are now discovering to be both very advanced and effective.
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� Who Was the Buddha?

Siddhartha Gotama was born into a royal family in Lumbini, now located in Nepal, in 563 BC. At 29, he realised that wealth and luxury did not guarantee happiness, so he explored the different teachings religions and philosophies of the day, to find the key to human happiness. After six years of study and meditation he finally found 'the middle path' and was enlightened. After enlightenment, the Buddha spent the rest of his life teaching the principles of Buddhism - called the Dhamma, or Truth - until his death at the age of 80.

� Was the Buddha a God?

He was not, nor did he claim to be. He was a man who taught a path to enlightenment from his own experience.

� Do Buddhists Worship Idols?

Buddhists sometimes pay respect to images of the Buddha, not in worship, nor to ask for favours. A statue of the Buddha with hands rested gently in its lap and a compassionate smile reminds us to strive to develop peace and love within ourselves. Bowing to the statue is an expression of gratitude for the teaching.

� Why are so Many Buddhist Countries Poor?

One of the Buddhist teachings is that wealth does not guarantee happiness and also wealth is impermanent. The people of every country suffer whether rich or poor, but those who understand Buddhist teachings can find true happiness.

� Are There Different Types of Buddhism?

There are many different types of Buddhism, because the emphasis changes from country to county due to customs and culture. What does not vary is the essence of the teaching - the Dhamma or truth.

� Are Other Religions Wrong?

Buddhism is also a belief system which is tolerant of all other beliefs or religions. Buddhism agrees with the moral teachings of other religions but Buddhism goes further by providing a long term purpose within our existence, through wisdom and true understanding. Real Buddhism is very tolerant and not concerned with labels like 'Christian', 'Moslem', 'Hindu' or 'Buddhist'; that is why there have never been any wars fought in the name of Buddhism. That is why Buddhists do not preach and try to convert, only explain if an explanation is sought.

� Is Buddhism Scientific?

Science is knowledge which can be made into a system, which depends upon seeing and testing facts and stating general natural laws. The core of Buddhism fit into this definition, because the Four Noble truths (see below) can be tested and proven by anyone in fact the Buddha himself asked his followers to test the teaching rather than accept his word as true. Buddhism depends more on understanding than faith.

� What did the Buddha Teach?

The Buddha taught many things, but the basic concepts in Buddhism can be summed up by the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path.

� What is the First Noble Truth?

The first truth is that life is suffering i.e., life includes pain, getting old, disease, and ultimately death. We also endure psychological suffering like loneliness frustration, fear, embarrassment, disappointment and anger. This is an irrefutable fact that cannot be denied. It is realistic rather than pessimistic because pessimism is expecting things to be bad. lnstead, Buddhism explains how suffering can be avoided and how we can be truly happy.

� What is the Second Noble Truth?

The second truth is that suffering is caused by craving and aversion. We will suffer if we expect other people to conform to our expectation, if we want others to like us, if we do not get something we want,etc. In other words, getting what you want does not guarantee happiness. Rather than constantly struggling to get what you want, try to modify your wanting. Wanting deprives us of contentment and happiness. A lifetime of wanting and craving and especially the craving to continue to exist, creates a powerful energy which causes the individual to be born. So craving leads to physical suffering because it causes us to be reborn.

� What is the Third Noble Truth?

The third truth is that suffering can be overcome and happiness can be attained; that true happiness and contentment are possible. lf we give up useless craving and learn to live each day at a time (not dwelling in the past or the imagined future) then we can become happy and free. We then have more time and energy to help others. This is Nirvana.

� What is the Fourth Noble Truth?

The fourth truth is that the Noble 8-fold Path is the path which leads to the end of suffering.

� What is the Noble 8-Fold Path?

In summary, the Noble 8-fold Path is being moral (through what we say, do and our livelihood), focussing the mind on being fully aware of our thoughts and actions, and developing wisdom by understanding the Four Noble Truths and by developing compassion for others.

� What are the 5 Precepts?

The moral code within Buddhism is the precepts, of which the main five are: not to take the life of anything living, not to take anything not freely given, to abstain from sexual misconduct and sensual overindulgence, to refrain from untrue speech, and to avoid intoxication, that is, losing mindfulness.

� What is Karma?

Karma is the law that every cause has an effect, i.e., our actions have results. This simple law explains a number of things: inequality in the world, why some are born handicapped and some gifted, why some live only a short life. Karma underlines the importance of all individuals being responsible for their past and present actions. How can we test the karmic effect of our actions? The answer is summed up by looking at (1) the intention behind the action, (2) effects of the action on oneself, and (3) the effects on others.

� What is Wisdom?

Buddhism teaches that wisdom should be developed with compassion. At one extreme, you could be a goodhearted fool and at the other extreme, you could attain knowledge without any emotion. Buddhism uses the middle path to develop both. The highest wisdom is seeing that in reality, all phenomena are incomplete, impermanent and do no constitute a fixed entity. True wisdom is not simply believing what we are told but instead experiencing and understanding truth and reality. Wisdom requires an open, objective, unbigoted mind. The Buddhist path requires courage, patience, flexibility and intelligence.

� What is Compassion?

Compassion includes qualities of sharing, readiness to give comfort, sympathy, concern, caring. In Buddhism, we can really understand others, when we can really understand ourselves, through wisdom.

� How do I Become a Buddhist?

Buddhist teachings can be understood and tested by anyone. Buddhism teaches that the solutions to our problems are within ourselves not outside. The Buddha asked all his followers not to take his word as true, but rather to test the teachings for themselves. ln this way, each person decides for themselves and takes responsibility for their own actions and understanding. This makes Buddhism less of a fixed package of beliefs which is to be accepted in its entirety, and more of a teaching which each person learns and uses in their own way.

Prepared by Brian White 1993, with thanks to Ven S. Dhammika

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Buddhist Ethics
Dependent Origin
Introduction to Buddhism
Advice on Meditation
Wildwind Buddhist Meditation
Ajahn Somedho Teachings

Buddhist Audio
Audio Talks by Ajahn Brahm | Jamyang_Lama | BuddhanetAudio | AbhayagiriAudio | BSWA_Audio |
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Three fold Refuge .. more somedho
[Olsum, Pu_An, Ratana (Gem; Precious things)] 23 Nov 2003.
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Four Noble Truths & Eight Fold Paths..more somedho
The moral code within Buddhism is the precepts.
The Five Precepts .. more

1) To Protect (Not to Kill);
2) To be Generous (Not to Steal);
3) To be Content (Not to Indulge the Senses);
4) To be Truthful (Not to Lie);
5) To be Mindful (Not to take Intoxicants);
Ways to keep the precepts
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The wise person keeps the Precepts carefully but not fanatically. Such a person tries not to break precepts but if this happens, he does not blame himself but earnestly renews his efforts. And precepts are not for the harm of others, so that, if they will be hurt by the keeping of them, one should use wisdom to consider what to do. Still, this must not be made an excuse for breaking them! When they are kept diligently and wisely they indicate a wise person, one who knows his own happiness and that of others too.
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"As practitioners, we may become attached to metta�to loving-kindness and to presenting ourselves as someone who has a loving and compassionate heart. Larry Rosenberg, a very inspirational teacher, advised me "Don�t wallpaper anger, resentment, disappointment with metta." He cautioned that, as practitioners, we have to be careful not to be Buddhist but to be a Buddha."
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Buddhist Rituals
(From: "Be a Lamp Upon Yourself" pdf book)

Shrine: Focal point of Buddhist observances dedicated to the Triple Gem.

Buddha Image: reminds us of the Buddha and the ideal of Enlightenment, and it's perfect qualities of Wisdom and Compassion among others. It also helps to inspire us as we recall the greatness of the Buddha and His teaching.

Buddhist scriptures represent Dharma.

Photos or pictures of monks and nuns to represent the Sangha.

When a Buddhist stands before a shrine, the objects he sees on it help him to recall the qualities that are found in Triple Gem. This inspires him to work towards cultivating these qualities in himself.

Prostration (Bowing) before an image of the Buddha is not idol-worshipping..it is an expression of deep veneration. It acknowledges that the Buddha has attained perfect and supreme Enlightenment. Such an act helps one to overcome egoistic feelings, to become more ready to learn from the Buddha.

Placing palms together at chest level is a traditional gesture to express deep reverence to the Triple Gem. Say silently, " A Lotus for you, a Buddha to be" when greeting another buddhist....this is to wish him well and happy.

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Offerings

Making shrine offerings is an act of devotion which expresses appreciation and veneration to the Triple Gem. Each item of offering has its significance.

Light: reminds us of the illumination brightness of Wisdom which dispels the darkness of Ignorance on the path towards Enlightenment. This urges us to seek the light of ultimate Wisdom.

Flowers: The offering of fresh and beautiful flowers which soon becomes withered, scentless and discolored serves as a reminder of the impermanent nature of all things, including our very lives. This urges us to treasure every moment of our life while not becoming attached to it.

Incense: The offering of fragrant burning incense which fills the air symbolizes the virtue and purifying effect of wholesome conduct. This urges us to cease all evil and to cultivate all of the good.

Water: The offering of water symbolizes Purity, Clarity and Calmness. This urges us to cultivate our body, speech and Mind to attain these qualities.

Fruits symbolizes the fruits of spiritual attainment that lead towards the ultimate fruit of Enlightenment, which is the goal of all Buddhists. This urges us to strive towards the Enlightenment for one and all.

Chanting (Puja) is a melodious way of reading as one reflects upon the Buddha's teachings. Besides aiding memorisation, chanting in a soothing tune has a calming effect on both the reciter and the hearer. Chanting should be done solemnly with mindfulness and energy. Like meditation, chanting helps one to concentrate and develop a peaceful state of Mind.

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The Six-Syllabled Mantra �
OM MANI PADME HUNG
is the heart mantra of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattvas (Guanyin) and the essence of the Buddhas. The mantra embodies perfect compassion, and is the core of the 84,000 Teachings of all the Buddhas.��

~ His Eminence Drubwang Konchok Norbu Rinpoche ~

Explanation of Six Syllables
Closing the doors to the six realms, free sentient beings from sufferings and to be reborn in Buddha��s Pure Land.

OM closes the door to the suffering of being reborn in the gods�� realm. The suffering of the gods arises from foreseeing one��s fall from the gods�� realm.
This suffering comes from pride.

MA closes the door to the suffering of being reborn in the warring gods (asuras) realm. The suffering of these asuras is constant fighting.
This suffering comes from jealousy.

NI closes the door to the suffering of being reborn in the human realm. The suffering of humans is birth, sickness, old age, and death.
This suffering comes from desire.

PAD closes the door to the suffering of being reborn in the animal realm. The suffering of animals is stupidity, preying upon one another, being killed by men for meat, skin, et. And being beasts o burden.
This suffering comes from ignorance.

ME closes the door to the suffering of being reborn in the hungry ghosts�� realm. The suffering of hungry ghosts is hunger and thirst.
This suffering comes from greed.

HUM closes the door to the suffering of being reborn in the hell realm. The suffering of the hell is heat and cold.
This suffering comes from anger or hatred.

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Buddhists Event Dates By Lunar Month

Day Events
8.12 � Buddha Sakyamuni�s Enlightenment
1.1 � Maitreya Buddha�s Birthday.
8.2 � Sakyamuni�s Renunciation Day
15.2 � Sakyamuni Buddha�s Mahapari-Nirvana 19.2 � Birthday of Kuan Shih Yin P�usa.
8.4 � Birthday of Buddha Sakyamuni
15.4 � Wesak Day
19.6 � Enlightenment Day of Kuan Shih Yin P�usa
13.7 � Birthday of Ta-Shih-Chi P�usa
15.7 � Yu-lan-pen (Ullambana) Ceremony, for feeding
hungry ghosts.
30.7 � Birthday of Ti-tsang P�usa
19.9 � Kuan Shih Yin P�usa�s Renunciation Day, the day that marks her entering into the nunnery.
30.9 � Birthday of Yao-shi Fwo (BhaisajyaguruBuddha)
5.10 � Anniversary of the death of Ta-mo
(Bodhidharma)
17.11 � Birthday of O-mi-to Fwo (Amitabha Buddha)

Buddhist Links
About.com on Buddhist
Tibetan Buddhism
5 Moral Precepts
Buddhism Study Resources
Zenguide.com
Articles of the 5 religion
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The three Jewels

consist of the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha and the Buddha�s way of life requires one to live wholesomely by adhering to the Noble Eightfold Path. Those who do so will successfully avoid these ten non-virtuous actions: Killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, lying, slandering,malicious speech, idle speech, covetousness, malevolence and erroneous views.
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Other Sites

Quiet Mountain
Inspirational Stories
English Articles
Virtual Library of Buddhist studies
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Singapore Sites

NUS Buddhist Society
Some Buddhist Sites
Directory of Buddhist Orgn in Singapore
Boddhi Association

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