A Basic Buddhism Guide: Wisdom and Compassion

Posted by tehoh on 09-07-2013, 9:52 PM :

A Basic Buddhism Guide: Wisdom and Compassion

I often hear Buddhists talk about wisdom and compassion. What do these two terms mean?


Some religions believe that compassion or love (the two are very similar) is the most important spiritual quality but they fail to develop any wisdom. The result is that you end up being a good-hearted fool, a very kind person but with little or no understanding. Other systems of thought, like science, believe that wisdom can best be developed when all emotions, including compassion, are kept out of the way. The outcome of this is that science has tended to become preoccupied with results and has forgotten that science is to serve man not to control and dominate him. How, otherwise could scientists have lent their skills to develop the nuclear bomb, germ warfare, and the like. Religion has always seen reason and wisdom as the enemy of emotions like love and faith. Science has always seen emotions like love and faith as being enemies of reason and objectivity. And of course, as science progresses, religion declines. Buddhism, on the other hand, teaches that to be a truly balanced and complete individual, you must develop both wisdom and compassion. And because it is not dogmatic but based on experience, Buddhism has nothing to fear from science.


So what, according to Buddhism, is wisdom?


The highest wisdom is seeing that in reality all phenomena are incomplete, impermanent, and not self. This understanding is totally freeing and leads to the great security and happiness which is called Nirvana. However, the Buddha doesn't speak too much about this level of wisdom. It is not wisdom if we simply believe what we are told. True wisdom is to directly see and understand for ourselves. At this level then, wisdom is to keep an open mind rather than being closed-minded, listening to other points of view rather than being bigoted; to carefully examine facts that contradict our beliefs, rather than burying our heads in the sand; to be objective rather than prejudiced and partisan; to take time about forming our opinions and beliefs rather than just accepting the first or most emotional thing that is offered to us; and to always be ready to change our beliefs when facts that contradict them are presented to us. A person who does this is certainly wise and is certain to eventually arrive at true understanding. The path of just believing what you are told is easy. The Buddhist path requires courage, patience, flexibility and intelligence.


I think few people could do this. So what is the point of Buddhism if only a few can practice it?


It is true that not everyone is ready for Buddhism yet. But to say that therefore we should teach a religion that is false but easily understandable just so that everyone can practice it is ridiculous. Buddhism aims at the truth and if not everyone has the capacity to understand it yet, they perhaps will be ready for it in their next life. However, there are many who, with just the right words or encouragement, are able to increase their understanding. And it is for this reason that Buddhists gently and quietly strive to share the insights of Buddhism with others. The Buddha taught us out of compassion and we teach others out of compassion.


So we arrive at compassion. What, according to Buddhism, is compassion?


Just as wisdom covers the intellectual or comprehending side of our nature, compassion covers the emotional or feeling side of our nature. Like wisdom, compassion is a uniquely human quality. Compassion is made up of two words, 'co' meaning together and 'passion' meaning a strong feeling. And this is what compassion is. When we see someone in distress and we feel their pain as if it were our own, and strive to eliminate or lessen their pain, then this is compassion. So all the best in human beings, all the Buddha-like qualities like sharing, readiness to give comfort, sympathy, concern and caring - all are manifestations of compassion. You will notice also that in the compassionate person, care and love towards others has its origins in care and love for oneself. We can really understand others when we really understand ourselves. We will know what's best for others when we know what's best for ourselves. We can feel for others when we feel for ourselves. So in Buddhism, one's own spiritual development blossoms quite naturally into concern for the welfare of others. The Buddha's life illustrates this very well. He spent six years struggling for his own welfare, after which, he was able to be of benefit to the whole of mankind.


So you are saying that we are best able to help others after we have helped ourselves. Isn't that a bit selfish?


We usually see altruism, concern for others before oneself, as being the opposite of selfishness, concern for oneself before others. Buddhism does not see it as either one or the other but rather as a blending of the two. Genuine self-concern will gradually mature into concern for others as one sees that others are really the same as oneself. This is genuine compassion and it is the most beautiful jewel in the crown of the Buddha's teaching.

Benefits of Reciting OM MANI PADME HUM

Posted by drdoof on 03-07-2013, 11:03 AM :

Benefits of Reciting OM MANI PADME HUM

by Lama Zopa Rinpoche

The benefits of reciting OM MANI PADME HUM are like the infinite sky. Depending on how perfectly qualified one’s mind is and on one’s motivation, even reciting OM MANI PADME HUM one time can purify negative karma. For example, a fully ordained monk who has received all four defeats can completely purify that very heavy negative karma by reciting OM MANI PADME HUM one time. So it is very powerful.

Reciting One Thousand Mantras Each Day

In the teachings it is said the benefits of reciting OM MANI PADME HUM are so many that the explanation will never finish. It is explained that if one recites OM MANI PADME HUM one thousand times every day, then one’s children up to seven generations will not be reborn in the lower realms. So if, for example, parents recite one thousand mantras every day then their children, their children’s children and so forth up to seven generations will never be reborn in the lower realms. So parents have quite a responsibility! This is one way that parents can benefit their children and grandchildren.

If one recites the OM MANI PADME HUM mantra one thousand times every day, then one’s body becomes blessed. So when a person who recites one thousand OM MANI PADME HUM every day goes into water, into a river or ocean for example, that water becomes blessed. Whoever that water touches fish, tiny or big animals, or tiny insects, the negative karma of all those sentient beings is purified and they do not get reborn in the lower realms.

If one recites one thousand OM MANI PADME HUM every day, then at the time of death, when the body is burnt, even the smoke that comes from it purifies the negative karma of whoever it touches or whoever smells it. The negative karma of those sentient beings to be reborn in the lower realms is purified.


Fifteen Major Benefits

There are fifteen major benefits, which are the same for both the long and the short mantra. Actually, there are so many benefits but if one can remember these fifteen, these are the most important, the integrated outlines.

1. In all lifetimes, one will meet with virtuous kings - religious kings like His Holiness the Dalai Lama and other virtuous leaders - and by being in such a place where there is a virtuous king one will have much opportunity to practise Dharma.

2. One will always be reborn in virtuous places where there is a lot of Dharma practice, where there are lots of temples, where one can make lots of offerings, where there a lot of holy objects, statues, stupas and so forth. Being in a place where there are all these holy objects gives one the opportunity to practise Dharma, to create the cause of happiness, to accumulate merit. And being in a place where there are many in the city doing practice inspires oneself to practise Dharma, the cause of happiness.

3. One will always meet with fortunate times and good conditions, which will help your Dharma practice. Having many good things happen it inspires you to practise Dharma, to receive teachings and to meditate.

4. One will always be able to meet with virtuous friends.

5. One will always receive a perfect human body.

6. One’s mind will become familiar with the path, with virtue.

7. One will not allow one’s vows, one’s morality to degenerate.

8. People around you - family, Dharma students, people in the office, and so one - will be kind and harmonious with you.

9. You will always have wealth, the means of living.

10. You will always be protected and served by others.

11. Your wealth will not be stolen or taken away by others.

12. Whatever you wish will succeed.

13. You will always be protected by virtuous nagas and devas.

14. In all lifetimes, you will see Buddha and be able to hear the Dharma.

15. By listening to the pure Dharma, you will be able to actualise the profound meaning, emptiness.

It is said in the teachings that anybody who recites this mantra with compassion - devas or humans - will receive these virtues. In addition, the mantra has the power to heal many diseases and to protect from any harms.

The Compassionate Buddha manifesting in the form of the mantra leads us to enlightenment. In relation to the Holy Body of the Compassionate Buddha we make offerings, accumulate merit, purify and meditate. Then the Compassionate Buddha manifests in the form of the mantra OM MANI PADME HUM. Reciting this mantra unifies our negative karma and causes us to actualise the whole path from guru devotion through renunciation, bodhicitta, and emptiness up to the two stages of tantra. Then we are able to bring all sentient beings to enlightenment. That is how the mantra benefits us. It is the Compassionate Buddha’s holy speech manifesting in an external way in order to benefit us.

The significance of saving lives

Posted by AUTUMN&WINTER on 02-07-2013, 4:38 PM :

Benefits of observing the 8 precepts

Posted by AUTUMN&WINTER on 26-06-2013, 8:27 AM :

The Eight Precepts

1. I undertake the precept to refrain from destroying living creatures.

2. I undertake the precept to refrain from taking that which is not given.

3. I undertake the precept to refrain from sexual activity (including husband & wife).

4. I undertake the precept to refrain from incorrect speech.

5. I undertake the precept to refrain from intoxicating drinks and drugs which lead to carelessness.

6. I undertake the precept to refrain from eating at the forbidden time (i.e., after noon).

7. I undertake the precept to refrain from dancing, singing, music, going to see entertainments, wearing garlands, using perfumes, and beautifying the body with cosmetics. (No TV)

8. I undertake the precept to refrain from lying on a high or luxurious sleeping place.
(At home, sleep on mattress, no bed or sofa)


THE ACTUAL BENEFITS OF PROTECTING THE PRECEPTS

(Many more benefits but too lengthy. One of them is one will not go hungry for many life times).

The benefits of abandoning the taking of life. In this life and in all future lives one’s life will be long, magnificent and free from illness.

The benefits of abandoning taking that which is not given. In this and in all future lives one will have perfect enjoyments, and others will not harm them.

The benefits of abandoning the sexual act. In this life and in all future lives one will have a good body with a beautiful complexion and complete sense organs.

The benefits of abandoning lies. In this life and in all future lives one will not be cheated, and others will take heed of what one says.

The benefits of abandoning intoxicants (including alcohol, cigarettes, mind-altering drugs and any other substance that loosens voluntary reserve). In this life and in all future lives one will have stable mindfulness and awareness, clear senses and perfect wisdom.

The benefits of abandoning large and high beds and thrones. In this life and in all future lives one will receive praise and respect from others, one will have proper bedding (soft, warm, whatever is needed), and one will have vehicles and animals for traveling.

The benefits of abandoning food at improper times. In this life and in all future lives one will have abundant and perfect crops and will obtain food and drink without effort.

The benefits of abandoning perfume, ornaments, and so forth. In this life and in all future lives one’s body will have a pleasant scent, color and shape and many auspicious marks.

The benefits of abandoning singing and dancing. In this life and in all future lives one will have a subdued body and mind, and one’s speech will continually make the sound of Dharma.

 

Benefits of observing the 5 precepts

Posted by AUTUMN&WINTER on 25-06-2013, 8:22 PM :

Observance of 5 precepts safeguard one from being reborn in the 3 lower realms (hell, animals & ghosts). Observance of 5 precepts ensure one to be at least reborn in human realm. Of course, the best is not to be reborn in any of the 6 realms.

One will not get into trouble in the present life if one observes the 5 precepts

 

Taking the 3 refuges

Posted by AUTUMN&WINTER on 24-06-2013, 8:44 AM :

The 1st step of being a Buddhist is to take the 3 refuges. One can take the 3 refuges without taking the 5 precepts if one is not prepared to do so. Even though, one should try to observe the 5 precepts even if one has not gone through the 5 precepts ceremony.

Printing of Sutra

Posted by AUTUMN&WINTER on 18-06-2013, 6:35 PM :

lingusthefungus wrote:

Did you 'print sutra' as in reproducing sutras by hand, engaged a printing company or donate money for such purposes?

 

 

I engaged a printing company to print the sutras. There are many ways to print sutras. Can donate to Buddhist temples, they accept any amount. I understand that not just printing sutras, donate to print any materials related to Dharma is also considered as propagating Buddhism and at the same time accumulate merits.

In fact, the best is to donate to the temple as by doing so we don't need to worry about the distribution.

I know Mahabodhi Monastery 菩提阁，they print the magazine "LUMINOUS" on a monthly basis and need money to do so. Anyone interested can call 64664425. They accept any amount. 随缘.

In fact by posting Dharma teachings here can also help to propagate the Buddha Dharma and at the same time accumulate merits.

经云: 诸供养中。法供养为最

The Gift of Dharma is the Greatest Gift of all

THE 10 BENEFITS OF CREATING & PRINTING BUDDHIST IMAGES & TEXTS

•One’s past negative karmas will lighten if they are heavy, they will be purified if it is light.

•One is always supported and protected by virtuous gods, one is free from the harms of plague, natural calamities, bandits, war and imprisonment.

•One’s enemies of both past and present lives will also receive the benefits of the Dharma, and are liberated. One is free from their vengeance.

•One cannot be harmed by Yakshas and evil spirits, by poisonous snakes or ferocious beasts.

•One’s mind is at peace. There is no danger in the day, and no nightmares in one’s sleep. One has a healthy countenance, and is full of energy. Whatever one does is successful.

•Due to one’s sincerity in devoting to the Dharma, although one does not actively seek it, one will naturally be bountifully supplied with food and clothing, there is harmony in the family, and one’s wealth and prosperity will increase.

•One’s speech and actions bring happiness to men and gods; wherever one goes, one is always respected and supported by the people.

•The dull will become intelligent, the sick will become healthy and the poor will become rich.

•One is forever free from the suffering realms and takes rebirth in the happy realms. One has beautiful features and an intelligent mind. One is well endowed with wealth and prosperity.

•One helps all sentient being to plant the seed of virtue in their minds, which is the great merit field where one cultivates infinite realizations. Wherever one takes rebirth, one always meet with the Buddha and receives teachings from him, until one achieves the 3 wisdoms and accomplishes the 6 super-mundane abilities. One swiftly attains the state of Enlightenment

How to Give, for the Person Who Has Nothing

Posted by blue crystal on 11-06-2013, 12:58 PM :

How to Give, for the Person Who Has Nothing 

 Friday, 15 March 2013 15:56 Tzu Chi Foundation
Volunteer brings the warmth and love to an elder. (Photo by Wu Qu-zhi)

 [Master's Teachings]
Editor's Introduction: People who live in poverty not only suffer the physical hardships of going without basic life necessities, but can also experience a sense of despair, feeling that there is nothing they can do to improve their lot. When they understand the law of karma, they know that to beget good fortune, they need to plant the seeds by doing good and creating good karma. But, how do they do this when they are so poor that they have nothing? In the following, Dharma Master Cheng Yen tells a story about a man who came to the Buddha with this very dilemma.


One day, back in the Buddha's time, a destitute person came to the Jeta Grove where the Buddha and his monastic community were practicing. Seeing one of the monks, the man prostrated himself and asked the monk if it might be possible for him to see the Buddha. "Is something the matter?" the monk asked him. "Yes, there is a grave matter I need to see the Buddha about. It is a life or death issue." This was serious indeed, so the monk quickly helped arrange a meeting.

When this destitute man was brought to the Buddha, he prostrated himself and said, "Buddha, I'm in so much suffering." With compassion, the Buddha asked him, "What is the suffering that you experience?"

The man replied, "I have been poor my entire life. I was born into a poor family and have known only hardship and deprivation all my life. I see people making offerings to the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. They say that in order to reap blessings, we need to sow blessings, and that if we wish to become rich, we need to plant the seeds by practicing giving. But, I am destitute and have nothing. How am I to practice giving?"

The Buddha smiled compassionately at the man and told him, "You don't need to be rich to give. Giving doesn't require money. Even in poverty, with no material possessions to your name, you can still give."

"How is this possible? What is considered 'giving' then?" the man asked.

"Let me teach you seven ways you can give without needing any money at all," the Buddha replied.

"The first way you can give is to smile. When you see people, be amiable and smile. Don't bemoan your fate and wail about being poor and miserable. Life is hard for you, but when you complain, you are negative and bitter, and people will keep away from you because your attitude makes you unpleasant to be around. So, don't do that. When you see people, be friendly, warm, and amiable. That is the first way you can give."

"Secondly, when you see people, always say nice things to them. No matter what they say to you, don't say anything unkind. Always say good things about others, both in front of them and when they are not around to hear you. Speaking kindly and positively is another way you can give."

"Thirdly, keep a good, kind, and charitable heart. Don't think negatively of the people you encounter. Instead, you should see everyone as a good, decent person who is nice and approachable. Also remember that you are a good, decent person too, so be friendly in reaching out to other people. That is another way you can give."

"Fourthly, you can give with your sight. If you encounter people who have poor eyesight, you can help point out the way to them and guide them in the right direction. With your healthy eyes, you can be of help to people who cannot see well."

"Fifthly, you can give your labor and physical strength. There are some people who are not so healthy and strong, so they cannot take on physically taxing work. When you see them needing help, be it moving something heavy or doing physically demanding work, you can go and help them or even do it for them. That is a kind of giving also."

"The next way you can give is to show people respect. We need to have respect towards all people. The elderly deserve our respect, but we should also treat people of other ages respectfully and courteously. This is the giving of respect."

"Lastly, you can give by offering people your love and care, such as by supporting and helping children and people who are poor or physically impaired. Living in this world, we should have love toward all people, and even toward all living creatures."

"These are all ways you can give, without needing to have any money or possessions," the Buddha told him.

"Giving is that simple? These all count as giving?" the man responded.

"Yes, these all count as giving. It's very simple, but will you do it?" the Buddha asked him.

"It is so easy, of course I'll do it. These are ways I can do good without needing any money at all. I think this is probably what I failed to do in my past lives, and what you've said has made me see my failings in this life. I've always complained about my lot, so I didn't care about other people or respect them in my heart. I don't think I've ever done a good thing for others or said a kind word either. Now I see why that is wrong and what I should do. I will practice the seven ways of giving that you have shown me," the man answered the Buddha.
* * *

Having compassion for him, the Buddha opened the man's eyes to the fact that though poor, he can still give and sow the seeds of blessings. All he has to do is follow the Buddha's teaching, and he can give and make his life rich.

Also, after giving the man this teaching, the Buddha specifically asked him, "It's very simple, but will you do it?" Each of the seven ways the Buddha described is so doable; the key is whether he decides to follow them through.

It is the same for us—the practice is very easy to carry out; it just depends on whether we've made up our mind to do it. As the Buddha showed the destitute man, there are many ways we can give, and they are all things we can do in our daily life. We don't need money, and anyone can do them. Most importantly, in giving, our lives become rich. It is possible for all of us to create a rich life, if we just do these simple things.

On Reincarnation

Posted by nottibeans on 08-06-2013, 7:24 PM :

AUTUMN&WINTER wrote:

Don't quite understand the last part. Why "hence no reincarnation"? Can kindly explain.

I understand that our 8th conciousness (Alaya) is like our data storage (software). It contains all the past lives good and bad seeds (good and evil deeds) and follows one when one is reborn. Our 8th conciousness is like software and our body is like hardware which always changes if one is being reborn. Correct me if I'm wrong.

 

The word "reincarnation" suggests there is a permanent soul/self that transmigrates from one body to another. Ultimately, there is no "I" or "you", nothing that can be associated with a self (non-self true nature). To realise non-self nature, you need to see the arishing & perishing nature of ultimate realities. The sub-atomic particles of our bodies are arising and perishing at an incredible fast rate. Our consciousnesses are also the same nature, arishing and perishing even faster, one consciousness after another consciousness while the body particles arish and perish lump by lump. We only exist for one conscious moment actually but as we cannot see the true nature(blinded by ignorance/delusion), we take what is impermanent as permanent, what is non-self as self.

Alaya consciousness is from Mahayana teaching. From Pali texts, it is the cetanā(volition) mental factor when the impulsion(javana) consciousnesses arise that make kamma. There is the the kammic potency(to produce result) in future. When you penetrates dependent origination, you will understand ignorance and craving are the two root causes of rebirth. When you destroyed the two root causes, the kammic potency will not be able to produce result in a new existence anymore.

Significance of the Buddhist Flag

Posted by AUTUMN&WINTER on 06-06-2013, 7:42 PM :


Buddhist Flag