Buddhism

Buddhism has been a part of my life since my teens, but it’s also been a long winding road of lessons learned, mistakes made, new discoveries, and so on. This journey is encapsulated, for me, in this post.

If you are looking for more resources to learn about Buddhism, or rediscover it, I have a selection of books that have helped me along the way. Also, feel free to check out the Beginner’s Guide to Buddhism below. I have a book available online for anyone curious about Mahayana Buddhism, that is Buddhism from Tibet to Japan, called the Mahayana Buddhist Field Manual. Please download it and let me know what you think!

Articles and Chants

I have a few articles here on the blog that you might find useful:

• Towards a Reorientation of Metta
• Buddhism and Bonnō
• What The Heck is Mahayana Buddhism?
• Buddhism for Everyone: the Pure Land Gate
• There Is More To Pure Land Buddhism Than Just The Nembutsu
• Buddhism: Gates, not Sects
• Tendai for Dummies
• Make Your Own Buddhist Sutra Book

Also, I have compiled a some Buddhist chants used in Japanese Buddhism (the kind of Buddhism that I am most familiar with):

• Chanting the Heart Sutra
• Chanting the Shiseige / Juseige
• Chanting The Kannon Sutra
• The Mantra of Light as a Buddhist Practice
• The Amitabha Root Dharani
• The Great Compassion Dharani
• Chanting the “Hobenpon”: Chapter Two of the Lotus Sutra

Finally, please enjoy this video of a Buddhist text called the Amitabha Sutra being chanted:

A Beginner’s Guide to Buddhism

Many people who might read this are growing up in non-Buddhist countries, where resources are very limited, and information is very confusing. So, I have a tried to distill the Buddhist faith, which is large and complex, into a kind of “light” or “beginner” Buddhism that anyone can follow.

Try it out, see if it works. If you want to continue, you can delve deeper into a tradition that you like, or just keep doing this.

Why Buddhism?

Buddhism is a religion of wisdom, goodwill towards others, and stability. It is a religion that helps you understand the world around you, and also yourself. It is a path followed by many people in many times and places.

But now, some introductions are in order…

Who is the Buddha?

The Buddha, also called Shakyamuni, is a peerless teacher who lived 2,500 years ago, and pierced through his own ignorance and saw the world as it is. He shared this with others, and taught them the way to liberation. If life is like crossing over a raging river, the Buddha teaches us how to build a raft.

In the Buddhist tradition there are many other Buddhas as well, but they all have the same qualities: teachers of great compassion, powerful insight, and goodwill toward all beings.

What is the Dharma?

Think of the Dharma, or the “way things are”, as something similar to the Laws of Physics, or like gravity: it just works, whether you believe in it or not. It is just the Principle which existence is founded on. A Buddha grasps the Dharma thoroughly, and thus teaches it to others, so they become Buddhas too. By living in accord with the Dharma, people experience peace, goodwill, and freedom from fear. Those who do not experience strife, dissatisfaction, and so on.

Going back to the river analogy above, the Buddha teaches us how to build a raft, and the Dharma is the instruction manual.

How Does One Become a Buddhist?

It is easy to become a Buddhist.

If you are interested, you take refuge in the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha (the Buddhist community). If you wish to leave, then you can just stop.

Many people recite a certain formula in front of a statue or picture of the Buddha, or a teacher:

1. I go to the Buddha for refuge.
2. I go to the Dharma for refuge.
3. I go to the Sangha for refuge.

What Does One Do As A Buddhist?

Buddhism is a religion of doing, a religion of practice. Faith in Buddhism is important, because we try to follow Shakyamuni Buddha’s teachings, but it is not like faith in other religions. One does not go to Hell for not having enough faith. One goes to Hell because they hurt or torment others (and so they will be tormented later by their own karma).

Faith in Buddhism means confidence in Shakyamuni Buddha’s teachings, and willingness to apply them. If they work, you will see positive results and your confidence grows.

Speaking of trying things out, here are some suggestions for practicing Buddhism:

• Uphold five precepts – In my opinion, this is the most fundamental practice for lay Buddhists, and really complements other practices below. If you make mistakes (most people do), just reflect on yourself, and try again:
  • I will not destroy life.
  • I will not take what is not given to me.
  • I will not commit sexual abuse, or debauchery.
  • I will not tell lies.
  • I will not consume alcohol, drugs, etc., which cause recklessness.
• Giving Thanks to the Buddha – The Buddha is our beacon in this world, and so we give thanks. To me, the simplest way to venerate the historical Buddha is to recite the ancient Indian phrase Namo Shakamuni Buddha. You can venerate other Buddhas, or recite other words instead. Also, offering flowers, incense, or fruit to a statue or picture of the Buddha is fine too.
• Meditation – Mindfulness is maintaining awareness of what you are thinking or feeling. This is very important for avoiding mistakes, and also for increasing awareness of the world aronud you. Meditation is the practice the Buddha prescribed most to followers, especially monks and nuns, and has a tangible value both in the near-term and in the long-term. Just work meditation into your life in a way that’s reasonable and sustainable (like physical exercise). Even a little effort is worth it.
• Study the Dharma – Everyone can learn something new, if you are a beginner or a veteran Buddhist. Find books, listen to podcasts, watch videos, and so on. Even if you are experienced in Buddhism, it’s ok to review the basics some times. There are also many interesting sutras (texts) in Buddhism, but sometimes these are hard to understand upfront. You might need a teacher or an explanation in a book to be a guide.

Uposatha

Every month on the 8th, 14th, 15th, 23rd, 29th and 30th days are Uposatha days. You can do extra practice on these days, or do a simple home service such as this one:

• Praise to the 3 treasures:
  • “I go to the Buddha for refuge”
  • “I go to the Dharma for refuge”
  • “I go to the Sangha for refuge”
• Confession of transgressions: All of the misdeeds I have committed in the past are the result of my greed, anger and delusion. I repent these misdeeds.
  • The key here is not to “punish yourself”. Observe your actions objectively, acknowledging your mistakes, let them go, and resolve not to do them again.
• Recite a sutra, or part of a sutra: your choice. The Heart Sutra is always a great choice.
• Venerating the Buddha – Put your hands together and say Namo Shakamuni Buddha three times, or something similar. Intention is important, not the words.
• Dedication of merit – you are not just practicing for yourself, but also for the benefit of others. You can dedicate your good mert like so: May this good merit that I have accumulated be offered equally with all beings, that they may equally awaken the Bodhi Mind, and all attain the way of peace.

Buddhist Holidays

There are many holidays, and many different schedules, but here is a recommended list based on the Mahayana-Buddhist calendar:

• The Death of the Buddha (a.k.a. Nirvana Day) – Feburary 25th. This is the day we remember the Buddha’s final words, and his death.
• The Birth of the Buddha – April 8th.
• The Awakening (Bodhi) of the Buddha – December 8th. This day celebrates the Shakyamuni’s awakening and becoming a Buddha.