The Core Beliefs, Practices and Philosophies of Buddhism

Awakening to Reality When I was 21 years old, my younger brother had a terrible motorcycle accident. To say the least, he didn't make it. However, the after math of that accident left us all in great shock as well as sadness for many years to come. Now, sadness or grief is to be expected. But shock—why shock? Well, you could say, I was in shock because I thought the death of a family member only happened in the movies. At the age of 21, it had never occurred to me that bad things, like my brother passing away, could actually happen. As I look back on this today, I can see that I was living in a fantasy world constructed by society. In a very real sense, society shields us from these existential truths. As a result, we find ourselves only seeing half of the picture. We often ponder questions like, "What do I want to be when I grow up?" or "Will I ever fall in love?" But, we rarely consider the possibility of death or the loss of a loved one. With this in mind, th...

Cultivating Deep Roots in Parenting Parenting is but one of the most sacred treasures that life has to offer. It brings both moments of joy as well as despair. With this in mind, good parenting is very much like how the bamboo plant grows. It spends years developing a strong root system. Then, when all is ready, it shoots up to the sky at an astonishing rate. In the same way, good parenting focuses on nurturing deep virtues in children. These virtues may not be visible during their early years. But, like the bamboo plant, they will be crucial for rapid growth later on. Parenting is like a careful dance, where each step shapes a child’s path. In light of this truth, Buddhism offers valuable insights for this particular journey. In this blog, we look at how Buddhist teachings can change the way we raise children. Also, we explore how these teachings can help children grow into well-rounded adults. What is Good Parenting? So, what constitutes as good parenting? I ask this because it seems...

The Power of Ten Minutes Imagine a tool so powerful that it can reduce your stress. At the same time, it can sharpen your concentration as well as improve your health. What's more, you only need to use it for 10 minutes a day. What is this tool, you might ask. Or, how can it be so beneficial to our health. Well, it's not so much of a physical tool like that of a hammer. It's more so, a tool that we can use through our bodies. I'm sure you've heard of it before. But maybe, you just haven't realized its full potential, yet. This tool is meditation. It is a practice that harnesses the power of your mind and body. As such, it transforms your overall well-being, from the inside out. Recent scientific studies have begun to reveal how it affects our brain and body. This blog explores those benefits. Moreover, it highlights how meditation can improve both mental and physical health. Reduces Stress Many people know that meditation can indeed reduce stress. In fact, I mys...

The Misconceptions about Karma Karma's a b****! This is often as far as we get when it comes to understanding karma. With this in mind, we think it's there as a means for us to get revenge on those who we believe wronged us. As if, soon, some divine force of nature is going to teach them a lesson. But, I can assure you that this isn't the case with karma. Karma is not a cosmic punishment system. Nor is it a vindictive force waiting to strike on your behalf. Instead, it's a principle that teaches us about cause and effect. Every action we make creates a reaction. This law governs all aspects of our lives. Moreover, because of the residual effect of this law, it encourages us to act with compassion. Karma is a key concept in Buddhism. It shapes how Buddhists see the world as well as how they see their actions. In this blog, we explore what karma means and how it affects our lives. What is Karma? In Buddhism, karma refers to actions driven by our intentions. In fact, these...

The Buddhist Perspective on Insults At times, life can be quite stressful. Things like, dealing with work, traffic, shooling and so on, all bring various stresses. Yet, despite having to manage all these things, dealing with people tends to be the most stressful. With this in mind, everyone we interact with affects us in a different way. Most of the time, the results of these interactions are manageable. But then, there are times when these interactions leave us feeling a bit wrecked. Take for instance, when a conversation goes south, and someone insults you. It cuts deep down to the heart of who we are. Or, as a Buddhist would say it, it cuts down to the heart of "who we think we are". Yes, you heard that right! In this blog, we examine how the teachings of Buddhism can help us to understand the nature of insults. Also, it provides insights into why people may insult others. Understanding the Nature of Insults In Buddhism, handling insults is an important part of spiritual g...

Social Justice and Buddhism Buddhism is more than just a spiritual path. It also encourages a life of kindness and moral integrity. With this in mind, this philosophy extends to the broader social context as well. It influences how Buddhists engage with the world. So, they not only seek inner peace but they also strive to address societal issues. Because of this, we often see them at the forefront of social justice movements. They work to combat poverty, inequality, and even violations of human rights. These efforts are as extensions of their spiritual practice. Thus, this commitment reflects the deep connection between Buddhist teachings and social action. Compassion and Action At the heart of Buddhism lies compassion. Yet, this isn’t just about feeling sorry for others. It’s about actively helping to relieve suffering. Buddhists view compassion as a practice that should lead to action. So, when they see social issues, they feel a moral duty to help. This can mean different things for...

From Ancient Roots to Global Branches Like that of a seed that grows into a huge tree with many branches. Buddhism originated over 2,500 years ago. As such, it began with the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama. Since then, it has evolved into a complex religion with many branches. With this in mind, its teachings have spread far beyond their geographic roots. It has adapted to various local traditions and cultures as well. Yet, like the tree, it has given rise to several distinct branches. Each branch offers unique paths to enlightenment. The three major branches are Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana . Each embodies different interpretations as well as practices. That said, this blog delves into their unique practices and beliefs. Thus, it highlights the rich diversity within Buddhism. Theravada: The Path of the Elders Theravada, known as "The Teaching of the Elders," is the oldest form of Buddhism. It is prevalent in Thailand, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar. To begin, ...

Diverse Perspectives and Practices When it comes to Buddhism, vegetarianism seems to be a topic of great interest. Can I eat meat? Should I eat meat? These are just some of the questions a Buddhist might ask themselves. With this in mind, the answers to these questions are somewhat ambiguous. Yet, this is because; there are differing interpretations of Buddhist teachings. Not to mention, cultural influences also play a huge role in our beliefs and dietary habits. This blog aims to explore these complex questions. As such, it offers insights into how different Buddhist traditions approach these questions. It also delves into the scriptural basis as well as ethical considerations. Last but not least, it touches on various Buddhist perspectives. Why and how do Buddhists make their dietary choices? The Basis of Vegetarianism in Buddhism At the heart of Buddhism lies the principle of ahimsa, or non-harm. This key tenet encourages followers to live in a way that causes the least harm to oth...

A Path to Environmental Mindfulness Like a spider web laden with morning dew. Buddhism reveals the complex relationship between humans and nature. As the spider navigates its web, it is careful not to destroy its source of hydration. In contrast, humans must learn to coexist with nature without causing harm. With this in mind, we can learn a lot from the mindfulness of the spider. This blog explores the Buddhist approach to environmental issues and sustainability. It also shows how Buddhist principles can guide us toward a more sustainable planet . The Interconnectedness of All Life The interconnectedness of all life is but one of many concepts that Buddhism teaches us. This principle is known as Pratītyasamutpāda or dependent origination. That said, it highlights that nothing exists in isolation. Every action we take impacts everything else. This impact also includes the environment. This understanding urges us to consider the ecological consequences of our lifestyles. Mindfulness and...