Author Topic: What does it mean to practice Buddhism?  (Read 9561 times)

RedLantern

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Re: What does it mean to practice Buddhism?
« Reply #15 on: March 15, 2015, 04:58:05 PM »

Buddhist practice also includes practicing the Buddha's teachings, in particular the Eightfold Path. The eight elements of the path are organized into three sections -- wisdom, ethical conduct and mental discipline. A meditation practice would be part of mental discipline.

Ethical conduct is very much part of daily practice. We are challenged to take care in our speech, our actions, and our daily lives to do no harm to others and to cultivate wholesomeness in ourselves. For example, if we find ourselves getting angry, we take steps to let go of our anger before we harm anyone.

We are challenged to practice mindfulness at all times. Mindfulness is nonjudgmental observation of our moment-to-moment lives. By remaining mindful we remain clear to present reality, not getting lost in a tangle of worries, daydreams and passions.

Buddhists strive to practice Buddhism at every moment. Of course, we all fall short at times. But making that effort is Buddhism. Becoming a Buddhist is not a matter of accepting a belief system or memorizing doctrines. To be a Buddhist is to practice Buddhism.


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Re: What does it mean to practice Buddhism?
« Reply #16 on: March 16, 2015, 03:46:17 AM »
In the  book. Liberation in the Palm of your Hand by the great Pabongkha Rinpoche, it is clearly stated in the Day 4 teaching under "The root of the Path : Devotion to a  Spiritual Guide :
1) what to do in your meditation sessions
2) What to do between meditation sessions
The whole of a Buddhist practitioner's daily routine can be broken up as above. Hence any actions of the body speech and mind during meditation or outside of meditation must be done to make both of these periods meaningful. Then the whole day becomes meaningful. Extend this over periods of months and years and our whole life becomes meaningful. Pabongkha Rinpoche said this is very crucial.