KMC New York | What is Buddhism?

Posted: October 25, 2015 at 11:46 am


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Who was Buddha? In general, Buddha means Awakened One, someone who has awakened from the sleep of ignorance and sees things as they really are. A Buddha is a person who is completely free from all faults and mental obstructions. Introduction to Buddhism

The founder of Buddhism in this world was Buddha Shakyamuniwho lived and gave teachings in India some two and a half thousand years ago. Since then millions of people around world have followed the spiritual path he revealed.The Buddhist way of life of peace, loving kindness and wisdom can be just as relevant today as it was in ancient India.Buddha explained that all our problems and suffering arise from confused and negative states of mind, and that all our happiness and good fortune arise from peaceful and positive states of mind.

Buddha taught methods for gradually overcoming our negative minds such as anger, jealousy and ignorance, and developing our positive minds such as love, compassion and wisdom. Through this we can come to experience lasting peace and happiness.

These methods can work for anyone, in any country, in any age. Once we have gained experience of them for ourselves we can pass them on to others so they too can enjoy the same benefits.

Meditation is at the heart of the Buddhist way of life. It is essentially a method for understanding and working on our own mind. We first learn to identify our different negative mental states known as delusions, and learn how to develop peaceful and positive mental states or virtuous minds.

During meditation we overcome our delusions by becoming familiar with these virtuous minds. During the meditation break, when we are out of meditation, we try to maintain the virtuous minds we have developed and use our wisdom to solve the problems of daily life.

As our mind becomes more positive our actions become more constructive, and our experience of life becomes more satisfying and beneficial to others.

Anyone can learn basic meditation techniques and experience great benefits, but to progress beyond basic meditation requires faith in the Three Jewels Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. Usually people find this develops naturally as they experience the benefits of their meditation practice.

We dont need to change our activities; we just need to change our mind. Busy lives are perfect conditions for practicing Dharma and training our mind. Our work and family, for example, are ideal places to reduce our attachment and self-cherishing and improve our cherishing of others.

With practical Dharma methods in our heart, we will be more prepared for any challenges that may arise and actually be able to grow from the different circumstances we encounter. We will also be able to spread joy and peace to others.

Kadampa Buddhism is a Mahayana Buddhist school founded by the great Indian Buddhist Master Atisha (AD 9821054). His followers are known as Kadampas.

Kadampa Buddhists are encouraged to use Buddhas teachings as practical methods for transforming daily activities into the spiritual path. Kadam Dharma accords with peoples daily experience; it cannot be separated from daily life.

Over 1,200 Kadampa Buddhist Centers and groups in over 30 countries offer study programs on Buddhist psychology, philosophy, and meditation instruction, as well as retreats for all levels of practitioner. The emphasis is on integrating Buddhas teachings into daily life to solve our human problems and to spread lasting peace and happiness throughout the world.

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KMC New York | What is Buddhism?

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Written by simmons |

October 25th, 2015 at 11:46 am

Posted in Buddhism




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