Across the world, the number of Buddhists has been rising steadily. For anyone looking to join the religion, there are a few things to learn first. From the read below, you will learn a couple of principles that guide Tampa Buddhism.
The Four Noble Truths that come from the Four Great Bodhisattva Vows are the first things to learn about. They revolve around suffering which is believed to be intrinsic to life. The corresponding vow here is to strive to save all beings from suffering. Following the Noble Eightfold Path is also a requirement for all followers of this great spiritual tradition.
The practice of this tradition also demands to put an end to wanting. Wanting and craving are lauded among Buddhists as the major factors that cause suffering. However, it is vital to realize that it takes many lifetimes to put an end to human suffering. Even so, it is critical to play an active role in the pursuit of happiness by refraining from desiring material things such as cars, jewelry, etc.
Learning is another important means of ending suffering. Therefore, if you want to begin practicing Buddhism, you should look to continuously learn and enlighten yourself. In this regard, you should teach yourself about dharma. Also, you should have a great desire for nirvana. Obtaining nirvana involves living a life that is guided by the Noble Eightfold Path.
It is also important that a follower of Buddha lives according to the Five Precepts of Buddhism. While they are not commandments, it is vital that you try your best to work towards them. The first precept is to avoid killing all kinds of beings. It basically requires that one loves all other creatures. For this reason, most practitioners of this religion are vegetarians.
As a Buddhist, you must also decide not to take things you do not own. In other words, you should cease from stealing. However, you have to make such a choice out of your free will. This is because most of the principles in this tradition are not commandments. Additionally, you should try your best to exercise generosity by giving to worthy causes. Apart from money, you can give out gifts and volunteer to help others. Doing so is satisfying and will leave you feeling better.
Buddhists should also not engage in all kinds of exploitation. For this reason, the tradition frowns upon sexual misconduct. Instead, you should practice contentment and simplicity. Remember, while you are not commanded to be abstinent, it is critical to be mindful of the consequences of whatever you do. Traditionally, having any form of sexual intercourse with an individual who was previously married is discouraged.
Other vital ideas in this popular religion are telling the truth and being open. Therefore, one is encouraged to commit to always refrain from dishonesty. Additionally, you avoid drinking alcohol and abusing drugs. Such substances alter thinking and confuse the mind. This means that they can easily lead you to lose focus, forget important stuff and make you do regrettable things. In general, the religion is anchored on good deeds.
The Four Noble Truths that come from the Four Great Bodhisattva Vows are the first things to learn about. They revolve around suffering which is believed to be intrinsic to life. The corresponding vow here is to strive to save all beings from suffering. Following the Noble Eightfold Path is also a requirement for all followers of this great spiritual tradition.
The practice of this tradition also demands to put an end to wanting. Wanting and craving are lauded among Buddhists as the major factors that cause suffering. However, it is vital to realize that it takes many lifetimes to put an end to human suffering. Even so, it is critical to play an active role in the pursuit of happiness by refraining from desiring material things such as cars, jewelry, etc.
Learning is another important means of ending suffering. Therefore, if you want to begin practicing Buddhism, you should look to continuously learn and enlighten yourself. In this regard, you should teach yourself about dharma. Also, you should have a great desire for nirvana. Obtaining nirvana involves living a life that is guided by the Noble Eightfold Path.
It is also important that a follower of Buddha lives according to the Five Precepts of Buddhism. While they are not commandments, it is vital that you try your best to work towards them. The first precept is to avoid killing all kinds of beings. It basically requires that one loves all other creatures. For this reason, most practitioners of this religion are vegetarians.
As a Buddhist, you must also decide not to take things you do not own. In other words, you should cease from stealing. However, you have to make such a choice out of your free will. This is because most of the principles in this tradition are not commandments. Additionally, you should try your best to exercise generosity by giving to worthy causes. Apart from money, you can give out gifts and volunteer to help others. Doing so is satisfying and will leave you feeling better.
Buddhists should also not engage in all kinds of exploitation. For this reason, the tradition frowns upon sexual misconduct. Instead, you should practice contentment and simplicity. Remember, while you are not commanded to be abstinent, it is critical to be mindful of the consequences of whatever you do. Traditionally, having any form of sexual intercourse with an individual who was previously married is discouraged.
Other vital ideas in this popular religion are telling the truth and being open. Therefore, one is encouraged to commit to always refrain from dishonesty. Additionally, you avoid drinking alcohol and abusing drugs. Such substances alter thinking and confuse the mind. This means that they can easily lead you to lose focus, forget important stuff and make you do regrettable things. In general, the religion is anchored on good deeds.
About the Author:
Learn more about the Tampa Buddhism and how to join the community. The web page you should refer to is right here at http://www.sgi-tampabay.com.
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