What Is Buddhism?

[waybackhome83]

I loaned a book to a friend recently, "The Art of Happiness", by HH Dalai Lama.  I loaned the book after several general conversations we had, where my friend became interested in learning more about Buddhism.

After asking loads of fair but predictable questions, which I think I managed to answer fairly well and accurately, he asked:  "So, what exactly is Buddhism?  How do you define it?"

That took a bit more thinking before I tried to answer it...

How would you guys have answered that question?  Would be interesting to know your thoughts.

Kind regards,
Sandy

[Krusty]

Hi Sandy,

to me, a religion and philosophy to transform your self, mind in a way that enables you to see without concepts or ideas. Then you will have a transcendent view on reality, what in the best case will erase your wrong view how anything exists and by this your passions (which depend on your wrong views) and any of your sufferings.
If taken to the limit, it does not only give freedom to yourself, but will help to gain limitless love and compassion for any kind of being, which will lead you onto the way of becoming an omniscient Buddha.

My short version, best regards Krusty

[Crazywisdom]

I think the person asking the question would need an open mind to take onboard what Buddhism is.

To me it is the study and teaching on how thing actually are compared to how the vast majority think they are. Once we begin to glimpse this fact (of how things are) we become more comfortable with who we are and  who everbody else is too. Compassion comes, and kindness, awareness, and for me, people now want to count me as a friend instead of just someone they knew as was the case before (either due to my perception or that they didn't).

It is a difficult thing to put into words as there are no words for describing it.

Jon  

[waybackhome83]

Great explanations! 

I especially like Jon's "it is the study and teaching on how thing actually are compared to how the vast majority think they are" and Krusty's idea that it's "a religion and philosophy to transform your self, mind in a way that enables you to see without concepts or ideas" (who knew a Simpsons character had answers? )

 

[Blueberry]

From my experiences, thru Buddhism :

1. I got the answer how to understand and to accept what truth is about
2. More beautiful is Buddhism show me how to embrace those truth
3. I got the way to be mindful and aware of my thoughts which lead to action

One statement which fit me... Buddhism woke me up from my malign dream and now guide me to lead my life properly   

[wmw111]

Krusty ,
Welcome back !

I'd like to think of Buddhism as the study of the nature of reality

[waybackhome83]

Now THAT'S concise    

[Krusty]

Hi Sandy,
 
if there is time, the Lam Rim house is a good orientation.

http://www.tsemtulku.com/forum/index.php?topic=572.0   
 « Reply #9 on: September 14, 2008, 11:26:27 AM »

Regs Krusty

[Blueberry]

Hi Sandy,
 
if there is time, the Lam Rim house is a good orientation.

http://www.tsemtulku.com/forum/index.php?topic=572.0   
 « Reply #9 on: September 14, 2008, 11:26:27 AM »

Regs Krusty

Hey...thats great discussion somehow...but why none continue?

[Joey]

Hi Sandy,
 
if there is time, the Lam Rim house is a good orientation.

http://www.tsemtulku.com/forum/index.php?topic=572.0   
 « Reply #9 on: September 14, 2008, 11:26:27 AM »

Regs Krusty

Hey...thats great discussion somehow...but why none continue?

If you have any questions about Lamrim you can post there it's hard for me to post information there when no one is asking

[ketchup]

I loaned a book to a friend recently, "The Art of Happiness", by HH Dalai Lama.  I loaned the book after several general conversations we had, where my friend became interested in learning more about Buddhism.

After asking loads of fair but predictable questions, which I think I managed to answer fairly well and accurately, he asked:  "So, what exactly is Buddhism?  How do you define it?"

That took a bit more thinking before I tried to answer it...

How would you guys have answered that question?  Would be interesting to know your thoughts.

Kind regards,
Sandy

Thought transformation - this is Buddhism in my definition. From negative to positive.

The question I would ask myself - where was I before I found Buddhism and where am I now and where would I be in say, 5 years time.  If I have improved, ie I have become more mindful and less angry more loving and compassionater, then that is Buddhism.

[Blueberry]

Then i will start my question ya

About the motivation to practice, i read there are 3 kind of person : modest motive, medium motive and high motive

Then lets say i m in group of modest motive then supposedly by then i should gain higher motive to reach higher path  of teaching?

I have simple motive when i started to learn Buddhism, i wanna become better person which at least i wont harm people around me with my poison i had ( ignorance, attachment and laziness)
Is it enough to make first step?

[wmw111]

Hi Blueberry
Are you talking about the three scopes.
Lets assume you are.
The more compassion we have , the more beings we want to benefit.
The highest wish is to be benefit all sentient  being , and the best way to benefit all sentient beings is for us to become a Buddha
As you develop more compassion for ourselves and others , you will move towards the highest wish.
Yes by not harming ourselves and others is a good place to start off with.
 

[spiritnoname]

There's a lot of ways to break down and sum up Buddhist practice.

 But it's nothing less than the refinement of good qualities and the abandonment of impure view into,.. well,.. hehe, yeah.