วันศุกร์, กันยายน 18, 2009
วันอังคาร, กันยายน 8, 2009
Lord Buddha - teaching and saying
Buddha teachings and sayings by Terry Kubiak
Buddha felt that nothing was truly lasting. He asked himself, what is this life. Buddha taught his message in this way to his father, wife and son. He did not attach any importance to religious rituals. He sought to find out why the mind gets disturbed. He carried on his mission in this spirit of equanimity and tolerance. He spoke out against scholarship unrelated to the good life. Buddha's emphasis was entirely on purity in every aspect of daily life being totally opposed to anyone being forced to lead a worldly life against his will. Before he attained Nirvana, summoned his step-brother Ananda to his side to impart his last message. He told Ananda that this truth was learned by him from his own experience. He laid down three rules for all actions. He termed this equal mindedness as "Nirvana". Buddha wandered all over the country in search of spiritual peace and liberation. He declared that only sacred thoughts can lead to sacred speech. The word Buddha comes from the Sanskrit root 'budh', meaning to awaken, and the Buddhas are those who have awakened to the true nature of things as taught in the Four Noble Truths. Buddhas are distinguished from other enlightened beings such as Arhats by virtue of the fact that they discover the truth (Dharma) themselves, rather than hearing it from another. Buddhas are frequently represented in the form of statues and paintings. Buddha realized then that he should not go to extremes in torturing the body by starvation and that he should adopt the golden mean or the happy medium or the middle path by avoiding extremes. Buddha gave out the experiences of his Samadhi: "I thus behold my mind released from the defilement of earthly existence, released from the defilement of sensual pleasures, released from the defilement of heresy, released from the defilement of ignorance. Buddha argued and debated with his old disciples who had deserted him when he was in the Uruvila forest. He made sixty disciples and sent them in different directions to preach his doctrine. Telling them not to enquire into the origin of the world, but into the existence and nature of God. Buddha Statues inspire us to develop our inner qualities to achieve happiness, good fortune, and satisfaction in our lives. He has been deified and also conflated with several indigenous luck and money gods of China and Japan, including The Laughing Buddha or Lucky Buddha.
Some of his sayings and thoughts are very pure as you can read in the following Buddha sayings. "All that we are is the result of what we have thought. All things appear and disappear because of the concurrence of causes and conditions. Ambition is like love, impatient both of delays and rivals. An idea that is developed and put into action is more important than an idea that exists only as an idea. Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, no matter if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense. Better than a thousand hollow words, is one word that brings peace. Chaos is inherent in all compounded things. Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment. Do not overrate what you have received, nor envy others. Even death is not to be feared by one who has lived wisely. Every human being is the author of his own health or disease. Hatred does not cease by hatred, but only by love; this is the eternal rule. Have compassion for all beings, rich and poor alike; each has their suffering. He is able who thinks he is able. He who experiences the unity of life sees his own Self in all beings, and all beings in his own Self, and looks on everything with an impartial eye. He who loves 50 people has 50 woes; he who loves no one has no woes. Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, faithfulness the best relationship. Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned. However many holy words you read, however many you speak, what good will they do you if you do not act on upon them. I do not believe in a fate that falls on men however they act; but I do believe in a fate that falls on them unless they act. I never see what has been done; I only see what remains to be done. In a controversy the instant we feel anger we have already ceased striving for the truth, and have begun striving for ourselves. In the sky, there is no distinction of east and west; people create distinctions out of their own minds and then believe them to be true. It is a man's own mind, not his enemy or foe that lures him to evil ways. It is better to conquer yourself than to win a thousand battles. It is better to travel well than to arrive. Just as a candle cannot burn without fire, men cannot live without a spiritual life. Just as treasures are uncovered from the earth, so virtue appears from good deeds, and wisdom appears from a pure and peaceful mind. Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn't learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn't learn a little, at least we didn't get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn't die; so, let us all be thankful. On life's journey faith is nourishment, virtuous deeds are a shelter, wisdom is the light by day and right mindfulness is the protection by night. Teach this triple truth to all: A generous heart, kind speech, and a life of service and compassion are the things which renew humanity. The foot feels the foot when it feels the ground. The only real failure in life is not to be true to the best one knows. The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, nor to worry about the future, but to live the present moment wisely and earnestly. The virtues, like the Muses, are always seen in groups. The way is not in the sky. The whole secret of existence is to have no fear. The wise ones fashioned speech with their thought, sifting it as grain is sifted through a sieve. There are only two mistakes one can make along the road to truth; not going all the way, and not starting. There has to be evil so that good can prove its purity above it. There is nothing more dreadful than the habit of doubt. Those who are free of resentful thoughts surely find peace. Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth. To be idle is a short road to death and to be diligent is a way of life; foolish people are idle, wise people are diligent. To enjoy good health, to bring true happiness to one's family, to bring peace to all, one must first discipline and control one's own mind."
About the Author
Asian statues and swords. Ancient Asian statues and antique Buddha statues. Chinese discs and vessels. Chinese currency and antique vases. http://www.worldwidestore.com/AScomputerM5.htm
Buddha felt that nothing was truly lasting. He asked himself, what is this life. Buddha taught his message in this way to his father, wife and son. He did not attach any importance to religious rituals. He sought to find out why the mind gets disturbed. He carried on his mission in this spirit of equanimity and tolerance. He spoke out against scholarship unrelated to the good life. Buddha's emphasis was entirely on purity in every aspect of daily life being totally opposed to anyone being forced to lead a worldly life against his will. Before he attained Nirvana, summoned his step-brother Ananda to his side to impart his last message. He told Ananda that this truth was learned by him from his own experience. He laid down three rules for all actions. He termed this equal mindedness as "Nirvana". Buddha wandered all over the country in search of spiritual peace and liberation. He declared that only sacred thoughts can lead to sacred speech. The word Buddha comes from the Sanskrit root 'budh', meaning to awaken, and the Buddhas are those who have awakened to the true nature of things as taught in the Four Noble Truths. Buddhas are distinguished from other enlightened beings such as Arhats by virtue of the fact that they discover the truth (Dharma) themselves, rather than hearing it from another. Buddhas are frequently represented in the form of statues and paintings. Buddha realized then that he should not go to extremes in torturing the body by starvation and that he should adopt the golden mean or the happy medium or the middle path by avoiding extremes. Buddha gave out the experiences of his Samadhi: "I thus behold my mind released from the defilement of earthly existence, released from the defilement of sensual pleasures, released from the defilement of heresy, released from the defilement of ignorance. Buddha argued and debated with his old disciples who had deserted him when he was in the Uruvila forest. He made sixty disciples and sent them in different directions to preach his doctrine. Telling them not to enquire into the origin of the world, but into the existence and nature of God. Buddha Statues inspire us to develop our inner qualities to achieve happiness, good fortune, and satisfaction in our lives. He has been deified and also conflated with several indigenous luck and money gods of China and Japan, including The Laughing Buddha or Lucky Buddha.
Some of his sayings and thoughts are very pure as you can read in the following Buddha sayings. "All that we are is the result of what we have thought. All things appear and disappear because of the concurrence of causes and conditions. Ambition is like love, impatient both of delays and rivals. An idea that is developed and put into action is more important than an idea that exists only as an idea. Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, no matter if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense. Better than a thousand hollow words, is one word that brings peace. Chaos is inherent in all compounded things. Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment. Do not overrate what you have received, nor envy others. Even death is not to be feared by one who has lived wisely. Every human being is the author of his own health or disease. Hatred does not cease by hatred, but only by love; this is the eternal rule. Have compassion for all beings, rich and poor alike; each has their suffering. He is able who thinks he is able. He who experiences the unity of life sees his own Self in all beings, and all beings in his own Self, and looks on everything with an impartial eye. He who loves 50 people has 50 woes; he who loves no one has no woes. Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, faithfulness the best relationship. Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned. However many holy words you read, however many you speak, what good will they do you if you do not act on upon them. I do not believe in a fate that falls on men however they act; but I do believe in a fate that falls on them unless they act. I never see what has been done; I only see what remains to be done. In a controversy the instant we feel anger we have already ceased striving for the truth, and have begun striving for ourselves. In the sky, there is no distinction of east and west; people create distinctions out of their own minds and then believe them to be true. It is a man's own mind, not his enemy or foe that lures him to evil ways. It is better to conquer yourself than to win a thousand battles. It is better to travel well than to arrive. Just as a candle cannot burn without fire, men cannot live without a spiritual life. Just as treasures are uncovered from the earth, so virtue appears from good deeds, and wisdom appears from a pure and peaceful mind. Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn't learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn't learn a little, at least we didn't get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn't die; so, let us all be thankful. On life's journey faith is nourishment, virtuous deeds are a shelter, wisdom is the light by day and right mindfulness is the protection by night. Teach this triple truth to all: A generous heart, kind speech, and a life of service and compassion are the things which renew humanity. The foot feels the foot when it feels the ground. The only real failure in life is not to be true to the best one knows. The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, nor to worry about the future, but to live the present moment wisely and earnestly. The virtues, like the Muses, are always seen in groups. The way is not in the sky. The whole secret of existence is to have no fear. The wise ones fashioned speech with their thought, sifting it as grain is sifted through a sieve. There are only two mistakes one can make along the road to truth; not going all the way, and not starting. There has to be evil so that good can prove its purity above it. There is nothing more dreadful than the habit of doubt. Those who are free of resentful thoughts surely find peace. Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth. To be idle is a short road to death and to be diligent is a way of life; foolish people are idle, wise people are diligent. To enjoy good health, to bring true happiness to one's family, to bring peace to all, one must first discipline and control one's own mind."
About the Author
Asian statues and swords. Ancient Asian statues and antique Buddha statues. Chinese discs and vessels. Chinese currency and antique vases. http://www.worldwidestore.com/AScomputerM5.htm
วันศุกร์, สิงหาคม 28, 2009
Buddha Wisdom
Winning With Wisdom by Jack Marinchek
Winning with Wisdom There are universal generalities that seem to apply to life in general and human struggle in particular. Historically, mankind has sought the favor of the gods and stars for winning with wisdom.
Now, in the 21st Century, people seeking wisdom find themselves in a quandary about who or what is for real in terms of authenticity, wisdom and practicality.
Here is my personal observation or experience regarding this matter. Firstly, I am referenced to Masters of Spirituality, historically and traditionally. I am talking about people like the Buddha, Daniel and Solomon of the Old Testament, Jesus Christ, and Mohammed. Oh yeah, and even contemporaries like Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela.
Most likely, if you are striving to make your mark in this world, you will discover that people of action generally speaking, have a high regard for spiritual wisdom and guidance. Not all people, but certainly a big chunk of them when it comes to winning with wisdom.
At any rate, having studied quite a few of these Masters of Wisdom, I have concluded that they all prescribe to many common realities or truths. Their differentiations appear to be more culturally predisposed or biased. But this is quite normal for the human condition in my opinion.
*"You got to give to get", appears to be a big commonality. Oh yes, don't forget, "What goes around comes around". I grant you, these two sentiments I can verify as having great truth and validity. I have experienced the wisdom of these platitudes personally, both the good and bad.
*The personal characteristic of inviting wise counsel and strategy before taking action on a project appears to be a universal requirement for inviting success. This also entails the necessity of inviting and accepting criticism from trusted friends and associates.
This characteristic, inviting criticism, by its very nature, promulgates great character, discipline and focus.
*Most interestingly, self-control and the ability for controlling one's temper or anger is an absolute must for anyone serious about successful leadership in any endeavor. I have known some very talented people who simply could not restrain or control their anger impulses. Needless to say, the wrong thing said in the heat of an argument to the wrong person does create chaos and disaster.
*Almost to a man, you will find in the Wisdom Books of these historical masters, offering pronouncements eschewing anger and lack of self-control. Self-control is more important then almost anything else. In ancient times, people of strong self-control were thought to be greater then any warlord or general. * The Golden Rule, treat other people like you want to be treated, makes a lot sense to me. These moral platitudes have the same validity today as when they were originated thousands of years ago.
Generally, there are ethical and moral laws that need paying attention to in order to have a rich successful life. You certainly don't have to be religious. I have observed some very successful people that think god and spirituality are big jokes. And they enjoy successful rich lives.
If you look closely at these individuals, you will find the same commonalities that are universal to all successful strong people. They honor and respect "relationships". They don't short change the recognition of caring for and helping others. In another words, they are of good spirit and heart. Part of the confusion that most people have relates to the interpretation of the meaning and understanding of spirituality. As we gain more understanding of the universe, a good deal of the separation and disagreements of what constitutes Wisdom, I believe, will disappear. A great deal of this strife and contention is the resultant of semantics, perspective and understanding. The Buddha and Christ, seemed to be reading from the same script. It's ironic, that two people from seemingly opposite poles have said virtually the same thing regarding the power of belief and winning with wisdom. Here are some interesting insights which Marcus Borg presents in his book, Jesus and Buddha. My conclusion here is that there are general universal laws which all people can take advantage of and improve their lives. No particular religion or belief system has a monopoly on wisdom.
Jesus 1. "Your father in heaven makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous." Matthew 5.45
Buddha 1. "That great cloud rains down on all whether their nature is superior or inferior. The light of the sun and the moon illuminates the whole world, both him who does well and him who does ill, both him who stands high and him who stands low." Sadharmapundarika Sutra 5 Here is what they say about the power of belief:
Jesus 1. Truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you."
Buddha 1. "A monk who is skilled in concentration can cut the Himalayas in two." I admire and embrace the integrity and character of these two Masters. Culturally speaking, I am in the Judeo-Christian Camp; however, I greatly admire the Teacher they called the Buddha. I suppose my martial arts background influences my respect and openness for Buddhism. We are evaluating a 2,000 year old story. A lot of time has passed. Maybe the entire thing should be written off as one Big Fairy Tale. The perplexing thing here is, that this religious stuff really helps people. I am talking about the power of belief and faith specifically in Traditional Religion. The Believers liver longer and are healthier then the cynics of the world. http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4188/is_20061229/ai_n17092223/
So you can laugh at these people all you want, but when it comes down to the action inherent in life, the Believers have been proven to be the happiest and healthiest, regardless of their beliefs. They do vary from culture to culture. Here again, I believe there is a lot of room for discussion and disagreement concerning these studies that promote traditional religion and happiness.
I honestly believe there are millions of very happy and healthy people in this world who don't have a clue about traditional religion.
The reason for this seemingly disparity is because the research data and researchers haven't been brought up to speed about the "new age", for lack of a better description.
But really, none of this is so important that you should feel angst about any of this. What counts above all else is your "actions". The Holy Books say without good deeds, in effect, it's all for naught anyway. This is what winning with wisdom is about, taking a giant step into the arena of life and giving it all you got.
About the Author
Writer and publisher of http://standgreat.blogspot.com/ and short story fiction.
Winning with Wisdom There are universal generalities that seem to apply to life in general and human struggle in particular. Historically, mankind has sought the favor of the gods and stars for winning with wisdom.
Now, in the 21st Century, people seeking wisdom find themselves in a quandary about who or what is for real in terms of authenticity, wisdom and practicality.
Here is my personal observation or experience regarding this matter. Firstly, I am referenced to Masters of Spirituality, historically and traditionally. I am talking about people like the Buddha, Daniel and Solomon of the Old Testament, Jesus Christ, and Mohammed. Oh yeah, and even contemporaries like Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela.
Most likely, if you are striving to make your mark in this world, you will discover that people of action generally speaking, have a high regard for spiritual wisdom and guidance. Not all people, but certainly a big chunk of them when it comes to winning with wisdom.
At any rate, having studied quite a few of these Masters of Wisdom, I have concluded that they all prescribe to many common realities or truths. Their differentiations appear to be more culturally predisposed or biased. But this is quite normal for the human condition in my opinion.
*"You got to give to get", appears to be a big commonality. Oh yes, don't forget, "What goes around comes around". I grant you, these two sentiments I can verify as having great truth and validity. I have experienced the wisdom of these platitudes personally, both the good and bad.
*The personal characteristic of inviting wise counsel and strategy before taking action on a project appears to be a universal requirement for inviting success. This also entails the necessity of inviting and accepting criticism from trusted friends and associates.
This characteristic, inviting criticism, by its very nature, promulgates great character, discipline and focus.
*Most interestingly, self-control and the ability for controlling one's temper or anger is an absolute must for anyone serious about successful leadership in any endeavor. I have known some very talented people who simply could not restrain or control their anger impulses. Needless to say, the wrong thing said in the heat of an argument to the wrong person does create chaos and disaster.
*Almost to a man, you will find in the Wisdom Books of these historical masters, offering pronouncements eschewing anger and lack of self-control. Self-control is more important then almost anything else. In ancient times, people of strong self-control were thought to be greater then any warlord or general. * The Golden Rule, treat other people like you want to be treated, makes a lot sense to me. These moral platitudes have the same validity today as when they were originated thousands of years ago.
Generally, there are ethical and moral laws that need paying attention to in order to have a rich successful life. You certainly don't have to be religious. I have observed some very successful people that think god and spirituality are big jokes. And they enjoy successful rich lives.
If you look closely at these individuals, you will find the same commonalities that are universal to all successful strong people. They honor and respect "relationships". They don't short change the recognition of caring for and helping others. In another words, they are of good spirit and heart. Part of the confusion that most people have relates to the interpretation of the meaning and understanding of spirituality. As we gain more understanding of the universe, a good deal of the separation and disagreements of what constitutes Wisdom, I believe, will disappear. A great deal of this strife and contention is the resultant of semantics, perspective and understanding. The Buddha and Christ, seemed to be reading from the same script. It's ironic, that two people from seemingly opposite poles have said virtually the same thing regarding the power of belief and winning with wisdom. Here are some interesting insights which Marcus Borg presents in his book, Jesus and Buddha. My conclusion here is that there are general universal laws which all people can take advantage of and improve their lives. No particular religion or belief system has a monopoly on wisdom.
Jesus 1. "Your father in heaven makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous." Matthew 5.45
Buddha 1. "That great cloud rains down on all whether their nature is superior or inferior. The light of the sun and the moon illuminates the whole world, both him who does well and him who does ill, both him who stands high and him who stands low." Sadharmapundarika Sutra 5 Here is what they say about the power of belief:
Jesus 1. Truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you."
Buddha 1. "A monk who is skilled in concentration can cut the Himalayas in two." I admire and embrace the integrity and character of these two Masters. Culturally speaking, I am in the Judeo-Christian Camp; however, I greatly admire the Teacher they called the Buddha. I suppose my martial arts background influences my respect and openness for Buddhism. We are evaluating a 2,000 year old story. A lot of time has passed. Maybe the entire thing should be written off as one Big Fairy Tale. The perplexing thing here is, that this religious stuff really helps people. I am talking about the power of belief and faith specifically in Traditional Religion. The Believers liver longer and are healthier then the cynics of the world. http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4188/is_20061229/ai_n17092223/
So you can laugh at these people all you want, but when it comes down to the action inherent in life, the Believers have been proven to be the happiest and healthiest, regardless of their beliefs. They do vary from culture to culture. Here again, I believe there is a lot of room for discussion and disagreement concerning these studies that promote traditional religion and happiness.
I honestly believe there are millions of very happy and healthy people in this world who don't have a clue about traditional religion.
The reason for this seemingly disparity is because the research data and researchers haven't been brought up to speed about the "new age", for lack of a better description.
But really, none of this is so important that you should feel angst about any of this. What counts above all else is your "actions". The Holy Books say without good deeds, in effect, it's all for naught anyway. This is what winning with wisdom is about, taking a giant step into the arena of life and giving it all you got.
About the Author
Writer and publisher of http://standgreat.blogspot.com/ and short story fiction.
วันอังคาร, มิถุนายน 16, 2009
The Noble Eightfold Path
The Noble Eightfold Path by Tony Ha
The Noble Eightfold Path also known in other languages and cultures as Sanskrit Ārya 'ṣṭāṅga mārgaḥ, Chinese Bāzhèngdào and Pāli Ariyo aṭṭhaṅgiko maggo, is a Buddhist tradition taught by the Buddha Śākyamuni. According to instruction, this Path, which takes its place as the fourth part amidst the fundamental Buddhist teachings known as the Four Noble Truths, is supposed to guide followers along a road that ends suffering.
The Noble Eightfold Path in a nutshell is the Buddhists practical guide to end suffering or dukkha. If covers mental rehabilitation, ethics and mind de-conditioning, divided into eight elements that are subdivided into three main categories:
Wisdom (refers to the mental aspect) 1. Right understanding 2. Right intention
Ethical conduct 3. Right speech 4. Right action 5. Right livelihood
Mental discipline 6. Right effort 7. Right mindfulness 8. Right concentration
Note these are not steps to follow, but a well-rounded process. In fact, the Buddhist symbol for the Noble Eightfold Path is a wheel with eight spokes that represent the path's eight elements.
The Noble Eightfold Path, if viewed in the light of modern cognitive psychology, would be compared to cognitive dissonance or the not getting along of two cognitions. In relation to this concept, some believe that Buddhism focuses around emotions, sensations, cognition and feelings. And Buddha focuses on emotional; desire-related or aversion-related, plus cognitive suffering causes; ignorance-related along with the idea that all things are not perfect, not satisfactory, not necessary.
If viewed in the light of psychology, the Noble Eightfold Path tries to repair differences by changing thought and behavior. Hence the first element of the path seeks the right understanding how the mind views the world in reality. And continuing, how through wisdom, this worldview interacts with thought, what controls actions.
Resources for learning more include:
-An essay entitled, "Buddhism Meets Western Science", by Gay Watson. -Bhikkhu Bodhi. The Noble Eightfold Path: The Way to the End of Suffering. -Harderwijk, Rudy. A View on Buddhism: Mind and Mental Factors -Kohn, Michael H.; tr. The Shambhala Dictionary of Buddhism and Zen. Boston: Shambhala, 1991. -Rahula, Walpola. What the Buddha Taught. New York: Grove Press, 1974. Niimi, J. Buddhism and Cognitive Science. -Snelling, John. The Buddhist Handbook: A Complete Guide to Buddhist Schools, Teaching, Practice, and History. Rochester: Inner Traditions, 1991. -Thanissaro Bhikkhu; tr. Magga-vibhanga Sutta: An Analysis of the Path.
About the Author
Tony Ha is a freelance writer who writes about buddhism. He tries to make buddhism plain and simple & he thinks about the noble eightfold path .
The Noble Eightfold Path also known in other languages and cultures as Sanskrit Ārya 'ṣṭāṅga mārgaḥ, Chinese Bāzhèngdào and Pāli Ariyo aṭṭhaṅgiko maggo, is a Buddhist tradition taught by the Buddha Śākyamuni. According to instruction, this Path, which takes its place as the fourth part amidst the fundamental Buddhist teachings known as the Four Noble Truths, is supposed to guide followers along a road that ends suffering.
The Noble Eightfold Path in a nutshell is the Buddhists practical guide to end suffering or dukkha. If covers mental rehabilitation, ethics and mind de-conditioning, divided into eight elements that are subdivided into three main categories:
Wisdom (refers to the mental aspect) 1. Right understanding 2. Right intention
Ethical conduct 3. Right speech 4. Right action 5. Right livelihood
Mental discipline 6. Right effort 7. Right mindfulness 8. Right concentration
Note these are not steps to follow, but a well-rounded process. In fact, the Buddhist symbol for the Noble Eightfold Path is a wheel with eight spokes that represent the path's eight elements.
The Noble Eightfold Path, if viewed in the light of modern cognitive psychology, would be compared to cognitive dissonance or the not getting along of two cognitions. In relation to this concept, some believe that Buddhism focuses around emotions, sensations, cognition and feelings. And Buddha focuses on emotional; desire-related or aversion-related, plus cognitive suffering causes; ignorance-related along with the idea that all things are not perfect, not satisfactory, not necessary.
If viewed in the light of psychology, the Noble Eightfold Path tries to repair differences by changing thought and behavior. Hence the first element of the path seeks the right understanding how the mind views the world in reality. And continuing, how through wisdom, this worldview interacts with thought, what controls actions.
Resources for learning more include:
-An essay entitled, "Buddhism Meets Western Science", by Gay Watson. -Bhikkhu Bodhi. The Noble Eightfold Path: The Way to the End of Suffering. -Harderwijk, Rudy. A View on Buddhism: Mind and Mental Factors -Kohn, Michael H.; tr. The Shambhala Dictionary of Buddhism and Zen. Boston: Shambhala, 1991. -Rahula, Walpola. What the Buddha Taught. New York: Grove Press, 1974. Niimi, J. Buddhism and Cognitive Science. -Snelling, John. The Buddhist Handbook: A Complete Guide to Buddhist Schools, Teaching, Practice, and History. Rochester: Inner Traditions, 1991. -Thanissaro Bhikkhu; tr. Magga-vibhanga Sutta: An Analysis of the Path.
About the Author
Tony Ha is a freelance writer who writes about buddhism. He tries to make buddhism plain and simple & he thinks about the noble eightfold path .
วันพฤหัสบดี, มิถุนายน 4, 2009
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