The Pocket Idiots Guide to Buddhism

The Pocket Idiot's Guide to Buddhism: PIG to Buddhism, The

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Some would explain trying to describe enlightenment to a troubled soul as trying to explain the wonders of a rolling landscape, blue skies and the wind and sun to a child who has lived all his life in a cave. Whatever words you use to describe the scenery, nothing can come close to experiencing it yourself. We are partly spiritual and partly material beings. As we try to develop ourselves spiritually, it is sometimes reassuring to have physical reminders in our lives of what we are trying to achieve.

There are many symbols, statues and icons in Buddhist tradition. Some try to represent enlightenment in physical form while others remind us of other states of being. For example, a statue of Shiva Nataraja a dancing figure represents the dance of the universe in which everything is connected in the rhythm of existence. If you are trying in your spiritual practice to connect with the wonder of this unity, you may have a statue of Nataraja in your house.

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By having him in the house, you are reminded constantly of his qualities. Some people make shrines of a number of statues or objects that are special to them, and meditate or pray at this shrine.

Having inner awareness of what the objects represent brings to mind their qualities. You may wish to leave an offering at a statue. The statue cannot eat or otherwise use your offering, but by leaving something at a statue you are making an energetic connection with what the statue represents. In the East, Buddhism is often male-dominated and hierarchical and is practised by monks who have withdrawn from the world.

Eastern Buddhists will spend many hours - sometimes days - meditating. Since starting to take hold in the West in the 19th century, Buddhism has been evolving in an attempt to fit our different way of life. It has had to adapt to survive in the West, allowing the full participation of women and making it possible to practise Buddhism as part of daily life rather than in isolation from the world.

Some purists would rather not see this happen, while others believe it is fantastic that many Westerners are finding practical ways to use Buddhism for the good of themselves and humanity. While meditating, Buddhists try to clear their mind of every thought and emotion.

Some may think that when they attain this goal everything becomes dull and empty, but in fact this is the point at which enlightenment comes. It seems such a simple idea, but to make yourself clear for the Buddha energy to pass through you requires much practice. Some of this practice comes in meditation , but much comes in learning about yourself and why you react in certain ways to certain situations, so there is also a strong connection to psychology. Buddhism is a tolerant teaching that takes the individual as the centre of the teachings.

Many Buddhist books are concerned with individuals improving themselves.

Buddhists believe that we return to this planet in many forms to help us on our path, and that over many lifetimes, and through right living and actions, we can all reach enlightenment. Some may attain enlightenment in this life while others may do so many centuries from now.

The Buddha created a path that had never been trodden before - a path along which others may follow. People who study Buddhism today are literally followers of the Buddha, trying to re-enact for themselves the great feat that the Buddha achieved. Lewis and Bradley K.

Gunner with Stonewall sheds light on a neglected aspect of the Civil War, the role of the artillery in combat. A quick and easy guide to the Buddhist religion. You're no idiot, of course. You know many people have turned to Buddhism as an alternative to organized religion--but you're mistaken if you believe that all Buddhists live a monklike existence.

Don't wait until your next life to experience Zen! The Pocket Idiot's Guide tm to Buddhism reveals the essence of Buddhist thought from its inception in the Far East to its growing devotees in the West. She is also a multiple home buyer and seller. Flowing text, Original pages.

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