One of the things I learned early on in Buddhism was the lack of a need to label yourself as a Buddhist. In fact, you could be a Buddhist without realizing you are a Buddhist. This is why I often advise people interested in Buddhism to set aside your pre-conceived concepts of a religion. If you need Buddhism to simply be a philosophy, then that is fine too. In reading Buddhist suttas one of the things that struck me was how tolerant the Buddha was of other belief systems. I find it very unique.
That's right Steve. I think the Buddha was tolerant of other systems that taught the basic ethical principles he espoused. But identities and labels can become problematic since they are strong sources of clinging.
My interest in Buddhism is exactly that. It’s a school of thought that is quite useful and I’d already landed on most of its principles myself as an atheist. I have no desire to participate in the trappings of any religion though, including Buddhism. Does that make one more or less Buddhist? XD
@@liesdamnlies3372 The beauty of Bhuddism, is you CAN believe in god or gods, or you don't HAVE to. It's not a 'religion' in the strictest sense of the word ,as their is no acutal 'deity' to 'worship'!
This is what I struggle with, but mainly with Islam, and its death worshipping brutalism! HARD to show compassion to, tho I do have compassion for women & children living in that religion and its mindset. I pity the men too, however, they get off somewhat more lightly than women & girls!
I’ve grown up in a Christian household and I’ve never had peace with my religion. I’ve recently been learning about Buddhism and I find that it brings me so much peace and comfort; I want to start learning Buddhist practices to be able to find Happiness in myself. Your video was a great help in teaching me where I should start :)
Because you have no more attachment to GOD... You are reaching another state as AWAKENING, which you view back all your past, make some correction and move on Buddha said god had mood... When we make our self empty we are no longer attach to anything Finally Buddha said we are all BUDDHA. Everyone is different. We just become ourself, an unique buddha.
Yes same here. I grew up Christian. And never had peace with Christianity ( no disrespect) I’m also Native American and also adopted so unfortunately didn’t have much of a positive experience with Christianity. But been learning about Buddhism more & more and finding more inner peace and understanding of the world and life etc etc I’ve honestly been very very happy with this transformation and starting learning more & more about buddhism practiced
I found Buddhism in my darkest days. Buddhism helps me to have peace of mind and heal my traumatic past events. Now I consider myself a Buddhist, following the Buddha way, reading sutras and practicing meditation.
I struggle with my mental health a lot and had a suicide attempt in 2020. When in the psychiatry ward, the workers kept reiterating that we needed something beyond and larger than ourselves to believe in. I've been in a really dark place lately and I realized I needed to find that bigger something, and chose religion. I have friends that are buddhist and I'm interested in the beliefs in this religion. So excited to start this journey!
I am happy for you. Meditation will change your life for the better. Whether or not you become Buddhist, you can still benefit from this path. Buddha is so amazing and wise and so are some of their leaders if not all. Like what I have learned from Buddha... trust in the truth of your own experience above the beliefs and philosophy of others. I have learned to think for myself!
I am 16 and I believe Buddhism is the rapresentation of all the 'things' I believed in up to now. Now I understand myself much better. Congrats on the video, I found it really helpful!
I am also 16 but I believe in God, yet still I have interest in Buddhism. Not sure if this is allowed but I would like to learn and figure it out from there
Precisely! What Buddha taught was that whether you are Muslim or Hindu or Jew or Christian or Buddhist, if you do the right thing, you get the right result. It is more about practice than labels and names.
@@kaustubhnigam628 That is because Buddhism has many Supernatural Elements in it. Even Early Buddhism has them. They are obviously not believable. Look at Karma and Rebirth. The concept leads to Victim Blaming. If a child is born with problems, a Traditional Buddhist might just say 'Oh well he did something bad in a past life'. That is Intolerable ! We should NEVER blame a Victim like that. And so on ...
I'm from Sri Lanka🇱🇰 and I'm Buddhist... I'm so glad about your video.. there are historical temple in our country. It would be nice if come here and take look.. Thank you so much 🙏 "Budusaranai"🙏
Thank you so much. I turned to Buddhism after a lifetime of Roman Catholic beliefs because Catholicism left me with more questions than answers. I just retired from the FDNY-EMS after 26 years, in that career I have seen and experienced things no one should ever seen. I desired a life of serenity, harmony, peace and enlightenment. I began to study Tibetan Zen Buddhism. I have studied Dharma for about two years, even as a beginner, it has brought me a certain level of peace and understanding. I realized that Buddhism is not a Religion but rather a philosophy, in Zen not even a philosophy. I am still new, I have yet to find a guru or sangha. Thank you for your enlightening words, I am still a work in progress.
That's great to hear centurionknight, 26 years in the FDNY-EMS must have been quite a ride. Thanks so much for your service! I'm glad now you're finding some peace in study and maybe practice as well. There are lots of great Zen centers around so it hopefully shouldn't be too difficult to find one that fits. (Though note that Zen and Tibetan Buddhism are separate schools. Unless maybe you're looking at a center that puts them together? That would be pretty unique).
Finding a teacher who has correctly succeeded to the Dharma is important for your spiritual development in Buddhism. I have been connected to Shinnyo en for more than 30 years. Shinnyo en is an esoteric Buddhist teaching for lay and monstic practitioners that's based on the Nirvana Sutra (the last teaching of the Buddha) and contains elements of the Lotus Sutra, and the Heart Sutra (Perfection of Wisdom Sutras). In the United States, Shinnyo en has temples in New York, Chicago, Seattle, Los Angles, San Francisco, and Hawaii. If you live in the Bay Area, I would be delighted to take you to the temple here so you can see and experience it for yourself. If you don't live in the Bay Area but are close to one of the cities that I've listed above I would be happy to arrange a visit to the temple that is closest to you. Becoming connected to Shinnyo en was the best decision that I have ever made. If there's anything that I can do to help your practice or if you want someone to talk to about Buddhism, I'm happy to help you in anyway that I can. May your Buddha nature come to fruition and you realize enlightenment. With Gassho
Buddhism has helped me make sense of things that cause my depression and anxiety. I want to officially become a Buddhist and it’s not the label of a Buddhist that I want, but a commitment to myself to follow the Dharma and the opportunity to continuously find answers.
@@DougsDharma Thanks. I did meditation after leaving that comment. I have always said that I still need to let go of a lot but I didn’t know what. Being raised Catholic and living with Evangelical Christians in college, I saw religion as a set of rules and restrictions along with ceremonies. I realize that Buddhism is so different. I feel that the label of a Buddhist is more of a sense of me letting go of my negative feelings of my Christian experience. I also think I need a Sangha to seek refuge in and to grow spiritually.
Thank you for educating us on this. Personally, why I seek Buddhism is because I want to be free. I've always felt as though I'm being held captive in the clutches of the expectation of myself, family, and even society as a whole. What I want is to be free, free of everything this world has, and the Dharma really did resonate with me, and made me think that perhaps the freedom I seek isn't a litteral freedom, but rather a state of mind or being, such as The Buddha himself, in which case I have a very very very very very very long way to go. But thanks again for the educational video ❤
Thanks Doug. I've wrestled with this notion of "being a Buddhist" for some time and I found this video helpful. For most of my life I identified as a Christian. No matter what flavor of Christianity one identifies with, that identification has a clear meaning: you've accepted Jesus Christ as your lord and savior. I see nothing in Buddhism like that, so I found it awkward to begin calling myself "a Buddhist". I think you're on the mark with the importance of putting the Dharma into practice over what you call yourself. Now I will continue to simply say "I practice Buddhism" when asked about my religious/spiritual orientation.
Right Bob, I think at the end of the day this has to be a personal matter. A lot of people want the more public allegiance for social reasons. That's fine if that's what you're looking for. But the important thing is practice.
No body can call him or her as a buddhist untill he practice Vipassana meditation. Just reading books doesnt help at all. One and only way to achieve your targets in this life is to practically follow buddha's path which he did and asked us to do so... Listen to following vedio clips and you will realize how buddhism change your life completely : czcams.com/video/yfbEJI-k7T8/video.html czcams.com/video/Gia2585hs6s/video.html czcams.com/video/jztTK3TNiPU/video.html
Very informative video. It's very important to know the parameters of Buddhism. I seen a comment that someone left about reading books is no way to understand Buddhism but listening to this video does. I find it a redundant statement. My point being is information comes to us in many ways. Reading books, movies , videos, verbal instructions and so on. Then applying what ever information resonates with you. Its a personal experience. 🙏
I was raised without learning about religions. When i got old enough i started to study different faiths and religions. . yet i always felt that i was in some way a Buddhist.. In my mind, i am, in my own way. Unfortunately there are not o schools or anything like that near me so i refer to YT. Thanks for your input.
You're very welcome Matthew! And no worries, you can practice even without a local group. I did an earlier video on the topic: czcams.com/video/-rEKVKsV2iU/video.html
Buddhism is how I started my spiritual journey 8 years ago since then I kept looking for information on all kinds of believes and Knowledge with my core believes still aligned with Buddhism. I’m ready now to fully submit myself to it and know every detail about it
My grandfather was a Buddhist and I struggled with some pretty bad ADHD (depression, anxiety, restless mind) as a teenager. He bought me a Booklet that came with a CD that taught me mindfulness meditation. I have been practicing Zen Buddhism until recently when I finally branched out and am now studying all sects and am practicing Mahayana Buddhism. My grandfather passed away and out of all his children and grandchildren (his wife was catholic, so many people) I was the only one to wish him well in his next life instead of wishing to see him in heaven. I’m the only other practicing Buddhist in the family. I love my family but I am a silly flamingo in a family of owls. I am very happy to have had the wisdom passed on from my grandpa, and since I’ve been speaking more openly about it, my parents and my younger brother have been super interested. I’m 33 now and mindfulness has helped more than anything to calm my mind and guide my way though my life. I absolutely love the Dharma and Loving Kindness Meditation and I hope very much that each sentient being on earth finds tranquility! 💕🙌 OM shanti shanti shanti! ☸️💜
As me I was a monk 7 years in Thailand and Myanmar. Now I live in Australia, Melbourne. I still go to temple. I so glad to hear that, you explained in English. Thanks Doug's Dharma
I'm half Vietnamese and my family's budhist but I've never been really into it as a child. Now that I'm older and I do religious studies I'm open to being a budhist again. Also my grandpa is a monk (monks can't have sex but he took a 4 year break to stay a family and then continued his Monk life)
I am 11 and have decided that my spiritual growth is very important knowing that buddhist people are deeply routed with spirituality makes me very attracted to it!
I am born buddhist.Im 16.I used to meditate 20 miniutes every day morning.it helped me to concentrate.it helped me a lot to my studies .I m lucky to live in srilanka, a buddhist countrt🇱🇰❤️
Thankyou for this video. It answered many questions and brought to light some aspects I had been subconsciously thinking about but hadn't heard explained before. I feel more comfortable on my path.
I am 15 from the USA. Buddhism is basically what I already believe, it’s just putting a name to it. And a community to be part of. Somewhere I can go where I know likeminded people will be. Thanks for sharing this! ☸️
What an amazing video. You seem to hit on many pieces of my life right now. When you spoke of cravings, it brought me to tears. I don't need an identification of being something, my craving is peace in my own life. Thank you for giving me a LOT to research and try to understand.
@@DougsDharma Thank you, Mr. Doug. I like your intuitiveness. Most think my name is a BDSM reference. 🙄 Again...teared up when you "got it". Perhaps one day I can reach dharma pixieness. 🙂 There is a temple near me that i have wanted to visit, to explore. Your talk made me feel as though that is more welcoming than I thought it would be. Thank you again. (And just a note - I enjoy the gentleness of your voice. Very easy to listen to. 🖤)
I’ve connected more with Buddhism and it’s honestly changed my perspective on life, I’m still learning and understanding and it can be a bit confusing to understand because of my Aspergers Syndrome but I wouldn’t ever doubt my value and worth. These videos are great! X
Buddha's teachings will truly be the light of your life And the Buddha's teachings will be correct, true to the truth, not limited by time, past, present, and future. and gave the teachings of the Buddha guide your life You will surely find happiness and peace.
Doug, just subscribed and thank you. I was born into a household that believed the literal God in Heaven and Devil waiting in hell. Walking away from this has caused great uncertainty and hardship, but I felt I had no choice. I traveled to Japan and Thailand "looking" for the Buddah and was so disappointed. I was foolish. I now know peace can only come in the now, in this breath, but it is still so hard. My monkey mind dominates me on most days. I do not have a Sangha of like believers to practice with and I feel very isolated. I literally do not have a single person to talk to about this subject. Sometimes, I do not feel I belong in America, but that is my old mind trying to tell me things will be better in another location at a future date. I hope I can connect with like minded people looking for peace and loving kindness in an increasingly chaotic world.
Well you're far ahead of the game in at least seeing and understanding right practice! There's nothing wrong with monkey mind, it happens to all of us. Work with it, and spend time investigating it. As for a sangha, check out my video on what to do if you have no local meditation group (though some of this might get better after Covid): czcams.com/video/-rEKVKsV2iU/video.html
incredible! i'm 20 and have been thinking vaguely about being an active buddhist ever since i was 15. the more i know about it the more i feel connected to it. hopefully this will give me the spiritual direction i have been unknowingly looking for
Check out this video introducing the three major schools of Buddhism: czcams.com/video/FAazFDC8m6M/video.html Consider joining us on Patreon if you enjoy these videos, and get fun benefits like exclusive behind-the-scenes videos, audio-only versions, and extensive show notes: www.patreon.com/dougsseculardharma 🙂
I have not learnt much about Buddhism so far and I have only been taught the Eightfold Path and about the Buddha. Yet I have sone sort of connection that attracts me towards learning more about it!
Thank you for your videos. I have recently become interested in Buddhist. I am a complete beginner and these videos are easier to understand. I have read books on Buddism as well. I just want peace. Thank you
If people are interested in pure Buddhism correct Parth to " nibana" please follow Theravada Buddhism in practicing in Sri Lanka, Burma or Thailand. It is the best you can get about Buddha's teachings.🙏🙏🙏
I don’t know how to say this, I have felt a calling towards this I am in the process of moving to Thailand and immersing my self in their culture. Where I live there are no Buddhist centers around me I have no one to talk to, I am trying but it is hard to learn the chants. I do my best to live by the sixteen bodhisattva precepts I find a great weight has been lifted off my shoulders I have a calm I have never had before. Thank you Doug for helping me I found you channel and it has helped me I still don’t understand a lot but I have met monks that speak English in thailand that have been helpful. I just wish you could do a video about Buddhist chants and explain them if at all possible?
It's an interesting idea Robert. I'm not sure all the chants necessarily go back to early material. If there are chants that are early or that I can figure out I could do videos on them. But my own practice is pretty much chant-free except for every once in awhile when I have studied under monastics or traditional practitioners.
My humble view is you do not need to go to any predominant Buddhist country to learn Buddhism. You have taken the very first step to 'save' yourself as in Buddhism only you can 'save' yourself. And for that in Pali "Ehi passiko" - come and see yourself. Please challenge Buddhism thoroughly as did the Buddha told his disciples himself 2500 years ago. Given your background from the 'religion of the book', be prepared that Buddhist is one of the very few traditions that have totally different concept (e.g. there is no "god" as the creator of this universe). I recommend to my friend who are interested to know (not necessarily to follow) what Buddhism is www.budsas.org/ebud/whatbudbeliev/main.htm.
You should absolutely go to Thailand and immerse yourself if that's what you feel is absolutely necessary for YOUR practice. However, don't forget that you should be able to practice Buddhism anywhere you go. I recommend the book "Bringing Home the Dharma" by Jack Kornfield who is a champion of practicing where you are. But good luck in your journey, however you choose to take it!
I love this video. So articulately explained. Not only people who want to be Buddhists but all people born into or identify as "Buddhists" should watch this.
You are an excellent presenter. I am glad that I found your channel. I called a sangha about thirty years ago to take refuge and was told I didn't need to. If anyone asks me about my religion, I just tell them that I read Buddhism and meditate.
Thanks for this video. Im in the process of beginning my journey into buddhism to minimise my suffering and move on from years of deep despair. This video made it very easy to understand and I am convinced now that this is a path worth exploring Appreciate this. Thank you!
I'm a born Catholic from a predominantly theravada buddhist country. Now trying to follow the eightfold path, I find myself lucky to have hundreds of videos related to Buddhism in my native language. However your videos helped me in trying to get the basics of buddhism in a big picture. Thank you.
FOR THOSE WHO ARE STRANGERS TO BUDDHISM ; IN A NUTSHELL BUDDHISM CAN BE SUMMARISED AS FOLLOWS ; * the three main basic principles or basic foundations of Buddha Dharma. 1 DEPENDANT ORIGINATION ( cause and effect ----- which includes KARMA ect ) 2 THE THREE CHARACTERISTICS OF EXISTENCE. ( anicca, dhukka and anatta ) 3 FOUR NOBEL TRUTHS . ( which includes Nobel eight fold path ) Please be clear about the above teachings. * THEN PRACTICE THE FOLLOWING: ( very important and essential ) 1 DO GOOD THINGS. 2 AVOID DOING BAD THINGS. 3 PURIFY THE MIND. ( this is the hardest and most difficult part in Buddhism which involves a lot of practice like meditation etc. ). If item 3 is difficult , practice items 1 and 2 at least. To achieve this you need Mindfulness, Effort and common sense.( right and balanced view ). These are common to all forms of Buddhism but rituals and practices may differ. ( rituals are NOT at all important in BUDDHISM ) When you have a sound , clear knowledge about the above topics , you can practice ANY form of Buddhism or follow ANY religion, yet you will be on the correct BUDDHIST path to achieve peace of mind. As lord buddha preached , please DO NOT accept any of these blindly .( please use your common sense and analyze before accepting ). LORD BUDHDHA only preached common sense and the true reality of existence. P S: NIRVANA IS ONLY A STATE OF MIND. AND NOT ANY OTHER PHYSICAL WORLD OR REALM OF EXISTENCE. .( it is a state of mind you achieve here and now and NOT something you achieve after death ) THANK YOU
Would you stop for a moment?! read from the Islamic religion and listen to the Holy Quran Excuse me!! Would you stop for a moment?! O...man...Haven't you thought-one day- about yourself ? Who has made it? ?! Have you seen a wonderful,delicate work without a worker ?! It's you and the whole universe!.. Who has made them all ?!! You know who ?.. It's "ALLAH",prise be to him Just think for a moment. How are you going to be after death ?! Can you believe that this exact system of the universe and all of these great creation will end in in nothing...just after death! Have you thought, for a second, How to save your soul from Allah's punishment?! Haven't you thought about what is the right religion?! Read ... and think deeply before you answer.. It is religion of Islam. It is the religion that the right Bible- which is not distorted-has preached. Just have a look at The Bible of (Bernaba). Don't be emstional. Be rational and judge.. Just look..listen...compare..and then judge and say your word.
Thank you Doug for all your wonderful work bringing the Buddha-Dharma closer to home! Personally I must say that I find the Theravada Buddhism to be the one Buddhist tradition (with following practices) that resonates with me the most. Although I must also acknowledge that both the so called "secular", as well as the many "Tibetan" Buddhist practices have greatly contributed and enriched my practice, especially the many diverse practices of meditation, but also their quite diverse philosophy(-ies). (Which at least I don't find to be contradicting each-other, as many might think or believe - but rather instead builds and elaborates upon the earlier concepts that are already present within the early ones promulgated by Shakyamuni Buddha himself.) Also, and perhaps a bit surprising and even confusing to some, I must admit that I also find some of the Yogic practices within Hinduism, such as especially many of the different (and then especially Tantric Yogic) meditation-practices, "breathing-excercises" (or Pranayama[s]) as well as some physical exercises, especially those for stretching and opening up the hips and knees - to more easily be able to sit comfortably for longer periods of time to be of great benefit for me. I know, or at least believe that my approach probably is rather unorthodox - to say the least! But still - since they're both (Yoga and Buddhism) so called "yogic" traditions that are both equally old (Buddha Dharma -> Classical Yoga + VajraYana-Buddhism -> Tantra-/Shakta-Yoga, for ex.) and are also both indigenous Indic Yogic traditions that have also cross-pollinated each-other for millenia....well, is it REALLY such a weird and inconceivable paths to combine? Or rather, what do you think of combining Theravada (which I see as my "ground-practice") with elements of Vajrayana such as some of it's philosophy as well as some of it's diff. meditation-exercises with some elements of (Hindu) Yoga elements like I described above? (I've practiced for many years - so I don't find it confusing in any way...I just use it for different areas to accomplish different things....as I simply see all of these seemingly "distinct paths" [which generally tries to accomplish more or less the same thing(s)] - as tools on my way!). Do you see any inherent problems in this approach? - I'ld be happy for any input. Thanks in advance! Namaste!
Personally I don't see any necessary problems in this approach, so long as you aren't confused by it. Indeed I think many contemporary Buddhists in the west take this kind of syncretic approach to practice.
@@DougsDharma Thanks for your quick response Doug! So, you "even" believe that there are many other, at least western Buddhist practitioners who practice in this way? Interesting! (Didn't know that - since I sadly don't have access to any Sangha where I live). But no, I don't feel like I'm confused by this syncretic approach at all...as I said before - basically I practice Theravada + specific Vajrayana and also some Hindu yogic meditation-techniques and some Pranayama. So basically I have "just expanded" with some meditation techniques that I have found useful. Anyway - thank you again for putting down my little worries!
I appreciate your insight that wanting to be "Buddhist" can be a form of craving and identification. I have observed that some people try to disentangle themselves from "religious buddhism" by referring to themselves as "secular Buddhists", but I would submit that "secular buddhism" can also be motivated by craving and identification. No one is exempt from one's own context and culture. Thank you.
I like the part of budhism that tells you not to desire pleaasure a nd material goods. The thought behind it is very thought provoking. If you can truley let go of desires its a very powerful state of mind.
Hi Doug! loved the video and hoping you're safe and doing good during these days! Since I've started my practuce I had this impending doubt and feeling that I'm doing everthying wrong or feeling as "a bad buddhist", do you know why that might be? I know might sound as a strange question but... is still a doubt I have. Thank you so much for your work and greetings from Panama
Thanks Karla! I think it's perfectly natural when we start out (or even when we are well along!) to feel like we're screwing everything up and getting nothing right. Just be aware that part of the practice is to reflect upon our successes as well as our failures: what have we done right today? What mess did we not get ourselves in? Can we have kindness towards ourselves as well as others? Leave perfection aside for now, just think of the path.
This has been very helpful. Been wrestling w how to incorporate the parts of Buddhism w my current beliefs as a Christian that I'm not wanting to renounce. W secular Buddhism I can meditate and learn and practice the Dharma . I am finding meditation and the Dharma to be incredibly helpful and enriching. Honestly what began to draw me first was the kindness and humility of Buddhists over "doctrine".
That’s great Phil. I actually have an earlier video where I discuss ‘Buddhists of other religions’, since there are actually quite a lot of them! czcams.com/video/8wstShpo3Y8/video.html 🙂
Blessings of the Buddha. I am from Sri Lanka and I hope that the Nali Kavan I gave to your program will help. I tell you to come to our country to learn about Buddhism. You have the Triple Gem☸️☸️☸️☸️
Question: Say you have broken some of the 5 precepts in your past. Can you still follow the teachings with a good conscious or is some form of penance/forgiveness required?
Good question Ivo. The idea of penance or forgiveness comes from Christianity. It is not necessary in Buddhism. The precepts shouldn’t be thought of as divine commandments but rather as guidelines for correct practice. If we violate them we make an intention to do better the next time: it is for our own long term benefit after all.
You live this moment righteously. Past doesn't matter. Everybody is given a lot chances to correct their path. Life and samsara is a journey from bad to good. Read what happened to 'angulimala' thero!
"I am the owner of my karma . I inherit my karma. I am born of my karma. I am related to my karma. I live supported by my karma. Whatever karma I create, whether good or evil, that I shall inherit."
I am glad you addressed the issue of subtle identification of wanting to be a Buddhist. I am not a Buddhist or practitioner (secular or otherwise) of any religion. However, I believe there is Truth in the teachings of the Buddha and among other religious figures or seekers of Truth. I have been on my journey of dealing with existentialism and depression since I was 16. Due to those two factors along with childhood circumstances, I crave community and a sense of belonging. I want to belong and more importantly, I want to "know." I have been fighting against calling myself a Buddhist (or Taoist, or Christian) because I can't in good faith acknowledge that I am doing it out of non-craving. Seeking Truth and liberation without titles and labels is lonely and causes me pain. I still have a long way to go to rid myself of attachment, which I believe is the cause of suffering. I hope that once COVID is over and we can meet face to face again, I can still participate in sanghas and communities seeking Truth and liberation without having to identify myself with being something. I hope that by not identifying it isn't disrespectful (and moreover if I am only deluding myself by participating and not identifying). I can only say that I am confused. Thank you for these videos, Thomas
You're very welcome Thomas! I think that as well as craving we are often beset by its opposite, aversion. So while we can crave identity, sometimes we can be aversive to identity too, even when it is useful. It totally depends on the situation, but it's something to investigate. And yes, it will be great to get beyond this COVID isolation!
@@DougsDharma I have never considered that the opposite of craving is aversion. I was blind to that fact in my desire for non-attachment. The Buddha promoted the middle way- to not indulge self and to not deny self, correct? To live with what the body needs. Perhaps, it is time to reconsider my needs and where my aversion to identification comes from. You have given me a lot to think about. Thank you. Edit: After first reading your reply and before replying to you, I wrote in my journal, "Where does my aversion to concepts, ideas, and identification come from? Does it come from a place of death? Of nihilism? This is something to consider." Then, after replying to you, I watched your video on "The Middle Way," and you mentioned Jainism and the idea of "self-torture" to remove karmic baggage/the focus on what might be death and nihilism- and that struck a chord with me. Your reply has opened many doors for me to think about. Thank you again.
I know very little about Buddhism but what I know I like, it's a simpler philosophy of life and follows the golden rule plus and the meditation helped you achieve a state of mind that will enlight you...
I was raised atheist, but I have dabbled in religion since I was 12. I’ve been agnostic for several years now, and in my philosophy podcast they had an episode about the Buddha and his teachings. It was very insightful and I immediately clicked with his ideas, so I’m doing what I can to educate myself on Buddhism - it might just be what I’ve been looking for in religion all these years.
I'm wanting to convert to Buddhism everything makes sense to me, I feel comfort from this religion, so going to learn as much as I can, im from Edinburgh, Scotland so have been looking for places and people in my area
@@DougsDharma its a beautiful place, I love living here, I have been googling and found a few places, when we are out of full lockdown I will go and have a look around, I love your videos I've learned so much watching them, 😃
I will suggest that you explore yourself first and challenge Buddhism before 'converting'. As in Pali "Ehi Passiko" meaning "come and see for yourself". 2500 years ago the Buddha said to his disciples not to accept his teachings by 'faith'. Be aware that Buddhism is a totally different concept than the 'religions of the book'. due to the COVID-19 situation, I suggest you start with the Theravada Buddhist teachings (the original teaching as expounded by Buddha in his native Pali, before seeking other Buddhist doctrine because it is the most easily comprehensible form). Please visit here: www.budsas.org/ebud/whatbudbeliev/main.htm. The author was the Chief Reverend of Malaysia from the Theravada School (Sri Lanka) tradition. As in Buddhism, only you can save yourself :)
I grew up in a Christian family but I have never believed in God as I believe there is too much suffering and pain in the world for their to be an omnibenevolent creator. I have always been interested in the world as I believe there are things we can never understand and I would like to know myself and the world from a different perspective. That’s when I started practicing basic spirituality but I never connected with it. The idea of following buddhist ideologies came into my head when I watched a buddhist monk speak about his life and experiences and he seemed so peaceful. I knew from that moment it was the life I wanted to live.
In Tibetan tradition, the Boddhisatva vows are 18 root vows and 46 branch or secondary vows. They are not chanted. Alexander Berzin explains them quite well. The first root vow is not to praise yourself and not put down others. Another one root vow is not put down the Arhat path or individual liberation path.
Thanks Link! I think in general that meditation music can become a kind of crutch. I don't think there's anything wrong with it once in awhile, but we can get caught in situations of just sitting and listening to or enjoying the music, and that's kind of not the point of meditation. Might be worth doing a video on eventually. 🙂
@@DougsDharma Hi Doug! I think it would be a good idea to do a video on music with meditation or having guided meditation. Personally I am against both even though I can see how it could be helpful to some people. The reason I am against meditation music is because, as you pointed out, it can be a distraction. A person can very easily get caught up in just enjoying the music and not meditating. (That is what happened to me the first time I tried listening to meditation music while meditating. I quickly realized this was no different from me just sitting and listening to music on the radio to relax. I may as well just have been watching TV and calling it meditating.) As for guided meditation I do not think it is helpful having someone tell you what to think about while meditating. "Imagine yourself in a field of flowers on a bright, sunny day!" No, that is not meditating to me. To me that takes away from doing things like counting the breath or focusing on the present moment. That's just my 2 cents worth.
@@Octoberfurst Yes, you are absolutely right. Meditation means , keep your mind in the present moment. I learned Vipassana meditation from two places: 1) A monestry in Sri Lanka www.nissarana.lk 2) In meditation center - Goenka dhamma.org Listen to following vedios of who did 10 day vipassana course at Goenka Vipassana meditation centers. They got a center in each country . czcams.com/video/yfbEJI-k7T8/video.html czcams.com/video/Gia2585hs6s/video.html czcams.com/video/jztTK3TNiPU/video.html You will see how it will change your life....way of you are thinking....way of you are re-acting....
"The island has been a center of Buddhist scholarship and practice since the introduction of Buddhism in the third century BCE producing eminent scholars such as Buddhaghosa and preserving the vast Pāli Canon. Throughout most of its history, Sri Lankan kings have played a major role in the maintenance and revival of the Buddhist institutions of the island. During the 19th century, a modern Buddhist revival took place on the island which promoted Buddhist education. Due to the islands close ties with India, Sinhalese Buddhism has been in part influenced by Hinduism and indigenous beliefs, and some Buddhists share similar beliefs with Hindus, such as the worship of Hindu deities, the caste system, and Animism. Some traditional Sinhalese Temple layout also includes individual shrines dedicated to Hindu gods. Some of the most important Hindu god’s worshiped by some Sinhalese Buddhists include Vishnu, Murugan, Pathini, Nata, Gambara, Dedimunda, Saraswati, Ganesh, Lakshmi, Shiva and Kali, etc. Demons and spirits are also invoked during Exorcisms and rituals, which seem to be customs passed down from Pre-Buddhist indigenous times. In 2007, there were around 6,000 Buddhist monasteries on Sri Lanka with approximately 30,000 monks" (2)
I was in a very 'urgent state of distress' & the only spiritual education I had was Christian at the moment but it just was not resonating with me anymore. Out of nowhere my thoughts were telling me to look into Buddha's story, he seems to have his peace together lol & it's been a beautiful journey ever since. Appreciation to Siddhartha ☸️
Sir, there is no need to become Budhist by religion. Instead of it follow and learn practical aspects of The Budha. Budhas principles are unuversal things and easy to observe peactically. Thanks you sir for your great effort to teach Budha.
In the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, to become "officialy buddhist" one have to take refuge with a lama. You also receive a dharma name. Most of the time when a great lama does a seminar he also gives refuge. But it is certain that the most important is to have an understanding of the dharma and to practice it. As always a great video, thanks Doug.
As a theravada it’s enough to seek refuge in Buddha, Dhamma and Shanga as well as practising five precepts and the eight fold path.. simple, is not it!!
I am attracted to Buddhism because I want to get rid of all that’s a lie. I want to live in the truth. I want to wake up from the dream I was in my whole life. I want to live a life full of love. I want to be freed from all constructs that serve no purpose. I want to break the chains. And also, I am attracted the Buddhism because my souls needs to heal, and it feels like this is how I will finally get help. It just...feels right.
Thanks for the video. I've been looking for a refresher as I consider rebooting my latent Buddhist path. I grew up Catholic and wandered into Eastern religion in my mid- to late twenties, including trying out several Buddhist traditions over the course of 15 years or so. After wandering into Taoism and Advaita Vedanta, I'm feeling a pull back toward Shingon Buddhism. (Esoteric religion is kind of my thing, I suppose.) I'm kind of allergic to being a joiner and swallowing other people's dogma, so I don't imagine I'll ever consider myself a Buddhist in any conventional sense. I get why so many in the West insist that Buddhism isn't a religion, even though I think that's a dubious claim. I think people are just tired of the way things are and are looking for something that penetrates more deeply into the nature of the universe and who we are.
Well yes it can seem scary to try to do it all at once. But I think when we see that even a small bit of practice can help us lead better lives, it may be worth it. Start small! 🙂
I practice online on the sudhavari monastery in Brazil. Is theravada forest tradition. Aniway my real practice is in all the day and my matinal meditation.
The Refuge Vows taken privately or publicly make you a Buddhist, when they are clear in the heart, internally. To live them out externally help you Practice not only Meditation but BuddhaDharma or Buddhism. Jikai
hello doug, buddhism really intrigues me and i love the things that it believes in. just watching videos like these really change the way i see things, however i know i am no where near enlightment and i havent started practicing it. I am only 14 so do you suggest that i take it at least kind of seriously or should i wait?
I am attracted to Buddhism because the beliefs make sense to me.
Yes I do think they make a lot of sense! Thanks Terry.
Buddhism is a invention
CHamesTB edgy
I want also become buddhish
OMG I THOUGHT YOU SAID IM ATTRCTED TO BUDDHA💀💀
One of the things I learned early on in Buddhism was the lack of a need to label yourself as a Buddhist. In fact, you could be a Buddhist without realizing you are a Buddhist. This is why I often advise people interested in Buddhism to set aside your pre-conceived concepts of a religion. If you need Buddhism to simply be a philosophy, then that is fine too. In reading Buddhist suttas one of the things that struck me was how tolerant the Buddha was of other belief systems. I find it very unique.
That's right Steve. I think the Buddha was tolerant of other systems that taught the basic ethical principles he espoused. But identities and labels can become problematic since they are strong sources of clinging.
My interest in Buddhism is exactly that. It’s a school of thought that is quite useful and I’d already landed on most of its principles myself as an atheist.
I have no desire to participate in the trappings of any religion though, including Buddhism. Does that make one more or less Buddhist? XD
@@liesdamnlies3372 The beauty of Bhuddism, is you CAN believe in god or gods, or you don't HAVE to. It's not a 'religion' in the strictest sense of the word ,as their is no acutal 'deity' to 'worship'!
This is what I struggle with, but mainly with Islam, and its death worshipping brutalism! HARD to show compassion to, tho I do have compassion for women & children living in that religion and its mindset.
I pity the men too, however, they get off somewhat more lightly than women & girls!
@Trevor Phillips Oh, I agree! A death cult!
I’ve grown up in a Christian household and I’ve never had peace with my religion. I’ve recently been learning about Buddhism and I find that it brings me so much peace and comfort; I want to start learning Buddhist practices to be able to find Happiness in myself. Your video was a great help in teaching me where I should start :)
Glad to hear!
as a buddhist in myanmar yeah u said is everything right
Because you have no more attachment to GOD...
You are reaching another state as AWAKENING, which you view back all your past, make some correction and move on
Buddha said god had mood...
When we make our self empty we are no longer attach to anything
Finally Buddha said we are all BUDDHA. Everyone is different.
We just become ourself, an unique buddha.
Yes same here. I grew up Christian. And never had peace with Christianity ( no disrespect) I’m also Native American and also adopted so unfortunately didn’t have much of a positive experience with Christianity. But been learning about Buddhism more & more and finding more inner peace and understanding of the world and life etc etc I’ve honestly been very very happy with this transformation and starting learning more & more about buddhism practiced
Same
I found Buddhism in my darkest days. Buddhism helps me to have peace of mind and heal my traumatic past events. Now I consider myself a Buddhist, following the Buddha way, reading sutras and practicing meditation.
🙏😊
Ditto...saved my life.
I struggle with my mental health a lot and had a suicide attempt in 2020. When in the psychiatry ward, the workers kept reiterating that we needed something beyond and larger than ourselves to believe in. I've been in a really dark place lately and I realized I needed to find that bigger something, and chose religion. I have friends that are buddhist and I'm interested in the beliefs in this religion. So excited to start this journey!
Glad to hear it! I hope you find comfort in your practice.
Your comment touched be safe and never give up on this gift of life peace my friend!
Oh and by the way I love your name lol
I am happy for you. Meditation will change your life for the better. Whether or not you become Buddhist, you can still benefit from this path. Buddha is so amazing and wise and so are some of their leaders if not all. Like what I have learned from Buddha... trust in the truth of your own experience above the beliefs and philosophy of others. I have learned to think for myself!
This is the path for you. May you be free of delusion and wrong view. May you be good. May you be happy
I realised there is no god by the age of 6 when my sister and father died in the same 3 months. Buddhism connects to me in a different way guys
Yes Jimmy I think there is too much dukkha in the world for there to be a God, but that's only my own impression ...
Doug's Dharma Yeah, But one shouldn’t confuse Buddhism with Materialism or Nihilism!
I hope that dosn't change the way you can see things, "see things how they change, not by how they are"
That doesn't prove there's no God tho
Sorry for your loss
I am 16 and I believe Buddhism is the rapresentation of all the 'things' I believed in up to now. Now I understand myself much better.
Congrats on the video, I found it really helpful!
That's great to hear Chiara, thanks for your comment!
You are so lucky and have very good karma that you can find Buddhism at young age. I hope your life will go so well with Buddhist way and guideline.
I am also 16 but I believe in God, yet still I have interest in Buddhism. Not sure if this is allowed but I would like to learn and figure it out from there
I'm 16 too.love from sri lanka ❤️🇱🇰.Im a buddhist
@@icytwice
God may allow you to interest in Buddhism.
I'm at my worst, and the Buddhist philosophy and wisdom helped me a lot. Especially for my peace of mind. 🙏
🙏😊
I am from India and its great to see white civilization interested in buddhism
I think so too! 😀
(:
wtf you hindus are doing in every buddhist video?
I am American and I’m trying to become Buddhist.
@@shanesavier586 ah hindu is the root of Buddhist
Precisely! What Buddha taught was that whether you are Muslim or Hindu or Jew or Christian or Buddhist, if you do the right thing, you get the right result. It is more about practice than labels and names.
Exactly so! Practice is what's important, not labels or identities.
@Auxerre You are right. Buddhism is Extremely Peaceful ! Islam is .... Well, let's not get into it ...
And that's where you get it wrong
I don't get it why people are so hardly pushing their 'secular' label on buddhism
@@kaustubhnigam628 That is because Buddhism has many Supernatural Elements in it. Even Early Buddhism has them. They are obviously not believable. Look at Karma and Rebirth. The concept leads to Victim Blaming. If a child is born with problems, a Traditional Buddhist might just say 'Oh well he did something bad in a past life'. That is Intolerable ! We should NEVER blame a Victim like that. And so on ...
I'm from Sri Lanka🇱🇰 and I'm Buddhist... I'm so glad about your video.. there are historical temple in our country. It would be nice if come here and take look..
Thank you so much 🙏 "Budusaranai"🙏
Wonderful, thanks very much Upeshka Thirimadura! 🙏
@@DougsDharma 🙇🙏
I am a Lao American monk, growing up in the US most of my life, watching your videos help me with my understanding of Buddhism.
So glad to hear it! 🙏😊
หลวงปู่มั่น ภูริทัตโต อาจารย์ใหญ่ที่สอนวิธีการภาวนา วิปัสสนากรรมฐาน สาธุ สาธุ สาธุ 🙏😅
Thank you so much. I turned to Buddhism after a lifetime of Roman Catholic beliefs because Catholicism left me with more questions than answers. I just retired from the FDNY-EMS after 26 years, in that career I have seen and experienced things no one should ever seen. I desired a life of serenity, harmony, peace and enlightenment. I began to study Tibetan Zen Buddhism. I have studied Dharma for about two years, even as a beginner, it has brought me a certain level of peace and understanding. I realized that Buddhism is not a Religion but rather a philosophy, in Zen not even a philosophy. I am still new, I have yet to find a guru or sangha. Thank you for your enlightening words, I am still a work in progress.
That's great to hear centurionknight, 26 years in the FDNY-EMS must have been quite a ride. Thanks so much for your service! I'm glad now you're finding some peace in study and maybe practice as well. There are lots of great Zen centers around so it hopefully shouldn't be too difficult to find one that fits. (Though note that Zen and Tibetan Buddhism are separate schools. Unless maybe you're looking at a center that puts them together? That would be pretty unique).
Finding a teacher who has correctly succeeded to the Dharma is important for your spiritual development in Buddhism. I have been connected to Shinnyo en for more than 30 years. Shinnyo en is an esoteric Buddhist teaching for lay and monstic practitioners that's based on the Nirvana Sutra (the last teaching of the Buddha) and contains elements of the Lotus Sutra, and the Heart Sutra (Perfection of Wisdom Sutras). In the United States, Shinnyo en has temples in New York, Chicago, Seattle, Los Angles, San Francisco, and Hawaii. If you live in the Bay Area, I would be delighted to take you to the temple here so you can see and experience it for yourself. If you don't live in the Bay Area but are close to one of the cities that I've listed above I would be happy to arrange a visit to the temple that is closest to you. Becoming connected to Shinnyo en was the best decision that I have ever made. If there's anything that I can do to help your practice or if you want someone to talk to about Buddhism, I'm happy to help you in anyway that I can. May your Buddha nature come to fruition and you realize enlightenment. With Gassho
Buddhism has helped me make sense of things that cause my depression and anxiety. I want to officially become a Buddhist and it’s not the label of a Buddhist that I want, but a commitment to myself to follow the Dharma and the opportunity to continuously find answers.
Go right ahead, Wade. It may help to find a local community as well. 🙏
@@DougsDharma Thanks. I did meditation after leaving that comment. I have always said that I still need to let go of a lot but I didn’t know what. Being raised Catholic and living with Evangelical Christians in college, I saw religion as a set of rules and restrictions along with ceremonies. I realize that Buddhism is so different. I feel that the label of a Buddhist is more of a sense of me letting go of my negative feelings of my Christian experience. I also think I need a Sangha to seek refuge in and to grow spiritually.
Thank you for educating us on this. Personally, why I seek Buddhism is because I want to be free. I've always felt as though I'm being held captive in the clutches of the expectation of myself, family, and even society as a whole. What I want is to be free, free of everything this world has, and the Dharma really did resonate with me, and made me think that perhaps the freedom I seek isn't a litteral freedom, but rather a state of mind or being, such as The Buddha himself, in which case I have a very very very very very very long way to go. But thanks again for the educational video ❤
My pleasure! Yes it's a very long way to go, but we can make small improvements along the way.
Thanks Doug. I've wrestled with this notion of "being a Buddhist" for some time and I found this video helpful. For most of my life I identified as a Christian. No matter what flavor of Christianity one identifies with, that identification has a clear meaning: you've accepted Jesus Christ as your lord and savior. I see nothing in Buddhism like that, so I found it awkward to begin calling myself "a Buddhist". I think you're on the mark with the importance of putting the Dharma into practice over what you call yourself. Now I will continue to simply say "I practice Buddhism" when asked about my religious/spiritual orientation.
Right Bob, I think at the end of the day this has to be a personal matter. A lot of people want the more public allegiance for social reasons. That's fine if that's what you're looking for. But the important thing is practice.
No body can call him or her as a buddhist untill he practice Vipassana meditation. Just reading books doesnt help at all. One and only way to achieve your targets in this life is to practically follow buddha's path which he did and asked us to do so...
Listen to following vedio clips and you will realize how buddhism change your life completely :
czcams.com/video/yfbEJI-k7T8/video.html
czcams.com/video/Gia2585hs6s/video.html
czcams.com/video/jztTK3TNiPU/video.html
@@pasanperera6460 I am happy you have found vipassana so beneficial.
Very informative video. It's very important to know the parameters of Buddhism. I seen a comment that someone left about reading books is no way to understand Buddhism but listening to this video does. I find it a redundant statement. My point being is
information comes to us in many ways. Reading books, movies , videos, verbal instructions and so on.
Then applying what ever information resonates with you. Its a personal experience.
🙏
Buddhism is not always about becoming a Buddhist, is to improve what you already are
I was raised without learning about religions. When i got old enough i started to study different faiths and religions. . yet i always felt that i was in some way a Buddhist.. In my mind, i am, in my own way. Unfortunately there are not o schools or anything like that near me so i refer to YT. Thanks for your input.
You're very welcome Matthew! And no worries, you can practice even without a local group. I did an earlier video on the topic: czcams.com/video/-rEKVKsV2iU/video.html
Buddhism is how I started my spiritual journey 8 years ago since then I kept looking for information on all kinds of believes and Knowledge with my core believes still aligned with Buddhism. I’m ready now to fully submit myself to it and know every detail about it
🙏
I thoght about googling this question today. Turned on CZcams and here it is :D
Well isn't that a coincidence! Neat, thanks for the comment KBJay. Hope you found it useful.
@@DougsDharma Yes I found it useful, even better I found a school in my city :D
In rhythm with life
My grandfather was a Buddhist and I struggled with some pretty bad ADHD (depression, anxiety, restless mind) as a teenager. He bought me a Booklet that came with a CD that taught me mindfulness meditation. I have been practicing Zen Buddhism until recently when I finally branched out and am now studying all sects and am practicing Mahayana Buddhism. My grandfather passed away and out of all his children and grandchildren (his wife was catholic, so many people) I was the only one to wish him well in his next life instead of wishing to see him in heaven. I’m the only other practicing Buddhist in the family. I love my family but I am a silly flamingo in a family of owls. I am very happy to have had the wisdom passed on from my grandpa, and since I’ve been speaking more openly about it, my parents and my younger brother have been super interested. I’m 33 now and mindfulness has helped more than anything to calm my mind and guide my way though my life. I absolutely love the Dharma and Loving Kindness Meditation and I hope very much that each sentient being on earth finds tranquility! 💕🙌 OM shanti shanti shanti! ☸️💜
Wonderful to hear Kipicus, sometimes it's great being that flamingo! 😄🙏
I've decided to try Buddhism after I got mad at someone and ruined them
I seek it as a way to turn myself into a calmer person
That’s a great reason! Just be aware that like exercise it takes effort and time to make progress.
Think about islam
@@ritajbrixi7114 no
@@dr__llama5875 ok brother ❤
@@ritajbrixi7114 im not your brother
As me I was a monk 7 years in Thailand and Myanmar. Now I live in Australia, Melbourne. I still go to temple. I so glad to hear that, you explained in English. Thanks Doug's Dharma
Wonderful! You're very welcome Lah Wah. 🙏🙂
I'm half Vietnamese and my family's budhist but I've never been really into it as a child. Now that I'm older and I do religious studies I'm open to being a budhist again. Also my grandpa is a monk (monks can't have sex but he took a 4 year break to stay a family and then continued his Monk life)
Interesting James, thanks!
I am 11 and have decided that my spiritual growth is very important knowing that buddhist people are deeply routed with spirituality makes me very attracted to it!
Glad to hear it softmiku! Keep learning!
I am born buddhist.Im 16.I used to meditate 20 miniutes every day morning.it helped me to concentrate.it helped me a lot to my studies .I m lucky to live in srilanka, a buddhist countrt🇱🇰❤️
Thanks Doug, quarantine has had me doing a lot of thinking and your videos have definitely helped me out.
Glad to hear it Slawsson, you're very welcome!
Oh yes Being Q’d is a mind bender..!
Same man I’ve been doing a lot of soul searching and I think Buddhism is for me!
This video was absolutely eye opening, thank you!
You're so welcome! 😊
Thankyou for this video. It answered many questions and brought to light some aspects I had been subconsciously thinking about but hadn't heard explained before. I feel more comfortable on my path.
Glad it was helpful Carol!
I am 15 from the USA. Buddhism is basically what I already believe, it’s just putting a name to it. And a community to be part of. Somewhere I can go where I know likeminded people will be. Thanks for sharing this! ☸️
You're very welcome Connor!
What an amazing video. You seem to hit on many pieces of my life right now. When you spoke of cravings, it brought me to tears. I don't need an identification of being something, my craving is peace in my own life. Thank you for giving me a LOT to research and try to understand.
So glad to hear it pain pixie! Maybe someday soon you can get closer to being painless pixie! 🙂
@@DougsDharma Thank you, Mr. Doug. I like your intuitiveness. Most think my name is a BDSM reference. 🙄 Again...teared up when you "got it". Perhaps one day I can reach dharma pixieness. 🙂 There is a temple near me that i have wanted to visit, to explore. Your talk made me feel as though that is more welcoming than I thought it would be. Thank you again. (And just a note - I enjoy the gentleness of your voice. Very easy to listen to. 🖤)
I’ve connected more with Buddhism and it’s honestly changed my perspective on life, I’m still learning and understanding and it can be a bit confusing to understand because of my Aspergers Syndrome but I wouldn’t ever doubt my value and worth. These videos are great! X
That's great to hear Lauren, thanks for the comment!
Buddha's teachings will truly be the light of your life And the Buddha's teachings will be correct, true to the truth, not limited by time, past, present, and future. and gave the teachings of the Buddha guide your life You will surely find happiness and peace.
Very informative and very well explained. Thank you.
You’re very welcome Mark, glad you found it useful!
Doug, just subscribed and thank you. I was born into a household that believed the literal God in Heaven and Devil waiting in hell. Walking away from this has caused great uncertainty and hardship, but I felt I had no choice. I traveled to Japan and Thailand "looking" for the Buddah and was so disappointed. I was foolish. I now know peace can only come in the now, in this breath, but it is still so hard. My monkey mind dominates me on most days. I do not have a Sangha of like believers to practice with and I feel very isolated. I literally do not have a single person to talk to about this subject. Sometimes, I do not feel I belong in America, but that is my old mind trying to tell me things will be better in another location at a future date. I hope I can connect with like minded people looking for peace and loving kindness in an increasingly chaotic world.
Well you're far ahead of the game in at least seeing and understanding right practice! There's nothing wrong with monkey mind, it happens to all of us. Work with it, and spend time investigating it. As for a sangha, check out my video on what to do if you have no local meditation group (though some of this might get better after Covid): czcams.com/video/-rEKVKsV2iU/video.html
incredible! i'm 20 and have been thinking vaguely about being an active buddhist ever since i was 15. the more i know about it the more i feel connected to it. hopefully this will give me the spiritual direction i have been unknowingly looking for
Cool, glad to hear it, tee! 🙏
Man, this channel is a gem!
🌹🌹🌹
Wow, thank you! 🙏😊
Check out this video introducing the three major schools of Buddhism: czcams.com/video/FAazFDC8m6M/video.html
Consider joining us on Patreon if you enjoy these videos, and get fun benefits like exclusive behind-the-scenes videos, audio-only versions, and extensive show notes: www.patreon.com/dougsseculardharma 🙂
I have not learnt much about Buddhism so far and I have only been taught the Eightfold Path and about the Buddha. Yet I have sone sort of connection that attracts me towards learning more about it!
Glad to hear it Irene!
I can’t thank you enough for your channel
My pleasure Samantha!
Thank you for your videos. I have recently become interested in Buddhist. I am a complete beginner and these videos are easier to understand. I have read books on Buddism as well. I just want peace. Thank you
You’re very welcome Catharine. Yes, peace is a great goal. May we all achieve peace.
If people are interested in pure Buddhism correct Parth to " nibana" please follow Theravada Buddhism in practicing in Sri Lanka, Burma or Thailand. It is the best you can get about Buddha's teachings.🙏🙏🙏
Much love for this video🙏
🙏😊
I don’t know how to say this, I have felt a calling towards this I am in the process of moving to Thailand and immersing my self in their culture. Where I live there are no Buddhist centers around me I have no one to talk to, I am trying but it is hard to learn the chants. I do my best to live by the sixteen bodhisattva precepts I find a great weight has been lifted off my shoulders I have a calm I have never had before. Thank you Doug for helping me I found you channel and it has helped me I still don’t understand a lot but I have met monks that speak English in thailand that have been helpful. I just wish you could do a video about Buddhist chants and explain them if at all possible?
It's an interesting idea Robert. I'm not sure all the chants necessarily go back to early material. If there are chants that are early or that I can figure out I could do videos on them. But my own practice is pretty much chant-free except for every once in awhile when I have studied under monastics or traditional practitioners.
My humble view is you do not need to go to any predominant Buddhist country to learn Buddhism. You have taken the very first step to 'save' yourself as in Buddhism only you can 'save' yourself. And for that in Pali "Ehi passiko" - come and see yourself. Please challenge Buddhism thoroughly as did the Buddha told his disciples himself 2500 years ago. Given your background from the 'religion of the book', be prepared that Buddhist is one of the very few traditions that have totally different concept (e.g. there is no "god" as the creator of this universe). I recommend to my friend who are interested to know (not necessarily to follow) what Buddhism is www.budsas.org/ebud/whatbudbeliev/main.htm.
You should absolutely go to Thailand and immerse yourself if that's what you feel is absolutely necessary for YOUR practice. However, don't forget that you should be able to practice Buddhism anywhere you go. I recommend the book "Bringing Home the Dharma" by Jack Kornfield who is a champion of practicing where you are.
But good luck in your journey, however you choose to take it!
Fantastic Doug. Thanks 👍👍👍👍👍
My pleasure! 🙏
thank you for teaching me about this, i need this
Happy to help!
Thank you very much! I love your videos.
My pleasure, linuxmatty. 🙏😊
I love this video. So articulately explained.
Not only people who want to be Buddhists but all people born into or identify as "Buddhists" should watch this.
Thanks Evaan, that would be nice! 😄
I've been studying Buddhist for a few weeks now, and I'm enjoying it so much
Great, glad to hear!
You are an excellent presenter. I am glad that I found your channel. I called a sangha about thirty years ago to take refuge and was told I didn't need to. If anyone asks me about my religion, I just tell them that I read Buddhism and meditate.
That sounds great!
Thanks for this video. Im in the process of beginning my journey into buddhism to minimise my suffering and move on from years of deep despair. This video made it very easy to understand and I am convinced now that this is a path worth exploring
Appreciate this. Thank you!
You're most welcome! 🙏
I have been practiced on Buddhism for years.
I accept Buddha words all my heart.
🙏😊
U are doing a great thing Respect!!! 😊🙏
It's my pleasure! 🙏😊
Thank you so much for your kind information! Om mani padme hun
My pleasure! 🙏
Thank you, Doug!
My pleasure!
Thanks sir . Your videos are very knowledgefull and good for understanding buddha. Namo buddhay
You're very welcome koregaon! 🙏
I found this religion now after never really understanding Christianity I’m so glad I found a belief
Hey that's great Laina. I'd say that Buddhism is actually more of a system of practice than of belief! 🙂
“We are constantly changing”,……love that. 🙌
Yes! Thanks Jason. 🙏🙂
I'm a born Catholic from a predominantly theravada buddhist country. Now trying to follow the eightfold path, I find myself lucky to have hundreds of videos related to Buddhism in my native language. However your videos helped me in trying to get the basics of buddhism in a big picture. Thank you.
You're very welcome Upulie! Thanks for the comment.
FOR THOSE WHO ARE STRANGERS TO BUDDHISM ;
IN A NUTSHELL BUDDHISM CAN BE SUMMARISED AS FOLLOWS ;
* the three main basic principles or basic foundations of Buddha Dharma.
1 DEPENDANT ORIGINATION ( cause and effect ----- which includes KARMA ect )
2 THE THREE CHARACTERISTICS OF EXISTENCE. ( anicca, dhukka and anatta )
3 FOUR NOBEL TRUTHS . ( which includes Nobel eight fold path )
Please be clear about the above teachings.
* THEN PRACTICE THE FOLLOWING: ( very important and essential )
1 DO GOOD THINGS.
2 AVOID DOING BAD THINGS.
3 PURIFY THE MIND. ( this is the hardest and most difficult part in Buddhism which involves a lot of practice like meditation etc. ).
If item 3 is difficult , practice items 1 and 2 at least.
To achieve this you need Mindfulness, Effort and common sense.( right and balanced view ).
These are common to all forms of Buddhism but rituals and practices may differ. ( rituals are NOT at all important in BUDDHISM )
When you have a sound , clear knowledge about the above topics , you can practice ANY form of Buddhism or follow ANY religion, yet you will be on the correct BUDDHIST path to achieve peace of mind.
As lord buddha preached , please DO NOT accept any of these blindly .( please use your common sense and analyze before accepting ). LORD BUDHDHA only preached common sense and the true reality of existence.
P S:
NIRVANA IS ONLY A STATE OF MIND. AND NOT ANY OTHER PHYSICAL WORLD OR REALM OF EXISTENCE. .( it is a state of mind you achieve here and now and NOT something you achieve after death )
THANK YOU
I'm from India 🇮🇳 and I'm buddhist I'm so happy too see you videos
Great, glad to hear! 🙏😊
Would you stop for a moment?!
read from the Islamic religion and listen to the Holy Quran Excuse me!!
Would you stop for a moment?!
O...man...Haven't you thought-one day- about yourself ?
Who has made it?
?!
Have you seen a wonderful,delicate work without a worker ?!
It's you and the whole universe!..
Who has made them all ?!!
You know who ?.. It's "ALLAH",prise be to him
Just think for a moment.
How are you going to be after death ?!
Can you believe that this exact system of the universe and all of these
great creation will end in in nothing...just after death!
Have you thought, for a second, How to save your soul from Allah's punishment?!
Haven't you thought about what is the right religion?!
Read ... and think deeply before you answer..
It is religion of Islam.
It is the religion that the right Bible- which is not distorted-has preached.
Just have a look at The Bible of (Bernaba).
Don't be emstional.
Be rational and judge..
Just look..listen...compare..and then judge
and say your word.
Thank you Doug for all your wonderful work bringing the Buddha-Dharma closer to home!
Personally I must say that I find the Theravada Buddhism to be the one Buddhist tradition (with following practices) that resonates with me the most. Although I must also acknowledge that both the so called "secular", as well as the many "Tibetan" Buddhist practices have greatly contributed and enriched my practice, especially the many diverse practices of meditation, but also their quite diverse philosophy(-ies). (Which at least I don't find to be contradicting each-other, as many might think or believe - but rather instead builds and elaborates upon the earlier concepts that are already present within the early ones promulgated by Shakyamuni Buddha himself.)
Also, and perhaps a bit surprising and even confusing to some, I must admit that I also find some of the Yogic practices within Hinduism, such as especially many of the different (and then especially Tantric Yogic) meditation-practices, "breathing-excercises" (or Pranayama[s]) as well as some physical exercises, especially those for stretching and opening up the hips and knees - to more easily be able to sit comfortably for longer periods of time to be of great benefit for me.
I know, or at least believe that my approach probably is rather unorthodox - to say the least! But still - since they're both (Yoga and Buddhism) so called "yogic" traditions that are both equally old (Buddha Dharma -> Classical Yoga + VajraYana-Buddhism -> Tantra-/Shakta-Yoga, for ex.) and are also both indigenous Indic Yogic traditions that have also cross-pollinated each-other for millenia....well, is it REALLY such a weird and inconceivable paths to combine?
Or rather, what do you think of combining Theravada (which I see as my "ground-practice") with elements of Vajrayana such as some of it's philosophy as well as some of it's diff. meditation-exercises with some elements of (Hindu) Yoga elements like I described above?
(I've practiced for many years - so I don't find it confusing in any way...I just use it for different areas to accomplish different things....as I simply see all of these seemingly "distinct paths" [which generally tries to accomplish more or less the same thing(s)] - as tools on my way!).
Do you see any inherent problems in this approach? - I'ld be happy for any input. Thanks in advance!
Namaste!
Personally I don't see any necessary problems in this approach, so long as you aren't confused by it. Indeed I think many contemporary Buddhists in the west take this kind of syncretic approach to practice.
@@DougsDharma Thanks for your quick response Doug!
So, you "even" believe that there are many other, at least western Buddhist practitioners who practice in this way? Interesting! (Didn't know that - since I sadly don't have access to any Sangha where I live).
But no, I don't feel like I'm confused by this syncretic approach at all...as I said before - basically I practice Theravada + specific Vajrayana and also some Hindu yogic meditation-techniques and some Pranayama. So basically I have "just expanded" with some meditation techniques that I have found useful.
Anyway - thank you again for putting down my little worries!
I appreciate your insight that wanting to be "Buddhist" can be a form of craving and identification. I have observed that some people try to disentangle themselves from "religious buddhism" by referring to themselves as "secular Buddhists", but I would submit that "secular buddhism" can also be motivated by craving and identification. No one is exempt from one's own context and culture. Thank you.
Oh for sure Philip. Any form of identification can become a source of craving and clinging.
I like the part of budhism that tells you not to desire pleaasure a nd material goods. The thought behind it is very thought provoking. If you can truley let go of desires its a very powerful state of mind.
Yes, greed and hatred are what we have to deal with.
Hi Doug! loved the video and hoping you're safe and doing good during these days! Since I've started my practuce I had this impending doubt and feeling that I'm doing everthying wrong or feeling as "a bad buddhist", do you know why that might be? I know might sound as a strange question but... is still a doubt I have. Thank you so much for your work and greetings from Panama
Thanks Karla! I think it's perfectly natural when we start out (or even when we are well along!) to feel like we're screwing everything up and getting nothing right. Just be aware that part of the practice is to reflect upon our successes as well as our failures: what have we done right today? What mess did we not get ourselves in? Can we have kindness towards ourselves as well as others? Leave perfection aside for now, just think of the path.
Thank you so much your video.
You're very welcome!
Thanks wonderful teaching
Glad it was helpful!
This has been very helpful. Been wrestling w how to incorporate the parts of Buddhism w my current beliefs as a Christian that I'm not wanting to renounce. W secular Buddhism I can meditate and learn and practice the Dharma . I am finding meditation and the Dharma to be incredibly helpful and enriching. Honestly what began to draw me first was the kindness and humility of Buddhists over "doctrine".
That’s great Phil. I actually have an earlier video where I discuss ‘Buddhists of other religions’, since there are actually quite a lot of them! czcams.com/video/8wstShpo3Y8/video.html 🙂
@@DougsDharma thank u. I will check it out
The silence in your voice is very meditative.
🙏😊
Hello Doung.I am your new subscriber
Love from India 🇮🇳
Welcome! 🙏😊
Blessings of the Buddha. I am from Sri Lanka and I hope that the Nali Kavan I gave to your program will help. I tell you to come to our country to learn about Buddhism. You have the Triple Gem☸️☸️☸️☸️
Thank you Ravindu! 🙏
@@DougsDharma 🙏☸️☸️☸️
❤❤❤
Question: Say you have broken some of the 5 precepts in your past. Can you still follow the teachings with a good conscious or is some form of penance/forgiveness required?
Good question Ivo. The idea of penance or forgiveness comes from Christianity. It is not necessary in Buddhism. The precepts shouldn’t be thought of as divine commandments but rather as guidelines for correct practice. If we violate them we make an intention to do better the next time: it is for our own long term benefit after all.
@@DougsDharma Good to know, thanks!
You live this moment righteously. Past doesn't matter.
Everybody is given a lot chances to correct their path. Life and samsara is a journey from bad to good.
Read what happened to 'angulimala' thero!
"I am the owner of my karma .
I inherit my karma.
I am born of my karma.
I am related to my karma.
I live supported by my karma.
Whatever karma I create, whether good or evil, that I shall inherit."
@@mr.morrist4975 ah yes, this is a good sutta
I am glad you addressed the issue of subtle identification of wanting to be a Buddhist. I am not a Buddhist or practitioner (secular or otherwise) of any religion. However, I believe there is Truth in the teachings of the Buddha and among other religious figures or seekers of Truth.
I have been on my journey of dealing with existentialism and depression since I was 16. Due to those two factors along with childhood circumstances, I crave community and a sense of belonging. I want to belong and more importantly, I want to "know." I have been fighting against calling myself a Buddhist (or Taoist, or Christian) because I can't in good faith acknowledge that I am doing it out of non-craving. Seeking Truth and liberation without titles and labels is lonely and causes me pain. I still have a long way to go to rid myself of attachment, which I believe is the cause of suffering.
I hope that once COVID is over and we can meet face to face again, I can still participate in sanghas and communities seeking Truth and liberation without having to identify myself with being something. I hope that by not identifying it isn't disrespectful (and moreover if I am only deluding myself by participating and not identifying). I can only say that I am confused.
Thank you for these videos,
Thomas
You're very welcome Thomas! I think that as well as craving we are often beset by its opposite, aversion. So while we can crave identity, sometimes we can be aversive to identity too, even when it is useful. It totally depends on the situation, but it's something to investigate. And yes, it will be great to get beyond this COVID isolation!
@@DougsDharma I have never considered that the opposite of craving is aversion. I was blind to that fact in my desire for non-attachment. The Buddha promoted the middle way- to not indulge self and to not deny self, correct? To live with what the body needs. Perhaps, it is time to reconsider my needs and where my aversion to identification comes from. You have given me a lot to think about. Thank you.
Edit: After first reading your reply and before replying to you, I wrote in my journal, "Where does my aversion to concepts, ideas, and identification come from? Does it come from a place of death? Of nihilism? This is something to consider." Then, after replying to you, I watched your video on "The Middle Way," and you mentioned Jainism and the idea of "self-torture" to remove karmic baggage/the focus on what might be death and nihilism- and that struck a chord with me.
Your reply has opened many doors for me to think about.
Thank you again.
You're very welcome Thomas! Yes, it is a "middle way" indeed.
Thank you!
You're welcome! 😄
I know very little about Buddhism but what I know I like, it's a simpler philosophy of life and follows the golden rule plus
and the meditation helped you achieve a state of mind that will enlight you...
Yes exactly so!
I was raised atheist, but I have dabbled in religion since I was 12. I’ve been agnostic for several years now, and in my philosophy podcast they had an episode about the Buddha and his teachings. It was very insightful and I immediately clicked with his ideas, so I’m doing what I can to educate myself on Buddhism - it might just be what I’ve been looking for in religion all these years.
Hey cool to hear, TT. Check it out and see what you think, I have lots of videos that will be helpful.
Just out of curiosity, what is the name of the podcast?
Great sir thank you so much,,,,I'm from Nepal namo buddhaya
My first Sanskrit teacher was from Nepal as well. 🙏😊
@@DougsDharma thank you 💖💖
Thank you 🌷
You’re welcome 😊!
I'm wanting to convert to Buddhism everything makes sense to me, I feel comfort from this religion, so going to learn as much as I can, im from Edinburgh, Scotland so have been looking for places and people in my area
Great! I don't know much about what might be available there but I'm sure there is something. BTW I love Edinburgh, was there many years ago!
@@DougsDharma its a beautiful place, I love living here, I have been googling and found a few places, when we are out of full lockdown I will go and have a look around, I love your videos I've learned so much watching them, 😃
I will suggest that you explore yourself first and challenge Buddhism before 'converting'. As in Pali "Ehi Passiko" meaning "come and see for yourself". 2500 years ago the Buddha said to his disciples not to accept his teachings by 'faith'. Be aware that Buddhism is a totally different concept than the 'religions of the book'. due to the COVID-19 situation, I suggest you start with the Theravada Buddhist teachings (the original teaching as expounded by Buddha in his native Pali, before seeking other Buddhist doctrine because it is the most easily comprehensible form). Please visit here: www.budsas.org/ebud/whatbudbeliev/main.htm. The author was the Chief Reverend of Malaysia from the Theravada School (Sri Lanka) tradition. As in Buddhism, only you can save yourself :)
Hiii 👋 🙂 🎉🎉🎉 wanna be friends ✨ ?
I grew up in a Christian family but I have never believed in God as I believe there is too much suffering and pain in the world for their to be an omnibenevolent creator. I have always been interested in the world as I believe there are things we can never understand and I would like to know myself and the world from a different perspective. That’s when I started practicing basic spirituality but I never connected with it. The idea of following buddhist ideologies came into my head when I watched a buddhist monk speak about his life and experiences and he seemed so peaceful. I knew from that moment it was the life I wanted to live.
Yes I agree, so many who practice display peace.
A lot of times I just tell people, (if they ask my religion). I follow the Dharma, and they can expand on that, with questions if they wish.
That's a good plan! Thanks Leland.
In Tibetan tradition, the Boddhisatva vows are 18 root vows and 46 branch or secondary vows. They are not chanted. Alexander Berzin explains them quite well. The first root vow is not to praise yourself and not put down others. Another one root vow is not put down the Arhat path or individual liberation path.
Thanks for the clarification Alicia. In the Zen tradition the Bodhisattva vows are chanted, so it's interesting to know they aren't always so.
I'm trying to become a secular buddhist as well
Wasn't it Yoda who said, "There is no try only do." 😀
@@carlosmedlen I dont need saving, thanks tho
Hi Doug, I was wondering, do you think using meditation music is bad? I’ve done some research and opinions seem mixed. Love the videos!
Thanks Link! I think in general that meditation music can become a kind of crutch. I don't think there's anything wrong with it once in awhile, but we can get caught in situations of just sitting and listening to or enjoying the music, and that's kind of not the point of meditation. Might be worth doing a video on eventually. 🙂
@@DougsDharma Hi Doug! I think it would be a good idea to do a video on music with meditation or having guided meditation. Personally I am against both even though I can see how it could be helpful to some people.
The reason I am against meditation music is because, as you pointed out, it can be a distraction. A person can very easily get caught up in just enjoying the music and not meditating. (That is what happened to me the first time I tried listening to meditation music while meditating. I quickly realized this was no different from me just sitting and listening to music on the radio to relax. I may as well just have been watching TV and calling it meditating.)
As for guided meditation I do not think it is helpful having someone tell you what to think about while meditating. "Imagine yourself in a field of flowers on a bright, sunny day!" No, that is not meditating to me. To me that takes away from doing things like counting the breath or focusing on the present moment. That's just my 2 cents worth.
@@Octoberfurst Yes, you are absolutely right. Meditation means , keep your mind in the present moment.
I learned Vipassana meditation from two places:
1) A monestry in Sri Lanka
www.nissarana.lk
2) In meditation center - Goenka
dhamma.org
Listen to following vedios of who did 10 day vipassana course at Goenka Vipassana meditation centers. They got a center in each country .
czcams.com/video/yfbEJI-k7T8/video.html
czcams.com/video/Gia2585hs6s/video.html
czcams.com/video/jztTK3TNiPU/video.html
You will see how it will change your life....way of you are thinking....way of you are re-acting....
"The island has been a center of Buddhist scholarship and practice since the introduction of Buddhism in the third century BCE producing eminent scholars such as Buddhaghosa and preserving the vast Pāli Canon. Throughout most of its history, Sri Lankan kings have played a major role in the maintenance and revival of the Buddhist institutions of the island. During the 19th century, a modern Buddhist revival took place on the island which promoted Buddhist education. Due to the islands close ties with India, Sinhalese Buddhism has been in part influenced by Hinduism and indigenous beliefs, and some Buddhists share similar beliefs with Hindus, such as the worship of Hindu deities, the caste system, and Animism. Some traditional Sinhalese Temple layout also includes individual shrines dedicated to Hindu gods. Some of the most important Hindu god’s worshiped by some Sinhalese Buddhists include Vishnu, Murugan, Pathini, Nata, Gambara, Dedimunda, Saraswati, Ganesh, Lakshmi, Shiva and Kali, etc. Demons and spirits are also invoked during Exorcisms and rituals, which seem to be customs passed down from Pre-Buddhist indigenous times. In 2007, there were around 6,000 Buddhist monasteries on Sri Lanka with approximately 30,000 monks" (2)
Somehow i feel like our mind is making it so exited about it, so intresting and complicated. while it's actually kinda simple, live
It can be very simple indeed Mantas, but that doesn't mean it's easy! 😄
I was in a very 'urgent state of distress' & the only spiritual education I had was Christian at the moment but it just was not resonating with me anymore. Out of nowhere my thoughts were telling me to look into Buddha's story, he seems to have his peace together lol & it's been a beautiful journey ever since.
Appreciation to Siddhartha ☸️
Glad to hear it Nolo!
Sir, there is no need to become Budhist by religion. Instead of it follow and learn practical aspects of The Budha. Budhas principles are unuversal things and easy to observe peactically.
Thanks you sir for your great effort to teach Budha.
Thanks Mana, I think that's right. It's better to learn and practice.
I don't think there's even a Buddhist temple within my country so yeah I'm gonna practice it but not actually become Buddhist
i’ve had these ideals prior to finding it through buddhism, so it’s right for me
Glad to hear it nobu!
Thank you🙏🙏
My pleasure! 🙏😊
In the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, to become "officialy buddhist" one have to take refuge with a lama. You also receive a dharma name. Most of the time when a great lama does a seminar he also gives refuge. But it is certain that the most important is to have an understanding of the dharma and to practice it. As always a great video, thanks Doug.
You're very welcome Nathan, thanks for the clarification!
Did you tell me is chinese xi jinping govt is favourable to Buddhism or not
As a theravada it’s enough to seek refuge in Buddha, Dhamma and Shanga as well as practising five precepts and the eight fold path.. simple, is not it!!
@@goldminesactionmania4662 xi jingping is buddhist but his political way is nothing to do with Buddhism.
I am attracted to Buddhism because I want to get rid of all that’s a lie. I want to live in the truth. I want to wake up from the dream I was in my whole life. I want to live a life full of love. I want to be freed from all constructs that serve no purpose. I want to break the chains. And also, I am attracted the Buddhism because my souls needs to heal, and it feels like this is how I will finally get help. It just...feels right.
Well that's very nice Evelyn, I hope you find what you're looking for!
It's been a week, since I became a Zen Buddhist. I found what I was looking for, I feel peace.
I'm glad for you!
Thanks for the video. I've been looking for a refresher as I consider rebooting my latent Buddhist path. I grew up Catholic and wandered into Eastern religion in my mid- to late twenties, including trying out several Buddhist traditions over the course of 15 years or so. After wandering into Taoism and Advaita Vedanta, I'm feeling a pull back toward Shingon Buddhism. (Esoteric religion is kind of my thing, I suppose.) I'm kind of allergic to being a joiner and swallowing other people's dogma, so I don't imagine I'll ever consider myself a Buddhist in any conventional sense. I get why so many in the West insist that Buddhism isn't a religion, even though I think that's a dubious claim. I think people are just tired of the way things are and are looking for something that penetrates more deeply into the nature of the universe and who we are.
Sure. I think each of us has to find our way, and it's great if you can find something that gives meaning and purpose.
I was lost soo badly in ethics and religions i belive now buddhism is the right religion based on my character profile! :)
That's great to hear Pod! Thanks for your comment.
i went to a school at a buddhist centre and the beliefs have always appealed to me but i just get too scared to commit to it
Well yes it can seem scary to try to do it all at once. But I think when we see that even a small bit of practice can help us lead better lives, it may be worth it. Start small! 🙂
I practice online on the sudhavari monastery in Brazil. Is theravada forest tradition. Aniway my real practice is in all the day and my matinal meditation.
🙏😊
Hey I am.a buddist from Nepal ❤️ where the buddist. Born.....
And I end up with subscribing your channel ❤️
Excellent! Glad to have you here. 🙏🙂
The Refuge Vows taken privately or publicly make you a Buddhist, when they are clear in the heart, internally. To live them out externally help you Practice not only Meditation but BuddhaDharma or Buddhism. Jikai
Very good Keith, well said.
It's not a religion it's a way of life
Yes, thanks!
hello doug, buddhism really intrigues me and i love the things that it believes in. just watching videos like these really change the way i see things, however i know i am no where near enlightment and i havent started practicing it. I am only 14 so do you suggest that i take it at least kind of seriously or should i wait?
That's completely up to you Mason. If you find it interesting, try a little meditation perhaps!
thank you
My pleasure!
Yes Buddhism is the way of life to enlightenment yourself.
That's right, thanks!