Learning about Buddhism

 

‘Now, kalamas, do not be led by reports, or tradition, or hearsay. Be not led by the authority of religious texts, nor by mere logic or inference, nor by considering appearances, nor by the delight in speculative opinions, nor by seeming possibilities, nor by the idea; “This is our Teacher”.

 

‘But, O Kalamas, when you know for yourselves that certain things are unwholesome and wrong and bad, then give them up… and when you know that certain things are wholesome and good, and that the wise believe them to be so, then accept them and follow them.’

 

The Buddha (Anguttara Nikaya)

 

If one is to practice the Buddhist path it needs to be reflected upon and understood. So study of the Buddha’s teachings and reflection upon them are important if one is to practice Buddhism.

 

In order for Enlightenment to occur from the Dharma, or the Buddha’s teachings, Buddhist tradition says you must do three things: listen, reflect, and meditate on it.

 

It is important, firstly, to know what Buddhism teaches. A revolutionary and special approach to life was had by the Buddha, and this emphasises the meditation and other Buddhist practices. Challenging and intuitive were these teachings, and they reveal a inimitable vision of human potential, but they often need answers and enquiry if their meaning to our lives is to become clear. Held at Buddhist centres are talks, courses and study groups, which are opportunities to hear the Dharma in this way, and to make sense of it in terms of one’s own life. There are bookshops with books from across the Buddhist traditions in many centres .

 

The Dharma can be reflected upon individually or with others. There are study groups that give an opportunity to interpret understanding, share experience, and learn new approaches along with others.

 

The Dharma requires meditating upon, the third stage. Knowledge of life which modifies one’s entire being is the aim of Buddhism. Retreats and seminars are the context of which study takes place, and meditation can be practiced as an opportunity to reflect on Buddhist teachings.