Do Buddhists worship the Buddha? The Buddha was a teacher, not a god. When you see Buddhists bowing to statues or images of the Buddha, they’re not necessarily worshipping him but rather making a physical expression of their humble intent to follow the Buddha’s teachings in order to overcome an ego-centered life. In fact, in one Buddhist scripture, the Buddha seems to be critical of god worship, telling a young man that it’s far more important to live ethically than it is to worship anything. Over time, though, the various schools of Buddhism have come to view the Buddha in different ways; some almost seem to deify and worship him, while others simply hold him in the highest esteem and treat him as the ultimate teacher. Is ignorance really a poison? What's wrong with not knowing things? From the Buddhist perspective, calling ignorance a poison is specifically referring to a lack of understanding about the nature of reality. So, for example, when we perceive things to be permanent and independent from other things, this blinds us from seeing things as they truly are: impermanent and interdependent. This misconception fuels our suffering. The most dangerous manifestation of ignorance is the belief in a permanent self that exists independent of other people and the rest of the world. Clinging to this false, or ignorant, sense of self and wanting to protect it give rise to greed and hatred. Ignorance is a poison because it prevents us from seeing things as they are, which is necessary to reach enlightenment. The antidote to ignorance is wisdom about the nature of both reality and the self. What does it mean to have right intent? If we want to reduce suffering, we need to be aware of the intentions we have regarding the things we say and do. When our intentions stem from anger or hatred, they’re more likely to cause harm than if they stem from happiness or gratitude. When we behave reactively, it is very difficult to be mindful of the intent behind our words and actions. It takes practice to become aware of our intentions. You can start this practice by asking yourself, 'Why?' as you react to things in life. When I’m feeling anger, for example, I like to ask myself, 'Why am I experiencing this emotion?' If I’m being kind to someone, I ask myself, 'Why? Is it because I genuinely care about this person, or am I trying to gain something out of this interaction?' Do I have to be vegetarian to be Buddhist? (Don't make me give up meat!) Some Buddhists are vegetarians, and some are not. Again, there’s nothing mandatory to do or refrain from doing in order to be a Buddhist. The Buddha did not require his followers to be vegetarians; while he taught that killing was an unskillful practice, he also encouraged monks to graciously accept whatever food was offered to them, including meat. Some schools of Buddhism encourage and practice a vegetarian diet as a way to follow the first precept, but others don’t. In the end, it’s a personal choice, and each person must decide if vegetarianism is suitable for his or her particular circumstances in life.
✔ Author(s): Noah Rasheta
✔ Title: No-Nonsense Buddhism for Beginners: Clear Answers to Burning Questions about Core Buddhist Teachings
✔ Rating : 4.7 out of 5 base on (5864 reviews)
✔ ISBN-10: 1641520477
✔ Language: English
✔ Format ebook: PDF, EPUB, Kindle, Audio, HTML and MOBI
✔ Device compatibles: Android, iOS, PC and Amazon Kindle
Readers' opinions about No by Noah Rasheta
Aubrie Todd
Discover the poignant story of a family navigating life's ups and downs in this moving novel. The author's empathetic writing and well-drawn characters create a deeply emotional experience. Each chapter explores themes of love, loss, and resilience with sensitivity. The plot's twists and turns keep you engaged throughout. It's a heartwarming and thought-provoking read. Perfect for readers who enjoy stories about family dynamics.
Shark Davey
Delve into a dystopian world where survival hinges on ingenuity and courage. The author's vivid descriptions and fast-paced narrative keep you on the edge of your seat. The protagonist's journey is filled with thrilling moments and unexpected twists. The world-building is detailed and immersive, creating a believable and haunting setting. It's a gripping tale that explores themes of power, resistance, and hope. Ideal for fans of dystopian fiction.
Carla Oliver
Follow the heartwarming journey of a group of friends navigating life's challenges together. The author's empathetic writing and well-developed characters create a deeply emotional experience. Each chapter explores themes of friendship, love, and resilience with sensitivity. The plot's twists and turns keep you engaged throughout. It's a story that celebrates the bonds that connect us. Perfect for readers who enjoy stories about friendship and community.
