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3 basic practices for Buddhists
Knowing Buddhism and practice what are taught by Buddha are two different subjects. One learns the origin of Buddhism and how Buddha gained the knowledge of his teaching to understand the Buddhism as a religion. Practicing what are being taught by Buddha for one's belief, however, is to gain the knowledge of being a Buddhist. Of course, there is no single guideline, to my experience and knowlege, to be a Buddhist. There are only teaching of Buddha, which are many, for Buddhists to learn and practice for their everyday life to gain peace and understanding about everything around themselves.
One of the the common and basic practices for Buddhists is to learn 3 basic practices: Si-en (5 common rules of living), SaMaDhi (Meditation), and Pan-Ya (wisdom).
Si-en ( pronouce Si - en with the long sound of en ) ( 5 guidelines of living) ( please correct me I'm wrong in pronunciation)
For Buddhists, 5 guidelines of living are essential for a peaceful life, a life that happiness comes from within.
First, is "Not to have intention to kill or harm others' life". It is the fact that if one does not have or gains an intention (gaining by forces around one's living environment) to kill or harm others' life, which include all living creatures, one will live a peaceful life.
"Not to have intention to steal" is the second guideline of living. It is obvious that if someone steal our belongings, we are unable to live peacefully. Although we forgive them for what they did, we will have to spend our time and effort replace what is stolen. What if the stolen objects are irreplaceable, we may not only "not forgiving" but also feel hurt and pain inside.
"Not to have intention to lie to others" is the third guideline of living. How one can live, for instance, a good and peaceful life when he/she has to deceive others or is being deceived by others at all time.
Fourth gudeline is "Not to engage or encourage sexual activity with others' wife". This guideline is somewhat awkward when one reads it word by word. Basically, this guideline ask everyone not to engage in sexual activity, concented or ortherwise, with someone that is not your wife or husband. In the comparison of real life, for instance, if everyone learn to believe this guideline, HIV will less likely to become an epidemic issue in our world.
Lastly, "Not to consume or drink alcoholic beverage" is the fifth guideline of peaceful living. This includes drinks that contain alcohol which decrease your mental and physical ability to function at 100%.
NOTE: I may have to come back and finish this topic at the later time.
Please note that all that I have written and will be writing are based on my knowledge and experiences of being Buddhist. My sole purpose is to share my knowledge with others. My writing is not taken from anyone writing or words. Thus, mistake in wording is common. My appreciation is extended to anyone who wants to correct or expand my writing for the better understanding of others. Thank you.
One of the the common and basic practices for Buddhists is to learn 3 basic practices: Si-en (5 common rules of living), SaMaDhi (Meditation), and Pan-Ya (wisdom).
Si-en ( pronouce Si - en with the long sound of en ) ( 5 guidelines of living) ( please correct me I'm wrong in pronunciation)
For Buddhists, 5 guidelines of living are essential for a peaceful life, a life that happiness comes from within.
First, is "Not to have intention to kill or harm others' life". It is the fact that if one does not have or gains an intention (gaining by forces around one's living environment) to kill or harm others' life, which include all living creatures, one will live a peaceful life.
"Not to have intention to steal" is the second guideline of living. It is obvious that if someone steal our belongings, we are unable to live peacefully. Although we forgive them for what they did, we will have to spend our time and effort replace what is stolen. What if the stolen objects are irreplaceable, we may not only "not forgiving" but also feel hurt and pain inside.
"Not to have intention to lie to others" is the third guideline of living. How one can live, for instance, a good and peaceful life when he/she has to deceive others or is being deceived by others at all time.
Fourth gudeline is "Not to engage or encourage sexual activity with others' wife". This guideline is somewhat awkward when one reads it word by word. Basically, this guideline ask everyone not to engage in sexual activity, concented or ortherwise, with someone that is not your wife or husband. In the comparison of real life, for instance, if everyone learn to believe this guideline, HIV will less likely to become an epidemic issue in our world.
Lastly, "Not to consume or drink alcoholic beverage" is the fifth guideline of peaceful living. This includes drinks that contain alcohol which decrease your mental and physical ability to function at 100%.
NOTE: I may have to come back and finish this topic at the later time.
Please note that all that I have written and will be writing are based on my knowledge and experiences of being Buddhist. My sole purpose is to share my knowledge with others. My writing is not taken from anyone writing or words. Thus, mistake in wording is common. My appreciation is extended to anyone who wants to correct or expand my writing for the better understanding of others. Thank you.
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Comments
( I have Ven. Chanyuth at BuddhaVihara.org with me when I complete this section)
Si-en (5 guidelines of living) is, in fact, the foundation which guides one to SaMaDhi (Meditation). When one practices Si-en, the inner peace and happiness arise from within. This inner feeling allows one to achieve meditation.
What is Meditation? Generally, meditation is to learn how to control or how to guide your mind to a stage of inner peace of mind (Pi-ti). There are many meditation practices. I will only explain a very basic one.
According to "The Secret Law of Nature Found in the Complete Voluntary Enlightenment of Buddha" written by Pra Supromyanathera (Thong Sirimamkalo) Abbot of Wat Pra Dhard Sri Chimthong Voravihara, Chiangmai, Thailand, meditation is as following:
Sitting Meditation Practice
Meditations should learn first how to sit. According to the Pali text, meditators should sit with their legs crossed, their torso straight, and their mindfulness active. For meditators to sit correctly, meditation teachers recommend two postures.
Posture 1:
The meditator sits with legs folded, the left one turned toward the body and the right one turned away from the body. The feet rest on top of the legs. The heel of the right foot touches the left shin. The right hand is on top of the left one with the tips of both thumbs touching each other.
Posture 2:
The meditator sits with legs crossed – the right one on the left one. The right hand is placed on the left hand with the tips of both thumbs touching each other.
Having chosen a posture, meditators should sit properly, keeping the torso, the neck, and the head straight. Then the eyes are closed and the mind focuses on the abdomen.
Inhalation causes the abdomen to rise. Meditators acknowledge “rising” simultaneously – not before or after the rising of the abdomen.
Exhalation causes the abdomen to fall. Meditators acknowledge “falling” simultaneously – not before or after the falling of the abdomen.
How long each sitting period should be depends on the meditators.
Beginners
New meditators may sit for ten minutes at a time. If the rising/falling of the abdomen is not obvious, meditators should place their hands on it to recognize the rising and falling of abdomen.
Acknowledging “rising” and “falling” keep the mind on two bodily actions. This is called the two-step acknowledging. Meditators may have to sit acknowledging “rising” and “falling” many times, and they may experience many physical and mental difficulties. With practicing, however, one can achieve meditation.
EDIT:
Judging by the large amount of bumps it seems most of these probably came up in a search.
I agree - that was my first book I ever read on Buddhism that I was serious about. I still have it, dog eared and all :rolleyes:
In metta,
Rave