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How to Practice

BekenzeBekenze
edited May 2012 in Buddhism Basics
I know I've posted a topic like this many of times, but I still seem to be yearning some kind of solid guidance.

How exactly should I apply "Buddhist practice" to everyday life? Yeah yeah, I know, don't steal or drink or kill, be generous, don't be attached to things, etc. This, to me, all seems like common sense moral guidelines, or perhaps Buddhism has changed my thinking to believe these are just normal moral everyday things to do. What say you all?

Comments

  • howhow Veteran Veteran
    edited May 2012
    Bekenzew asks ..How exactly should I apply "Buddhist practice" to everyday life

    Sometimes I think that it can be in the moment to moment asking of that very question.
    My way of answering that question is manefested by how I try to practise moment to moment meditation in everyday life. The three pure precepts, the four noble truths, the eight fold path and the rest of the buddhist number games are just the pointers on how to do just that.
  • JeffreyJeffrey Veteran
    Study, contemplate, and meditate. Eightfold path. :)
  • JeffreyJeffrey Veteran
    One thing I just remembered is that it's about practice not attainment. And practice has no size. It is neither big nor small. It is just practice. So do your best.
  • SabreSabre Veteran
    edited May 2012
    The precepts are not just "don't do this, don't do that", but also imply practicing the opposite. Instead of stealing, give things away. Instead of lying, practice speech that creates harmony and happiness. Instead of hurting living beings, help them with things, etc. Such things are already less obvious for a lot of people.

    Aside from that, meditation is essential. You may also want to study some texts and/or listen to some dhamma talk once in a while.

    Have fun practicing!

    Metta!
  • Floating_AbuFloating_Abu Veteran
    I know I've posted a topic like this many of times, but I still seem to be yearning some kind of solid guidance.

    How exactly should I apply "Buddhist practice" to everyday life? Yeah yeah, I know, don't steal or drink or kill, be generous, don't be attached to things, etc. This, to me, all seems like common sense moral guidelines, or perhaps Buddhism has changed my thinking to believe these are just normal moral everyday things to do. What say you all?
    I say that practice is ongoing, and it is also important and fundamental.

    I vote with Jeffrey, the Eightfold Path -- which means meditation, kindness, and continued learning and an open joyful mind where possible. This means therefore, working with the mud, working with the dirt, forgiving yourself, and learning all the time. Best wishes and gratitude.

    Abu
  • ThailandTomThailandTom Veteran
    As Jeff pointed out the 8fold path. This is a beauty, it should be a Buddhists start and end. Referring back to it daily helps a lot because it keeps you in line as a lay Buddhist. I think that one cannot rush into things and certain aspects of the dharma become intergrated into ones life as you go, it just kind of happens, it just clicks and you have a moment of realization. Keep going Bekenze, things will click into place with time :)
  • DairyLamaDairyLama Veteran Veteran
    How exactly should I apply "Buddhist practice" to everyday life?
    The practice of mindfulness is something you can do anywhere, anytime.
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