Will I say the same things again?

[Gem]

I will say what I always say: that this thread is not about Buddhist practice; it is the practice itself. I can't possibly frame the subject in any other way, because if it isn't in practice then it can't be called 'Buddhism'.This then only begs the question: what is the practice?

There are a couple of formalities: 'taking refuge' and some simple moral vows (sila). For the purposes of this thread, refuge should be thought of taking refuge or resting in the enlightenment within yourself, whatever it means to you... a secondary aspect of refuge is refuge in eachother, as we should be as trustful as we can that we wish for mutual happiness and greater benefit and well-being. If this remains our true wish, that makes us trustworthy. It's also the basic principle of 'metta', or loving-kindness.

The moral vows are pretty simple: not killing, stealing etc. or otherwise harming, which are a basic byproduct of taking refuge, and hence, metta. It is taught that these two together are the foundation of practice. So with refuge in enlightenment and conduct of kind, mutual respect, we're well founded for the intricacies of practice.

[sky]

Originally Posted by Gem

I will say what I always say: that this thread is not about Buddhist practice; it is the practice itself. I can't possibly frame the subject in any other way, because if it isn't in practice then it can't be called 'Buddhism'.This then only begs the question: what is the practice?

There are a couple of formalities: 'taking refuge' and some simple moral vows (sila). For the purposes of this thread, refuge should be thought of taking refuge or resting in the enlightenment within yourself, whatever it means to you... a secondary aspect of refuge is refuge in eachother, as we should be as trustful as we can that we wish for mutual happiness and greater benefit and well-being. If this remains our true wish, that makes us trustworthy. It's also the basic principle of 'metta', or loving-kindness.

he moral vows are pretty simple: not killing, stealing etc. or otherwise harming, which are a basic byproduct of taking refuge, and hence, metta. It is taught that these two together are the foundation of practice. So we with refuge in enlightenment, and conduct of kind, mutual respect. If we remain grounded in these, we're well founded for the intricacies of practice.

There are many ways to practise Buddhism and I think it depends on what branch ( if any) you choose to follow. Some focus on different aspects of Buddha's teachings but all of them do follow the basics and seem to agree and accept the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. Buddhism unlike religion is open to diversity so each branch/school will follow different practices but to be a Buddist you must practise Buddhism according to your branch/school.

Lol,
funny these absolute fabrications.

Feeling pleasant feelings and ridiculous thoughts.
Breathing.....

With love
Eelco

"The terms Thai Buddhism, Sri Lankan Buddhism, Chinese Buddhism, Tibetan Buddhism, Korean Buddhism, and so on are social conventions. In each case, Buddhism in a country is not monolithic and contains many Buddhist practice traditions and tenet systems. Within these, there are subgroups consisting of monasteries or teachers with various affiliations. Some subtraditions emphasize study, others meditation. Some stress practicing serenity (samatha, śamatha), others insight (vipassanā, vipaśyanā), and others both together.

As followers of the Buddha, let’s keep these variations in mind and not think that everything we hear or learn about another tradition applies to everyone in that tradition. Similarly not everything we hear about how Buddhism is practiced in a particular country applies to all traditions or temples in that country.
Indeed we are a huge and diverse Buddhist family following the same wise and compassionate Teacher, Śākyamuni Buddha. I believe our diversity is one of our strengths. It has allowed Buddhism to spread throughout the world and to benefit billions of people on this planet."
-Buddhism:One Teacher , Many Traditions-
Dalai Lama and Thubten Chodron.

[muffin]

Good afternoon Gem

Till something becomes seconded nature, you don't have to think about it.

To listen to yourself and to bring in the things in that resonate with you.

[Gem]

Originally Posted by Eelco

Lol,
funny these absolute fabrications.

Which fabrications do you mean?

Feeling pleasant feelings and ridiculous thoughts.
Breathing.....

These or something else?

[Gem]

The reason I start where I do, with refuge and sila, is these aren't exclusively Buddhist; they are fundamental to practice in any art of living. Taking refuge in your enlightenment defines the spiritual focus, and the general wish to benefit provides the impetus for practice.

Originally Posted by Gem

Which fabrications do you mean?

I meant this one.
But if you want to call mine fabrications too. You're right as well.

Originally Posted by Gem

that this thread is not about Buddhist practice; it is the practice itself. I can't possibly frame the subject in any other way, because if it isn't in practice then it can't be called 'Buddhism'.

With Love
Eelco

[Gem]

Originally Posted by Eelco

I meant this one.
But if you want to call mine fabrications too. You're right as well.






With Love
Eelco

According to how I was instructed, Buddhism consists of the philosophy and the practice. For example, taking refuge isn't just lip-service; it is actually meant and really applied in life. Similarly, vows to morality are not empty words. They are meant and aspired to.

Never mind....

With Love
Eelco