Originally posted on Peace Paul's Blog:
When we speak of Enlightenment, we often think of the Buddha sitting peacefully under the Bodhi Tree. This Buddha is ubiquitous; found in temples, religious murals, on home altars, and even in pop art. We forget, however, that the Buddha lived most of his life in public teaching,…
Tag: Buddha
The Buddha Was Engaged with the World
Originally posted on Peace Paul's Blog:
Recently I read “In Search of Buddha’s Daughters” by Christine Toomey. It is a collection of interviews with, and accounts of, Buddhist nuns – many of them on the leading edge of reform. These are stories of strong women taking courageous stands against oppressive, often abusive, patriarchal institutions.…
What Is This Thing Called Buddhism?
Buddhism has proved to be exceptionally malleable as it has gone from culture to culture. Each culture can find in the Buddhist canon the words and interpretations that fit it.
Saved by the Spirit
By some ironic linguistic mutation, we call “progressives” those who want to return to the spirit of the great teachers and “fundamentalists” those who have forgotten what religion means.
The Metta Sutra
To me, the Metta (Loving Kindness) Sutra is one of the most beautiful.
Me First, Kids!
It’s widely accepted that few of us have planned adequately for the financial consequences of our lengthy old age, and I’d add that few of us are prepared emotionally and spiritually.
Inside and Outside
Some think it’s egotistical to believe that God is within us, but I’d say the opposite.
Responsible for Ourselves
The Buddha had no patience for diversions from his goal, which was to end needless suffering.
The Buddha Goes to the Superbowl
All of us are Buddhas on the inside — you, me, Lady Gaga, Cam Newton, Peyton Manning.
Quotes
It’s amazing how many contemporary-sounding quotes are attributed to the Buddha, who did not usually speak in short, snappy sentences.
Insufferable Suffering
With the word “suffering” at their heart, the Four Noble Truths sound to many of us like nonsense.
Gratitude and Happiness
Originally posted on Peace Paul's Blog:
The first noble truth of Buddhism, which is often translated simply as suffering, actually has a richer meaning. It conveys a sense of bitterness, of unsatisfactoriness, of incompleteness. The Buddha was realistic. He did not deny the existence of happiness in our daily lives. Life is filled with…