Discovering Buddhism St Petersburg Fl

By Laura Lewis


While most organized religions are associated with specific beliefs, most spiritual practices are free of such dogma. For example, the Clear Water Zen Center while based in the teachings of Buddhism St Petersburg Fl is a center which provides to meditation to all whom are interested. For, Buddhist teachings provide for a variety of forms of meditation in order to heal body, mind and soul.

Before moving into any spiritual practice, it is important to learn as much about the practice as possible. When it comes to Zen, the term is derived from the ancient Sanskrit term, "dhyana, " which refers to a meditative state which is non-dualistic. Whereas, Zazen, or silent Zen meditation is often considered the essential practice of Zen.

Buddhists believe that by freeing the mind of all clutter, thought, images, stresses and strains from daily life, individuals can access a vast amount of wisdom and compassion. In the process, it is believed that this inner wisdom and compassion can eventually lead the individual to an enlightened state. For, while the teachings of Buddha are vast and deep, the practice of Dharma is actually what brings about enlightenment through personal change and transformation.

The practice is one that started in India though has now spread around the world. Known as Buddhism, the practice is actually based on the beliefs of Siddhartha Guatama, or the first Buddha. For, Siddhartha was the first to travel the world in search for the truth of life, having become enlightened at the age of 15.

The first Buddha was born an infant prince whom would rule over a small southern kingdom of Nepal. The young prince left behind status, wealth and title to search for the spiritual truth of life as a teenager. Once having found this truth and having become enlightened, Guatama became the first Buddha at age 15 and spent the next 45 years teaching in Northern India.

During this time, the Buddha focused a great deal of teaching on how to overcome suffering. For, during the search, the Buddha recognized the sufferings of all living things from birth through death. As such, the Buddha taught that by overcoming this suffering, a person could be truly happy.

The first teachings were lessons to fellow seekers whom had renounced the world. These individuals included monks, or a group of holy men whom had studied with the Buddha for at least five years. The Buddha presented these men with the Eightfold Noble Path and the Four Noble Truths Of Life. For, it is these teachings which provide the causes and cures of suffering.

Some of the paths which the Buddha taught included the path to Nirvana or total enlightenment, The Three Poisons, Meditation, the Middle Way and the Marks of Existence. Out of all these teachings, meditation became the most popular over time. Whereas, there now are number of different forms meditation being used in a number of spiritual practices.

Buddhism and god are a tricky combination. For, most Buddhists do not believe in dogma or that individuals require saving by a higher power. Rather, most believe that following Buddhist teachings that following a solo or independent path toward enlightenment will eventually lead to Nirvana.




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