Buddhists are increasing in number, and today they are found all over the world. If you have been harboring the idea of joining the practice, you will find this read valuable. It provides explanations on some of the common guiding principles of Tampa Buddhism in the paragraphs below.
The first principle revolves around striving to bring the suffering of all kinds of beings to an end. Buddhist teaching is centered on the Four Noble Truths. The corresponding vows here are the Four Great Bodhisattva Vows that can help you alleviate suffering. Additionally, it is important to follow the Noble Eightfold Path. This is the practice behind Buddhism.
To practice this religion, it is also vital that one ends craving and wanting. Such habits are believed to be the major causes of human suffering. They usually result from ignorance, desire and the want for both material things and pleasure. As a Buddhist, you have to realize that suffering cannot be ended easily. Instead, you have to make a deliberate effort to do your part.
Buddhism also routes for an end to suffering through learning. There are lots of things about dharma that are worth teaching yourself about. Therefore, it is vital for followers of the tradition to enlighten themselves and act. Suffering ends at the point when nirvana is reached. To reach such a point, one has to adopt the Noble Eightfold Path as their way of life.
It is also important that a follower of Buddha lives according to the Five Precepts of Buddhism. While they are not commandments, it is vital that you try your best to work towards them. The first precept is to avoid killing all kinds of beings. It basically requires that one loves all other creatures. For this reason, most practitioners of this religion are vegetarians.
Stealing is also a habit that one should refrain from. Again, you are not forced to do this, but it should come from within you. It involves refraining from taking anything that does not belong to you. So, it means that you should never rob your neighbors, relatives, colleagues or strangers. It also requires being generous and open. With regards to generosity, you can volunteer your time, give to charity and raise awareness.
Another important principle in the religion is the avoidance of exploitation. Practicing Buddhists have to commit to avoiding sexual, physical, emotional and mental exploitation. However, you do not have to completely abstain from sex. Instead, you should be mindful of the consequences of exploiting yourself and others. Any sexual activity has to be between consenting people, but not with someone who has been married before.
Telling the truth at all times is also a guiding pillar for Buddhists. So, to practice Buddhism, you have to always refrain from telling lies. Instead of lying, you should want to be a source of honesty, openness, and truthfulness. Taking alcohol and other drugs that alter the mind is also discouraged. This is because such substances are likely to confuse your thinking and lead you to make wrong choices.
The first principle revolves around striving to bring the suffering of all kinds of beings to an end. Buddhist teaching is centered on the Four Noble Truths. The corresponding vows here are the Four Great Bodhisattva Vows that can help you alleviate suffering. Additionally, it is important to follow the Noble Eightfold Path. This is the practice behind Buddhism.
To practice this religion, it is also vital that one ends craving and wanting. Such habits are believed to be the major causes of human suffering. They usually result from ignorance, desire and the want for both material things and pleasure. As a Buddhist, you have to realize that suffering cannot be ended easily. Instead, you have to make a deliberate effort to do your part.
Buddhism also routes for an end to suffering through learning. There are lots of things about dharma that are worth teaching yourself about. Therefore, it is vital for followers of the tradition to enlighten themselves and act. Suffering ends at the point when nirvana is reached. To reach such a point, one has to adopt the Noble Eightfold Path as their way of life.
It is also important that a follower of Buddha lives according to the Five Precepts of Buddhism. While they are not commandments, it is vital that you try your best to work towards them. The first precept is to avoid killing all kinds of beings. It basically requires that one loves all other creatures. For this reason, most practitioners of this religion are vegetarians.
Stealing is also a habit that one should refrain from. Again, you are not forced to do this, but it should come from within you. It involves refraining from taking anything that does not belong to you. So, it means that you should never rob your neighbors, relatives, colleagues or strangers. It also requires being generous and open. With regards to generosity, you can volunteer your time, give to charity and raise awareness.
Another important principle in the religion is the avoidance of exploitation. Practicing Buddhists have to commit to avoiding sexual, physical, emotional and mental exploitation. However, you do not have to completely abstain from sex. Instead, you should be mindful of the consequences of exploiting yourself and others. Any sexual activity has to be between consenting people, but not with someone who has been married before.
Telling the truth at all times is also a guiding pillar for Buddhists. So, to practice Buddhism, you have to always refrain from telling lies. Instead of lying, you should want to be a source of honesty, openness, and truthfulness. Taking alcohol and other drugs that alter the mind is also discouraged. This is because such substances are likely to confuse your thinking and lead you to make wrong choices.
About the Author:
Learn more about the Tampa Buddhism and how to join the community. The web page you should refer to is right here at http://www.sgi-tampabay.com.
