The course material we will be exploring over the next five weeks is a very brief introduction and overview of the Dharma that is based on the book “No Worries” a secular western approach to Buddhism, meditation, life and actuality. This book sets out the entire communication context of the Dharmadatu Buddhist Order in full and can be purchased on-line via Amazon in all e book formats and in paperback form direct from the publishers or here. It is highly recommended that you take the opportunity to read the book in full to gain a deeper understanding of the practical nature of the Buddha’s teachings in a secular western context. All of the royalties from the sale of this book have been assigned to our charity that provides a mental health awareness and recovery program, so each copy purchased not only helps you, but helps us to help others.
Buddhism didn’t actually begin until long after the death of the person on whose original communication it is based. Because of the way in which it was established as an institutionalised religion and the way it developed over time in many different countries, we are left today with many different versions of Buddhism. This is because, over time, we have the additions of cultural aspects that include traditions, rites, rituals, superstitions and the religious dogma of revered texts that have become beyond challenge within its own religious hierarchical structures. The secular western approach to Buddhism is very different. It promotes a return to the origins of the communication that is free from those unhelpful additions so the simplicity of the principles and practices that were set out by Siddhartha Gautama, the historical Buddha, can be engaged with in a way that is relevant to living within a western culture and be of help to us now. Buddhism is not what you think. Buddhism is how you think, why you think and what happens as a result of those thoughts. In its most simplistic understanding it is about developing ways to allow the thought process to move away from worrying, towards contentment and peace of mind. It is about developing a lifestyle that can be lived without the dramas of the external world. It is about taking 100% responsibility for everything that you think, say and do and then observing the quality of your thoughts in each moment, as this will define the quality of your experience in the next moment of existence. Buddhism follows a very basic principle of cause and effect that is based on doing the least amount of harm possible in any situation to yourselves, others and the world around you. It’s helpful to note that you don’t need to do the guilt thing or beat yourself up when you make mistakes (as you surely will) because none of us is infallible. Talking Dharma – Talking Contentment We know, from what the Buddha communicated within the four principal assignments and within our own direct experience, that when we want any thing to be other than it is, worrying will arise in this thing we call mind. Knowing this, or even experiencing this, why is there still this lingering experience that some thing, any thing, is not enough and we want more of it, or less of it, before we can have a sense of contentment? How on earth are we able to maintain a sense of contentment when we are being driven by the pre-conscious, biological, nature, inherent drives to seek pleasure and avoid pain? The answer lies in developing conscious awareness of the motivational intent that informs our thoughts, speech and actions. Suppose you are keen to please somebody, to make them happy. Although it is a very nice thing to do, for it to be an authentic experience rather than a superficial one there would be a need for you to be in a current state of contentment yourself and responding on the basis of compassion and not wanting to please so the other person loved, liked or thought well of you. Can you see how there is an intrinsic link here between being and doing? If you do not experience contentment in being, then there will only be worry when doing. If you are not secure in the context you have chosen for your Dharma journey, then you can never realize contentment. This is why context is emphasised time and time again as being a crucial aspect of the journey. Contentment arises when you know you are in the most helpful environment to support your personal Dharma journey. It does not really matter if you ever get to the end of whatever particular rainbow you have created in your head about that journey. It is the journey and the development of contentment along the way that will eventually lead to the realization of peace of mind. |
Simply Buddhism CourseTalking Dharma CourseContentment
Equinimity Practical kindness Stress Responsibility Worry Death Encouragement Distractions Equinimity revisited Kindness Openness Questioning Secular Awareness Baggage Growth Perfection Anger Forgiveness Angry Wisdom No WorriesA comprehensive and practical guide to a Secular Western approach to Buddhism, Meditation, Life and Actuality. DonatePlease consider making a donation to the
Dharmadatu Buddhist Order & Sangha. |