Buddhism is a popular religion and philosophy that
originated thousands of years ago in Asia. The popularity of
Buddhism has spread and found followers in many countries.
Buddhism has an
estimated three hundred million followers and suggest a
human projection many people are interested in learning about,
some don't know where to start.
Marvelous
Buddhism Installation
The history of and facts
about Buddhism are taught in many Buddhist
monasteries around the world and there are
more ways to learn about Buddhism.
For research
into Buddhism, traditional methods should be
followed to find a way
through the
variety of different locations and resources
to find the right information about the
philosophy of Buddhism.
Just type "Buddhism" into the
search
bar on any search engine
and you will be surprised at the number of websites and
reference guides that will appear.
Buddha
head sculpture from Myanmar or Burma
A very good solution in
terms of
Buddhism and some country specific information is
here. The most easy way to learn about the history of and
facts about, Buddhism is to visit a
website that is operated by followers ofBuddhism.
One of the best
websites to obtain general information on Buddhism
and facts surrounding its
history is http://www.Buddhanet.net.
BuddhaNet is an online educational network for
individuals who follow Buddhism or are interested in
learning more about it.
The BuddaNet site
is easy to navigate and designed for individuals of all
ages. They have an ebook section which is completely free
for all site visitors to read and use as a reference. The ebook section
contains information and articles on mediation,
history, teachings, and more. A large amount of
information can be obtained from this website, some
more on
meditation is here.
Although this website is a great educational tool
for teaching individuals about Buddhism and facts surrounding the philosophy, there
are naturally additional online resources that are just as helpful.
Completing an online search is the best way to find and sort
through each of them.
In
addition to the internet, plenty of libraries offer
books or other printed materials
concerning the history and teaching of
Buddhism. The amount of materials associated
with Buddhism and facts concerning its
history and practice
will most likely
depend on the size of the library. It usually the case that
smaller libraries are limited in the number of books that
they carry. If you do not find what you are looking for, do not
give up. Many libraries various cities or
counties are connected to a network of other
libraries.
Some Pali Buddhist Canonical Scriptures
of the Theravada School in a unique ancient
scripture chest.
You can see Pali Buddhist Canonical Scriptures in this
pictures from the Sale Monastery near the
ancient
Buddhist Monks in a Buddhist
Temple in Mandalay
Buddhist Pagoda
Buddha Standing
Buddhist Novices Monastery School
Therefore, many books may
be exchanged or borrowed by different
library locations. In addition to printed
materials found in the library, there are
number of Buddhism books that can be
purchased from traditional book stores.
Some of these books may be
used for reference; many of the books found
on today's market include titles dealing
Buddhist views, beliefs, or ways that
Buddhism has positively impacted a group or
an individual. Many printed materials can be
purchased from conventional or online book
stores. Books, VHS Tapes, DVDs, or audio
cassettes tapes may be purchased from many
online Buddhism websites.
Learning the history of
Buddhism and facts concerning the
philosophy is a fairly easy process. In
addition to learning useful information, you
may even find yourself wishing to become a
believer or follower of Buddhism.
Lord Buddha - The Enlightened
Buddha is one who has
perceived just for himself the reality which is not
dependent on ideology, which is not conditioned by memory
and tradition, which is not inspired by desire for
continuance. But, he is also one who has been able to awaken
in others that flame of intelligence which lies dormant and
forgotten in everything that is. He does not create a fire
of desire, not even a desire to become more, better or
perfect. But in kindling the intelligence to perceive what
is without
U Min Thonze Bhuddist Temple Sagaing Myanmar
distortion, he
has opened up the way which leads to
nowhere. For, the goal is not in the distant
future. And thus, although he is compared to
a charioteer and a tamer of the human heart
who can guide and steer to final victory, it
is clear that the Buddha only gives
direction without grace, so that each one
for himself has to discover when the day's
work has been done and the burden can be
laid down.
Supreme
as a guide he does not enforce one way or
the other. He is truly a Buddha, that is an
enlightened one, a shining light for
everyone to see, yet not to follow or adore.
Depicting Buddha in Buddhism
Ancient Buddhist mural painting from
a Bagan Pagoda
Buddhist mural painting from a Bagan
Pagoda
Buddha depicting in a ancient Temple
Ancient Buddha Fresco
Ancient Fresco depicting Buddha and
followers
Buddha in an ancient fresco Bagan
temple
Buddha
statues
Buddha Symbols
Buddha statue sitting and snake
Thus,
Buddha teaching has come our way and can enlighten our lives,
if we care to see, to perceive, to understand. In that sense
Buddha is not a teacher on whom the pupil depends; for, there is
no salvation through him, no vicarious redemption, no
following in blind faith. But in understanding with
intelligence which is not conditioned by traditional and
repetition sayings, there follows action which is not
aimed at a purpose of achievement.
Such action which is not
reaction is free and unconditioned. And in that freedom
there is deliverance. In that perception there is Buddhas
enlightenment.
In that enlightenment there is
Buddha hood,
where each one for himself can discover the truth as the
essence of every moment of living without clinging to the
past or craving for the future, where there is no conflict
and no "self."
Buddha or Buddha enlightenment comes from
inside yourself. The believe in Buddha Gautama as a religion which wont matter if
its Buddha Japan, Chinese Buddha or
Chinese teaching, spiritual teaching or
Thailand Buddha teaching. It the Buddha is
in you just take it or leave it.
Buddha statue huge
Buddha Statue sitting
Buddha Statue sitting from a Bagan Pagoda
You must gain the enlightment in
yourself there can only be some help via
teaching practice of Buddha. Visiting a
Buddha temple or Buddhist pagoda might help
you.
A Buddhist is one who accepts the doctrine of the
Buddha.
But it is not so easy to define that doctrine, for there are
so Buddha Sitting Mandalay Maha Muni
Buddha Mandalay
Buddha Sculpture Monywa Myanmar Buddha in Cave Pagoda Mural
Painting
Powintaung
Buddhist Monks Teak Monastery
many aspects involved, such as the doctrine of karma and
rebirth which the Buddha evolved from the existing theory of
re-incarnation by giving it a very special character; such
as the doctrine of dependent origination which brought
enlightenment and Buddhahood to prince Siddhattha as a
bodhisatta; such as the ethical doctrine of wholesomeness
the doctrine of the middle path, eschewing both extremes of
self-indulgence and self-mortification.
But above all there are the three marks, the three marks of
distinction: impermanence, conflict, soul-lessness, which
are inherent and essential in all, and which are so
closely intertwined that they can only be understood
together. That things are impermanent is so obvious
that we do not need a Buddha to tell us so. But to realise that the conflict
within us (dukkha) is due to the non-acceptance of impermanence (anicca) when applied to our own individuality,
that is found only in the Buddha's doctrine that all things
are without substance (anatta).
Buddhist Monk meditating
at Sagaing Myanmar Burma
It is the realisation of the
void of conflict (dukkhe-anatta), which gives impermanence
also to conflict, whereby one is set free to be a Buddhist
in the perfect sense.
But one cannot become a Buddhist when it is understood that
Buddhism is a doctrine of no-more-becoming, of cessation, of
freedom and deliverance. As long as there is striving, there
is desire; and as long as there is desire, there is 'self.
Only when there is the cessation of becoming (bhava-nirodha)
is there the realization of no-self, which is Nirvana.
And so
Buddhism is not an organized religion which leads
people in the practice of worship and faith.
It is not a
religious organization either, for everything depends on
each individual for himself. Instead of salvation through
grace, there must be understanding and insight as the basis
of action. And in understanding without fear
or hope there will be immediate and perfect
action which is not a reaction to dogma or
tradition.
About the Author
Henri Van Zeyst was born in Utrecht, Netherlands, in 1905.
Educated throughout in Catholic schools and colleges, he
spent his final years of studies in philosophy and theology.
An intensive course of comparative religion brought him in
contact with Buddhism. Within a year of his coming to Sri
Lanka he was ordained a Buddhist monk in 1938 under the name
of Bhikkhu Dhammapala.
Buddha depicted
Creating a huge marble Buddha Sculpture
Creating small marble sitting Buddha
Buddha made from brass and fresh casted bronce
Buddha standing gold plated
Buddha standing in the Monywa Thambuddhe Pagoda
Buddha and other sculptures made
from marble
Shwethalyaung reclining Buddha
