Karma, Samsara, and Nirvana

March 2nd, 2008  ·  5 Comments

There are three important concepts of Buddhism. These are Karma, Samsara, and Nirvana. It is important that we have a basic understanding of what these concepts are.

Karma:
Karma refers to the natural law in Buddhism that deals with cause and effect in a person’s life. The idea is that what you throw out in the waves comes back to you, what you plant you harvest. We as Buddhists believe you go through a cycle of birth, life, death, and rebirth. All of life is a process that is guided by the natural law of karma.

If …

The Four Noble Truths

February 25th, 2008  ·  No Comments

1. All life is suffering.
2. The origin of suffering is attachment.
3. Cessation of suffering is attainable.
4. There is a path to the cessation of suffering. The Eightfold Path is the way for cessation.

1. To live means we suffer.Because human nature is not perfect and the world we live in is not perfect we inevitably endure suffering. Suffering comes in many forms; sorrow, aggravation, sickness, injury, old age, and death. In life we also endure psychological sufferings, as well. Some of these are sadness, fear, disappointment and frustration and finally, depression. It must be said that even …

Morning’s Songs

February 10th, 2008  ·  2 Comments

Just now peering through the trees,

the first light of morning gold

breaks the shadow times of night.

Before the light grows stronger

awakening the morning creatures,

I wonder at the ‘oh so silent still’.

In these moments of calm morning air,

and daylights not yet broken

I pause to breathe the tranquil space.

For soon the chitterings of waking birds,

will chorus in the morning’s songs

as night’s shade fades away.

The promise of another day’s dawning

as morning stretches

to embrace the once cold and darkened night.

Morning’s songs now fully sung

have ushered in the dawn,

and …

Origination of Dharma

January 27th, 2008  ·  1 Comment

The question “what is the origin of Dharma” is an unusual one. Much like asking, “how is the sky blue,” and not “why is it blue. ” But what is the origin of Dharma?

More often we as western practitioners of Buddhism look to the effects of Dharma and not the origin of Dharma. People have commonly used the definition of Dharma as the body of teachings from the Buddha. Dharma is teaching. It is the teachings from texts and classrooms and Dharma teachers. Moreover, Dharma is the events of life [phenomena]. These are the opportunities we can use for …

Until They Rest

January 25th, 2008  ·  5 Comments

Like the last leaf

that falls from the tree,
all things come to completion.

When I began this journey
I did not know the steps my sandals take,
Sadly at times I know where they will not.

I have left opened doors behind me,
walking away from gaping mouths
and statues with clay feet.

If I am to make my way into this life
I must risk the blessings
that have been lavished upon me.

It is from the goodness that I draw
my will to be again reborn
again and again before passing to the final death.

If I …