Buddhism can help you gain more peace in your life

How buddhism can help you gain more peace in your life by Michael Miller
in Spirituality (submitted 2010-07-25)


More and more these days it seems that some of humanity's sharpest and brightest ideas are actually ancient ones. Among the insights that Buddha received during his enlightenment more than 2,600 years ago under the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, India, is the most fundamental teaching of the Buddhist tradition, that of the "Four Noble Truths." In broad terms, these truths relate to the existential human condition of suffering-its nature, its origin, and its end. The Four Noble Truths appear again and again throughout the Pali Canon, a collection of the most ancient and sacred Buddhist texts, thought to be the direct teachings of Buddha himself. However, the Four Noble Truths do not just pertain to adherents of Buddhism; Buddhists conceive the Four Noble Truths as pertaining ubiquitously to all of humanity. What is more, the Four Noble Truths do not interfere in the slightest bit with traditional Western religious orthodoxies and can be assimilated by non-Buddhists as supplemental rather than substitutive dogma, though they are antithetical to our now failing, out of control American consumerism.

The Four Noble Truths are:

1. There is suffering in the world; everything and everybody endures it, 2. There is a cause for suffering; the cause of suffering is desire, 3. There is an end to suffering; it is possible to end suffering by ending desire, 4. There is the Eightfold Path; the Eightfold Path will help you end your desire and will lead to the end of suffering

What is the Eightfold Path? The Eightfold Path is another principal teaching of the Buddha, who described it as the path that leads to the end of suffering and the achievement of self-realization.

The elements of the Eightfold Path are:

1. Right view; there is suffering in the world and the end of suffering is the end of desire (the Four Noble Truths), 2. Right intention; in your life aim to decrease suffering and desire, 3. Right speech; choose your words thoughtfully, use them to comfort others, 4. Right action; do not add to desire or suffering in the world, 5. Right livelihood; whatever you do for a living, do it to decrease suffering and desire of yourself and for others, 6. Right effort; do not worry about the outcome, always try to comfort those who suffer and abate desire, 7. Right mindfulness; keep your mind free of desire, greed, and prejudice, 8. Right concentration; think about suffering in the world, think about what is at its root

Buddha understood that you have to be willing to let go to truly possess; you have to let go of your dreams in order to achieve them. In hard times such as our own, when everything is uncertain and the status quo just won't do, the best thing we can do is keep our eye on the prize: universal and worldwide end to needless suffering.




About the Author
Michael has been writing articles online for 10 years. Not only does this author specialize in a variety of fields you can also check out his latest website which help people find more about air conditioners especially a carrier hvac .

Buddha And Symbolism

Buddha And Symbolism by Terro White
in Shopping (submitted 2010-05-25)


All of South East Asia celebrates King Shuddodana's son The Enlightened one or the Buddha. In fact the term 'Buddha' is now synonymous with spirituality. The Great Sage and savior of humanity left behind more for man to comprehend after his Nirvana, than mere enshrined relics. Today, the name of Gautama Buddha spearheads a whole line of symbolism. It is believed that having images, statues or any kind of impression or symbol associated with the Great Sage actually shields the person from all harm and ill-fate. The symbols, including statues, both indoors and outdoors, are believed to infuse the family with renewed faith in providence and influences potential minds to take to religious/spiritual life. Images of a prince who spent a very secluded life, surrounded by only beauty, add to the aesthetics of the home or office. Today the Great One is a symbol of peace, love, hope and good luck.

Who was Buddha?

One of Ancient India's luminous kings, King Shuddodana ha the privilege of fathering The Enlightened One. Prince Siddhartha, his actual name, grew up as a strong, handsome youth, well-trained in warfare and fine arts. At the age of 16 he married the beautiful princess Yashodhara. However, unable to satiate the inner thirst for the redemption of the inevitable consequences of 'being' - birth, physical and mental ailments, old age, and death, Buddha embarked upon a self-ordained path. As time passed, and filled with pain at the sights of an old man, the critically ill and the funeral pyre, he meditated on the Truth of Life. The sage's renunciation of all the pleasures of the flesh gave him the most peaceful look that is still captured by artists on images, sculptures, paintings and jewelry, in essence.

The impressions of the enlightened soul that have stayed on with us and are captured in our enwfound sense of aesthetics include:

* Giving up on the fine things in life - wife, newborn son Rahul, thick locks of hair and rich clothing.


* Practice of self-mortification and severe austerities.

* Sitting in peaceful meditation and incessant sharing of knowledge.

* Attaining the state of the Buddha which means 'The Enlightened One' or 'He who is Awake'.

Buddha and Symbolism

There are a number of arts and crafts designed around the buddha statue. A tour of India and other regions across South East Asia unravels the mystique and symbolism associated with the Great Soul. There are vast collections of statues, sculptures and figurines that mark various phases of the Life of The Enlightened One. Art work and exhibits reflecting the cultural heritage that has emerged out of Buddhist symbolism is popular even across Europe and other Western nations today. The art form is seen among exhibits of Chinese deities and Thai art and culture.

Buddhist art, like the Great Sage, is timeless in appeal and distinct in aesthetic genre. The characteristics, postures and variations are seen as a source of knowledge. This exclusive art form continues to thrive across geographical boundaries for the universal appeal in his teachings and potential in his Eight Fold Path.




About the Author
Today, buddha is more than just the name of a Great Sage. It is a term synonymous with symbolism and good-will. Art arising out of the life of the Enlightened One is a thriving home décor appeal factor

Buddhism and Science

Buddhism and Science by Arjanyai
in Spirituality / Religion (submitted 2009-09-14)


Another aspect of long interest to the Buddhists has been the scientific nature of Buddhism. There is a usual claim, and also a pride, among the Buddhists that Buddhism is the most scientific of all religions. An instance of this can be found in the following words of U Chan Htoon, former justice of the Supreme Court of Burma: "In the case of Buddhism.........all the modern scientific concepts have been present from the beginning. There is no principle of science, from biological evolution to the General Theory of Relativity, that runs counter to any teaching of Gotama Buddha."1 "There cannot be any achievement of science, no matter how revolu-tionary, that will ever contradict the teachings of Buddhism."2 Professor von Glasenapp, an eminent German Indologist, specifies the following Buddhist concepts as unchallenged by modern scientific ideas: the principle of universal order (dhamma); a positivistic denial of eternal substances; the contention that soul or self is an artificial abstraction; the recognition of a plurality of worlds; and the affirmation of the essential similarity between man and animal.3 As Dr. Swearer says in his "Buddhism in Transition": "There are at least three principal ways in which the assertion of the scientific nature of Buddhism is presented: Buddhism is more scientific than other religions, especially theism (viz., Christianity); there is a general agreement between the approach or method of Buddhism and science; and, science proves or validates particular Buddhist teachings such as the doctrines of rebirth (samsara) and impermanence (anicca)."4 Here, Buddhist meditation becomes the experimental laboratory where the Truth of one's existence can be proved by intuitive insight, an experience of the individual, each for himself. The concept of impermanence finds its confirmation in Einstein's field theory of modern physics.

THE ESP Also covered in the field of scientific study of Buddhism is the research on parapsychology, especially the ESP (extrasensory perception), and on the problem of rebirth. The growth of scientific interest in these ancient beliefs was evidenced by the founding of the Society for Psychical Research of London in 2425/1882, the American Society for Psychical Research in 2431/1888, and other similar societies later on in most European countries, especially in the Netherlands, France and Italy where active work has been carried on. Stimulated by the effective work of these societies, a few universities in America and later in Europe have taken up psychical research as a serious subject for study. Parapsychological laboratories or research departments were opened in leading universities such as Harvard, Stanford and Duke Universities in the United States, and the University of Utrecht and Groningen University in the Netherlands. Leading psychologists like William James, William McDougall, C.G. Jung, and Sigmund Freud took an interest in the research. During the period from the 1930s to the 1960s the best-known work was that of Duke University in North Carolina. So far, however, except for hypnotism which is no longer regarded as paranormal, parapsychology has been of comparatively little interest to most professional scientists. But, a few years ago, much excitement was caused among some groups of the Buddhists by the research of psychologists and psychical research institutions working on the problem of remembering past existences. It was Dr. Ian Stevenson of the University of Virginia and Professor Gillbert Rhine of the Parapsychology Institute in Durham, North Carolina, that did much for the progress of study in this field. In Stevenson's "Twenty Cases Suggestive of Reincarnation," a study is made of a number of case histories of people who remembered past lives. Joseph Head and L.S. Cranston, in their compiled and edited work "Reincarnation in World Thought," present an exploration of what great thinkers through the ages have said on the subject, examining the contributions made to the discussion by the World's religions, philosophies and sciences. Francis Story,1 probably the Buddhist most active in trying to prove the truth of the doctrine of rebirth, wrote a booklet entitled The Case for Rebirth, made an inquiry into the memory of past lives of hundreds of Burmese and Ceylonese citizens, and around the year 2511/1968 made a tour of the United States and Asian countries lecturing on this subject. Finding in the alien-traditioned Western hemisphere their co-believers represented by historic figures such as Pythagoras, Empidocles and Thomas Alva Edison, and their belief supported by scientific study of modern Western scholars, some Buddhists have become convinced that the truth of the doctrine of rebirth has been proved. To the practising Buddhists, however, the ESP is something peripheral. The positive report on it may rouse in some people a stronger belief or a more active interest in Buddhism. But, so far as the essential aspect of Buddhism is concerned, the Buddhists realize that the attainment of the real benefit of Buddhism is dependent on their own efforts and striving, not subject to the scientific verification of the ESP.


About the Author
Certification in yoga The justices Golf fashion

Buddha Statues

Buddha Statues
By: shakeeb

The figures and statues of Lord Buddha we see all around us are the sculptures of Shakyamuni Siddhartha Gautama the "Buddha" who was born in Kapilavastu, an ancient province of Nepal, as the son of king Suddhodana and Queen Maya Devi. The Queen had few auspicious dreams before the God entered her womb from the Tushita paradise.

As Siddhartha Gautama came to the age 28 he refrained from the kingdom and lived the life of a mendicant. He sought and achieved enlightenment in six years under a pipala tree and became a Buddha, in Bodhgaya. After enlightenment he expressed this verse:

"Through many births I have passed the builder of the house of pain is gone and I am free from any more births"

Shakyamuni Gautama advocated dharma through out his life and the light of the world had gone out and master passed away into Nirvana at an old age of over 80.

Talking of Buddha statues & figurines, the idols of Buddha are found in a wide form of poses the most common of all the type is the sitting Buddha statue in a lotus position. The pose displays inner and outer balance and tranquility. In meditating Buddha figurine the posture of the hand or the mudra, have the fingers of the right hand resting lightly on the left as they lay in the enlightened one's lap and legs are crossed in a Lotus position. Many Buddha carvings sit on a pedestal in a lotus blossom which depict the enlightened being or emptiness.

Another pose is the Abhaya mudra in which the right hand is raised and is the gesture of dispelling fear. Statuettes calling the earth to bear witness are depicted by postures where the right hand is touching the earth below, which displays total belief. And, finally the reclining Buddha figurine depicts Buddha's passage into death or Nirvana, as the disciples, angles and gods bade farewell to never returner Shakyamuni Siddhartha Gautama Buddha. Medicine Buddha figurine stands for the belief that Buddha parted knowledge on medicine along with spiritual guidance.

The Mudras or postures of hands of the Shakyamuni Buddha statuettes are either in abhaya (Fearlessness), Dhyana (meditation), Dharmachakra Parivartana (turning of the wheel of Dharma or doctrine or religion) and Bhumisparsa (calling the earth goddess to witness the touching of the earth by the right hand)

Buddha statuettes are handmade and thus they are artisan's labour of Love, or a loving heart and moving hands giving them shapes in absolute postures. The earliest representations of Buddha were mounds erected on the relics of Buddha, also known as "Stupa." The external decorations on the stupas display the entire life of the Buddha from leaving home to enlightenment and to Mahaparinirvana.

The largest and tallest Buddha statuettes were found in Afghanistan which were colossal in size and have been much recently destroyed by the Taliban's. The statuettes of Buddha in Nepal are generally made out of gold, granite, bronze, copper, brass, resin, silver, ceramic, wood, etc. And, they are put on sale in a fine work of display in Thamel and Durbar Square in the ancient town of Kathmandu in Nepal or sold in diverse online Buddha Statues store like himalayacrafts.com in wholesale or retail. The standing Buddha statuettes with flowering robes is also common. And Buddha heads and hands are also found for sale.


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The Lord Buddha preached his first sermon

Sarnath - A Depiction of India's Rich Buddhist Heritage by Pushpitha Wijesinghe
in Travel / Destinations (submitted 2009-07-28)

Amidst the calm tranquility of the beautiful deer park of Sarnath, the Gautama Buddha preached his first sermon Dharmachakra Pravartan Sutta, the wheel of the Dharma. It was also here that the Buddhist priesthood (sanga) was born. Despite the passage of over 2 ½ millennia, Sarnath has preserved its serenity which continues to attract many visitors from around the world. Situated approximately 10 kilometers from Varanasi, it is a place of great spiritual and historical significance. Stated by The Lord Buddha as one of the four sacred places of pilgrimage, Sarnath became a major center for Buddhism. The complex was Renowned for its aesthetic adornments which reached their apex during the reign of Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC. Although ravaged by invading Turks towards the end of the 12th century, a visit to the ruined city is a gateway to India's rich Buddhist culture.

At the entrance one sees the Chaukhandi Stupa. This square structure of brick encased in an octagonal tower was built by Emperor Ashoka. Another extent stupa of importance is the cylindrical Dhamek Stupa. Made of brick and stone it reaches a height of 43.6 m. The lower half of the stupa which is larger in circumference than the upper half is marked by exquisite floral carvings. The Ashoka Pillar though partially destroyed retains stone inscriptions ordered by the emperor. The impressive lion capital that original capped the pillar and is today the nation's national emblem, is conserved at the Sarnath archeological museum. The museum is a treasure trove of artifacts showcasing the glory of Buddhist art in India. Sarnath also houses the modern Mulagandakuti Vihara. Adorned with rich frescos by premier Japanese artist, Kosetsu Nosu the temple contains a wide collection of Buddhist literature. In addition Sarnath is home to several temples of various Asian nations, reflecting its continuing importance as a spiritual center.

A visitor to Sarnath can easily find convenient accommodation in Varanasi. Located on the left bank of the Ganges the city has been a cultural and spiritual center for almost 3 millennia. A stay at a reputed Varanasi hotel will undoubtedly add to the convenience of the traveler. The Gateway Hotel Ganges provides warm native hospitality meeting international standards and will ensure optimum comfort and enjoyment in discovering the region.


About the Author
Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

Quantum - Buddhism

Quantum Bhuddhism by Ellis Peterson
in Spirituality / Meditation (submitted 2009-11-25)

Quantum - Buddhism

We, as a Solar System, have just orbited into another thirty degree arc around our Galactic Sun.

The orbits of the Planets around our Sun, the Solar Systems around our Galaxy and the Galaxies around the Universe are all part of a Divine Plan created by the Grand Architect of the Universe.

We have just entered the Age of Aquarius, which will last 2000 years. The new paradigm for the next 2000 years is called the Laws of Quantum Physics.

Although we continually orbit around our Galactic Sun, the destiny of mankind upon the planet Earth does not change.

It has always been and will continue to be self - development. Raising ones level of consciousness, individualizing and becoming more godlike is part of self-development.

All the great spiritual teachers of the past taught the same thing using different words and different names for God and his created Universe.

If you read Buddha's words with your mind on the Laws of Quantum Physics, you will see the similarity of thought.

Now in the 21st Century the Laws of Spiritual Quantum Physics tell us:

"There exists an infinite ocean of thinking, intelligent energy called the Quantum Ocean. There is no time there, only the Now. There is no space there, only the Here.

"Everything that was, is or will be exists in the Quantum Ocean. "It is a time-less, space-less infinite point where "the ALL" exists.

What a wonderful modern day definition for the Mind of God.

Let us look at what the Buddha said and see if we can see similarities.

Buddha speaks,:

"All is Mind. Mind only. All things are one and have no life apart from it. All parts are within the whole, inter fused with it, while retaining the full identity of the part." (We are all individual Souls within the Mind of God, both inter fused with it and retaining our individual identity.)

Buddha speaks:

"There is neither Here nor There, for it is always HERE. There is neither Now nor Then, for all is NOW."

"The passing show of life is to be used, and neither enjoyed nor ignored, for behind the show is only MIND, MIND only."

"It is hard to focus on infinity without fear. Men need to gaze upon something, that is just ahead of them, but not too far."

"Hence thoughts of Gods, Saints and Saviors. They exit and do not exist, they are thoughts within an ultimate mind" (Mind of God.)

"In all successive planes of matter (Quantum Ocean) the ONE (Mind of God) is manifest."

"Work out your own Salvation with diligence."

"Be still and know that I am God."

"The void (Quantum Ocean) is already filled. It is filled with Tao or Zen or life or light. All man-made noises for the infinite (God.)"

"The light is within thee, Let the light shine."

Buddha speaks:

"The doctrine of Karma (cause and effect) are frightening to all but the strongest mind"

"All that we are is the result of what we have thought, and all that shall be is the result of what we are thinking Now."

"We are building now our tomorrow, creating hour by hour our Heaven and Hell."

"Cease to do evil; Learn to do Good."

Let those who have eyes see the correlation of truth then and now.


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About the Author
Ragnar Storyteller (AKA Ellis Peterson is a Korean War Vet living with his wife Lory and dog Dixie in the boonies of the Pocono Mountains. He is a retired math professor and electronics engineer. He is the inventor of the simple radionics device called "The Nordic Ond Orgone Generator." He has written over 200 articles. See them on his websites:

http://www.quantum-physics-spirituality.com/

and

http://www.runes-for-health-wealth-love-now.com/

The Enlightenment Place of The Lord Buddha

Bodh Gaya: Place of Enlightenment by Sanjog
in Travel / Travel Tips (submitted 2010-03-03)


Bodhgaya is one of the important and sacred Buddhist pilgrimage centers of the world which is located in the state of Bihar. It was here 2,500 years ago; under a banyan tree Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. For Buddhists BodhGaya, is one of the four pilgrimage sites which are related to the life of Gautama Buddha. Mahabodhi Temple of this place became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002. This land has numerous Buddhist monuments, temples and monasteries, which reflects the historical as well as religious relevance of this place.


The Bodhi Tree:
This is the most sacred pipal tree for every Buddhist which is located at the back of the main temple. It was this tree under which Gautama got enlightened. The present tree is believed to be the descendant of the original tree which was said to be secretly cut down by the Ashoka's wife because she never used to like Ashoka spending time there. It is the most important attractions of this place are visited by almost every tourist who flock this place every year. Pilgrims or tourists who visit this place collect the fallen Bodhi Tree seeds and leaves as blessings for themselves and to their family.


Mahabodhi Temple:
This is the most important temple which stands in the east to the Bodhi Tree. It is known throughout the world for its architectural supremacy. This grand edifice constructed on a basement of 48 square feet rises to the height of 170 ft. On the top of the temple there are Chatras which symbolically represent sovereignty of religion. The four towers on its corner provide perfect balance to this holy structure.


Inside this sacred sanctum there is a black stone colossal image of the Buddha in a sitting posture which captivates visitor's attention. It is in this posture the Buddha attained the supreme enlightenment. The whole temple courtyard is encircled by numbers of votive stupas. Built 2500 years ago, these are known for their structural beauty.


Vajrasana:
This is the stone platform kept under Bodhi Tree. It is believed that on this stone platform Buddha meditated, facing east . It is the most revered spot of this place which is worshiped nowadays.

Some of the other world known treasures of this place is 80 ft Statue of the Buddha, Lotus Tank, Buddha Kund, Rajayatana and Brahm Yoni.



About the Author
Bodh Gaya is the most important of the main four pilgrimage sites related to the life of Gautama Buddha. It is the place where Gautama Buddha attained nirvana (Enlightenment). It is among the religious cities of the North India Tourism which is known for its Buddhist monuments, temples and monasteries.