Let’s study together thru the conversation of the students who really need to know about “Buddhism”

Tom : I’ve been interested in Buddhist

           teachings since I read a book on

           Buddhism two years ago.  What

           impressed me most is that the

           Buddha never forced to believe

           in His teaching.  Conversely, he

           invited all people to verify

           what He taught.

Pim :  I think this indicates that the

           Buddha did not want anyone

           to have blind faith; and he

           believed in the potential of

           human beings.

Tom : Actually, I don’t know much

           about Buddhist doctrines.

           Would you mind giving me

           some explanations of

           Buddhist doctrines?

Pim :  Well, even though I’m a Buddhist,

           I can hardly afford the time to

           study Buddhist scriptures, but

           I try to put the main teachings

           into daily practice.        

Tom : Could you tell me about the main

            Buddhist teachings?

Pim :  Yes, of course, Buddhism

           emphasizes the Threefold

           Training, namely, morality,

           mental development, and

           wisdom.  Morality is the

           foundation of all virtues just

           as the earth is the foundation

           of all things, whether trees

           and bushes, building or any

           other structures.

Tom : I understand that the primary

           Buddhist moral code is known

          as the Five Precepts.

Pim :  Yes,that’s right. 

           The 5 Precepts:

            -no killing,

            -no stealing,

            -no adultery,

            -no lying, and

            -no intoxicants,

           are established on the principles

           of equality and reciprocity. 

           What equality means is that

           all living beings want to live,

           to enjoy happiness and security.

           On the basis of equality, we

           are encouraged to act with

           the awareness of reciprocity. 

           With regard to the simple

           meaning of reciprocity, I would

           say: do not act toward others

           in a way which you would not

           want them to act toward you.

Tom : I think Buddhist morality is

            democratic in nature.

Pim :  Yes, I agree with you. 

           By the way,

           mental development is also

           well-known as meditation

           practice.  Meditation is a

           technique for unifying and

           focusing the mind.  Meditation

           practice is conducive not only

           to maintaining balance of

           body and mind, but also to

           allowing us to see and gain

           insight into the truths of the

           world.  Through insight

           wisdom arises.

Tom : I see.  Wisdom results from

           meditation practice.

Pim :  Actually, there are a few levels

           of wisdom; and wisdom resulting

           from meditation is the noblest

           phenomenon.

Tom : That sounds interesting. 

           I’d like to experience Buddhist

           meditation for myself.

Thanks ®ards : AJ S. Srisopa (Cr. All Dhamma teachers)