The Most Common Principles Of Tampa Buddhism

By Larry Olson


Across the world, the number of Buddhists has been rising steadily. For anyone looking to join the religion, there are a few things to learn first. From the read below, you will learn a couple of principles that guide Tampa Buddhism.

The first principle revolves around striving to bring the suffering of all kinds of beings to an end. Buddhist teaching is centered on the Four Noble Truths. The corresponding vows here are the Four Great Bodhisattva Vows that can help you alleviate suffering. Additionally, it is important to follow the Noble Eightfold Path. This is the practice behind Buddhism.

To practice this religion, it is also vital that one ends craving and wanting. Such habits are believed to be the major causes of human suffering. They usually result from ignorance, desire and the want for both material things and pleasure. As a Buddhist, you have to realize that suffering cannot be ended easily. Instead, you have to make a deliberate effort to do your part.

Learning is another important means of ending suffering. Therefore, if you want to begin practicing Buddhism, you should look to continuously learn and enlighten yourself. In this regard, you should teach yourself about dharma. Also, you should have a great desire for nirvana. Obtaining nirvana involves living a life that is guided by the Noble Eightfold Path.

There are also five guiding precepts that a Buddhist needs to live by. First, one must abstain from taking the lives of living creatures. It means that one is required to be kind and loving to humans, insects, and animals. This philosophy revolves around nonviolence and is the reason as to why many Buddhists do not take meat.

One should also be ready to avoid all forms of stealing. Buddhists refrain from taking things that do not belong to them. You should desire to avoid stealing, and you must want to maintain that for the rest of your life. The other side of this precept requires you to be kind and generous. You should also be honest and willing to give instead of taking.

Another important principle in the religion is the avoidance of exploitation. Practicing Buddhists have to commit to avoiding sexual, physical, emotional and mental exploitation. However, you do not have to completely abstain from sex. Instead, you should be mindful of the consequences of exploiting yourself and others. Any sexual activity has to be between consenting people, but not with someone who has been married before.

Telling the truth at all times is also a guiding pillar for Buddhists. So, to practice Buddhism, you have to always refrain from telling lies. Instead of lying, you should want to be a source of honesty, openness, and truthfulness. Taking alcohol and other drugs that alter the mind is also discouraged. This is because such substances are likely to confuse your thinking and lead you to make wrong choices.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment