Newcomers to our Buddhist centres often ask “What is Buddhism?“. Is it a religion? Is it a philosophy, or psychology? Buddhism goes beyond all of these disciplines. It is not only conceptual like philosophy, but changes the practitioner at a deep level through meditation. Buddhism also goes beyond everything personal, transcending psychology.
People often say that it is a religion, which in some ways is a valid answer. His Holiness the 17th Karmapa, Trinley Thaye Dorje, however, when asked “What is Buddhism?” said that Buddhism is rather a way of life, and that one can even think of it more like a science.
Lama Ole Nydahl says in The Way Things Are that “Buddha’s teachings are the key to lasting happiness. Using his advice one may avoid suffering, develop oneself in a powerful way, and help others”.
We recently rediscovered this slideshow presentation that our friends had made for a Buddhist Art exhibition, and thought it explains what Buddhism is, what Diamond Way Buddhism is, and what meditation is very nicely, so we’re reposting it here for those who perhaps haven’t seen it before.
Other posts which may be of interest :
FollowTags: Buddhism, Space for Mind, What is Buddhism
