I got into Buddhism originally because I wanted to believe what I’d read about it being not a religion but “a philosophy and way of life” taught by “just a man” with a world view like some 21st century scientist rather than some Brahmin or Jain living 2500 years ago. What a surprise when I first walked into a meditation centre and was told to prostrate myself before a golden Buddha statue…
Quoting the Buddha is a popular internet pastime. However, quotes out of context aren’t much help to anyone, so here’s a brief commentary on two frequently quoted verses from the Dhammapada (1: 19-20)…
Buddhism Course
An Introductory Course on Early Buddhism
Compiled and published for free distribution
by Bro. Chan Khoon San
In the Maha-mangala Sutta, the Buddha describes the ‘greatest blessings’ in life and how to attain them. According to the Buddha, there are 38 ‘greatest blessings’ – not the shallow and changeable blessings of luck and fortune but blessings which are of genuine and lasting importance. By making the effort to obtain these blessings, we can create our own good fortune and move gradually closer to the supreme blessing of Nibbana. This is the main purpose and objective of the Mangala Sutta…
Buddhism is a religion of self-help. The teachings traditionally ascribed to Siddhattha Gotama, the “historical Buddha”, are concerned primarily with ending existential angst and attaining liberation from the endless and painful cycle of death and rebirth. The Buddha claimed to have attained liberation by his own efforts and was able therefore to point the way for others to do the same…
