Buddhism
Written by Edna Lake
Buddhism is different from many other religions in several ways. For example, there is no Buddhist god or creator. We have to accept full responsibility for our thoughts and actions and there is on question of redemption by another being, or remission of sin. There is, of course, moral behaviour, which brings good results, and bad behaviour which brings unhappy results, and, since Buddhists believe in rebirth, we can never escape such results.
For those of us who have been brought up in a Christian country, some of the teaching is hard to understand and some of the concepts which are given Pali names cannot be easily translated into English. I shall, very occasionally, use a Pali word, but hope to make its meaning clear. For example, the word “Dukkha” is often translated as “Suffering”, but this is only one of its meanings. It can also mean “Unsatisfactoriness, because of impermanence.”
The Buddha mentioned dukkha as the main problem of life, brought about by craving, and clinging, as well as ignorance. It is the first of the four noble truths which encapsulate the Buddha’s dhamma or teaching. These truths are – all forms of existence are unsatisfactory and subject to suffering. All suffering is produced by craving. The extinction of craving results in the extinction of rebirth and suffering. The Noble Eightfold Path indicates the way to bring about this extinction.
The ultimate aim is to experience Nibbana. This is no like going to heaven, or living in a state of perpetual joy. It has been compared to the blowing out of a candle flame. But more will be said about this later.
Buddhism is concerned with individual emancipation. The way forward is to follow the example of the Buddha himself, who made his discovery of the four noble truths by sitting in meditation and closely investigating his thoughts and feelings. Neither temples nor images are required, to follow the path, there are no prayers or hymns of praise, since the Buddha, though very exceptional, was still a human being. However, many devotees do find the Buddha images, the temples and the various chantings to be helpful in concentrating the mind.
you can join all our meditation classes.
you are welcome
Do you still run beginners meditation classes on a Thursday night and what time do they start? I am a complete beginner to meditation and would like to learn more about Buddhism too. Kindest regards. David
Yes and it is at 7pm
Is there any martial arts involved with your belief system ! And can anyone take a meditation class ! Thank you
There is no martial arts. And yes anyone can attend meditation classes
I was looking at your website because I am writing an essay at my University in Denmark about Buddhism.
I would like to know which role Buddhism has in people’s life in Thailand Today?
Is meditation and Monkhood still a huge part of peoples life?
Thank you in advance.
Best Regards Michelle
Yes Buddhism and meditation are a very important part of life in Thailand.
Hello, I too am interested in your Meditation class/es for beginners. Could I come along this Thurs & if so, what time please.
Thank you
Yes all are welcome at meditation classes. There is no need to book just be here at 7pm. Classes take place in the basement.
Hello,are we allowed to bring offerings to the temple…like flowers and fruits?is anything else recommended?
Yes you are
How do you celebrate marriage and birth at the temple? Do you hold ceremonies? I can’t find any information about this on your website . Kap koon ka! Cheryl !
Marriages are blessed. New borns are blessed and there can be a naming ceromony