The Buddhist Way Of Life

The Buddhist way of life is not just a single way but has many ways. It is divided into the Theravada Way, the Mahayana Way, the Zen Way, the Vajirayana Way and so on. Sometimes people who newly learn, or follow the Buddhist way of life, get confused: Which Path are we going to learn, or follow? Which way is good, or the better Path for us to follow?" My typical answer is to "Come and see for yourself." Someone once asked me, "Can you give me a guiding answer?" I then told him a Zen story, which seemed to be a good answer for him. Here is the story:

There was once a Zen master who wandered around a certain city. People everywhere recognized him because he always carried the same big bag. One day as he walked through the market, an old man asked him to give him some advice about meditation practice, "Sir, I have been practising meditation for years, what do you practice? Please advise me so that I can put it into practice in my life." The Zen master stood still and put his big bag down on the floor. The old man showed his understanding by nodding his head and then asked him again, "What else should I do, sir?" The Zen master picked up his big bag and walked away.
That method of teaching left all the people in that city surprised and in doubt. It was only the old man who understood the meaning of those actions. People turned to the old man and asked him for the meaning of the way the Zen master had acted. The old man said, "He put down his big bag, which means he puts down all his problems. When he carried his big bag and went away, means that after he had put down all his problems in life, he moved on with an empty and free mind." People admired the Path the Zen master had taught. They all agreed, "That is deep, reasonable and sensible."

Yes, it is great teaching; "Put down burdens and move on with an empty and free mind." It is a good example for people who cannot put down their burdens such as worries, greed, hatred, anger, jealousy, malice and expectation, who continue to go around carrying their heavy burdens. Things are impermanent and uncontrollable; why do we take the trouble to carry them around? Just put down unnecessary things and move on with your life with wisdom and freedom from desire.

The Buddhist way of life, as it is revealed, is simple, plain, reasonable and sensible. We can learn and put it into practice in our daily life. Don’t confuse yourselves with traditions, or ways of practice, because these are just covers, or labels. The Dhamma is one and for all. Go deep to its heart. Don’t do evil actions, do good actions and purify the mind. That is the teaching of the Buddha – the Buddhist way of life.