Buddhist Studies

Lesson 2 1. I don't think that just one guideline in particular is most important. I believe that all must be not only examined and learned but practiced and given conscious thought. Just like anything in life one must first learn from a teacher and then put what is taught into one's own practice. It is my opinion that all things end, including the universe we live in. We see it every day, yet the best thing about something's end is another things beginning or cycle. These practices of understanding the Eightfold Path and the Four Noble Truths are like fragments of enlightenment. Apart they are good and virtuous, but when practiced together its like looking at the big picture compared to smaller aspects. 2. The unifying concept is that if all were to follow these guidelines for living simple lives, being mindful of others, and one's own thoughts and actions through the Dharma the Sangha and The Buddha then the plane of existence we exist in would have a united humanity living in harmony with only concern, care, and compassion for one another. If we are in constant meditation of mindfulness this can be achieved. 3. I think the Buddha would see much sorrow, discontent, and dishonesty in the world we live in today. Not much has changed in the general public even since the time when Buddha would have walked the Earth even before his enlightenment. The stories of things he saw after he left the palace and truly saw how much suffering was in the world are very similar to today's situations. For the most part, I believe the Buddha would use any company that places greed, money, and personal gain as an example of suffering and the opposite of what right action and right mindfulness should be. I think he would be able to explain that people can still do honest work that revolves around taking care of humanities basic needs such as food and shelter instead of working in a dishonest environment that is also wasteful and promoting unethical conduct masked by what someone only perceives as ethical conduct. There are so many examples in the workforce that could be used that it would be nearly impossible for me to name them all. The majority of people these days seem to have an ulterior or egocentric motivation. We must be mindful of these people as they do not realize the suffering they create nor how to get out of that suffering. We must be examples using the Buddhas guidelines of the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path and wish for all beings everywhere realize suffering and the path out of suffering and wish only good and virtuous things for them for this is the right mindfulness of which the Buddha spoke so knowledgeably about. Thank you, Jesse ******************************************** To ordain yourself with the Universal Life Church, for free, for life, right now, click on the Free Online Ordination link. Rev. Long created the ULC seminary site to help ministers learn and grow their ministries. The Seminary offers a huge catalog of materials for ministers of the Universal Life Church, as well as an online seminary program and a chaplaincy program.