Buddhism

 Lesson 3

#1.   The fact that the Dharma wasn't written by the Buddha himself could indeed be problematic.  The Dharma was transmitted orally from generation to generation.  Questions arise about how much the teachings were truly the Buddha's teachings.  Most likely oral transmission was reliable until the teachings were written down, and until they jumped across language hurdles and national/cultural borders.  In each case, mistakes could have been made in interpretation.  In each case, where Buddhist teaching/transmission to other countries occurred, it landed in a backdrop where there were pre-existing religions and cultural factors and most likely these factors influenced Buddhism with local "color."  Interpretation could also have been changed for personal gain, such as the desire for power over converts.

#2.   If I were to go for refuge (I already have), rearranging my lifestyle and changing priorities are/were necessary.  It is also necessary to stop and think about motivation and expected results when going for refuge.  In the final analysis, refuge has to be perceived as a light at the end of a long, dark tunnel, or the awakening after a long, terrifying nightmare.  When going for refuge, lifestyle, perception and priorities change.

#3.   The Three Jewels are ultimately found within.  Conditions outside oneself are impermanent -- money, lovers, friends, physical environment and physical bodies -- they all deteriorate, change, and go away.   Even the Sangha, made up of mortal beings, can go away.  The two permanent things we can rely on is the Buddha and the Dharma -- yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

Nancy Anderson

aka "Lotus"

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