I have spent time here-and-there over the past two weeks re-arranging my room. It is the biggest in the apartment, and I feel I should optimize the space I have been blessed with.
Due to this activity, I have decided I have far too many books (despite the fact that my library is not nearly as large as I would like). (I have updated my profile pic; the new picture is most of the books from one of the bookcases I moved. Probably about 1/4 of my books.)
However I have now re-familiarized myself with the location of several of my books, so now I can do what I have been intending to do for a while.
- - -
The six perfections are the highway to enlightenment, and the downfalls of the Bodhisattva vows are the principle obstacles on the way.
Part One: The forty-six secondary downfalls
1. Not making offerings to the three jewels every day.
... the three jewels being the Buddha (the 'enlightened one'), the Dharma (the truth that is available to learn), and the Sangha (the Buddhist community).
Now, of course, Buddhism isn't a religion. I don't see this as saying we give offerings to them as though they were a god. I comprehend it to mean, always be aware of each of these things, and remember what strength they represent. Knowing and believing in each will give you strength as well, and since what is sought requires much personal stength, it is best to keep in mind the things that will encourage us.
That, to me, is faith.
So, how does it give strength?
Well, for me, I feel the most confident when I focus on the Dharma. Not in a meditative way, but even when I have the sense that there is something for me to learn. I consider myself a realist, but I am often labeled as as optimist because of my 'every thorn has its rose' mentality. But the reason I see the good in everything is because the good is there to be seen. I know that no matter what happens, the experience alone will be something I can learn from.
I believe the first place to find the truth is within one's self, because nobody can tell you between right and wrong better than yourself. I believe that that there is nothing in this world that cannot be learned from. So I feel confidence and strenght when I am focusing on the essence of anything, on what can be learned, and what benefit it offers. (Sometimes a thing offers no benefit other than providing the knowledge that it offers no other benefit. And that's okay.)
The reason to acknowledge the Buddha, in my mind, is because knowing that somebody else traveled this path and reached the goal, well, that just helps keep me from doubting myself. And acknowledging the Sangha, well, that comforts me knowing that plenty of other people also think I am not crazy.
Due to this activity, I have decided I have far too many books (despite the fact that my library is not nearly as large as I would like). (I have updated my profile pic; the new picture is most of the books from one of the bookcases I moved. Probably about 1/4 of my books.)
However I have now re-familiarized myself with the location of several of my books, so now I can do what I have been intending to do for a while.
- - -
The six perfections are the highway to enlightenment, and the downfalls of the Bodhisattva vows are the principle obstacles on the way.
Part One: The forty-six secondary downfalls
1. Not making offerings to the three jewels every day.
... the three jewels being the Buddha (the 'enlightened one'), the Dharma (the truth that is available to learn), and the Sangha (the Buddhist community).
Now, of course, Buddhism isn't a religion. I don't see this as saying we give offerings to them as though they were a god. I comprehend it to mean, always be aware of each of these things, and remember what strength they represent. Knowing and believing in each will give you strength as well, and since what is sought requires much personal stength, it is best to keep in mind the things that will encourage us.
That, to me, is faith.
So, how does it give strength?
Well, for me, I feel the most confident when I focus on the Dharma. Not in a meditative way, but even when I have the sense that there is something for me to learn. I consider myself a realist, but I am often labeled as as optimist because of my 'every thorn has its rose' mentality. But the reason I see the good in everything is because the good is there to be seen. I know that no matter what happens, the experience alone will be something I can learn from.
I believe the first place to find the truth is within one's self, because nobody can tell you between right and wrong better than yourself. I believe that that there is nothing in this world that cannot be learned from. So I feel confidence and strenght when I am focusing on the essence of anything, on what can be learned, and what benefit it offers. (Sometimes a thing offers no benefit other than providing the knowledge that it offers no other benefit. And that's okay.)
The reason to acknowledge the Buddha, in my mind, is because knowing that somebody else traveled this path and reached the goal, well, that just helps keep me from doubting myself. And acknowledging the Sangha, well, that comforts me knowing that plenty of other people also think I am not crazy.