Friday, June 6, 2014

The Buddha's Attitude Towards Worldly Knowledge

Venerable K. Sri Dhammananda

 "Worldly knowledge can never help one to lead a pure religious life for gaining peace and emancipation."

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Buddhism is Not About Conversions

Buddhism is Not About Conversions,
But the Welfare & Happiness of All Beings
For the good & happiness of the many -

The Buddha's exhortation to the first missioners ...

Monday, June 2, 2014

Goenka on Saddha vs Blind Faith


"When one takes refuge in Buddha, one must be careful that this devotion does not turn into blind devotion. Such madness may lead us to believe that the Buddha will end all our suffering. On the other hand, after witnessing the process of purification taking place in oneself and in others with the practice of this technique, if one’s sense of gratitude towards the compassionate Enlightened Teacher begins to overflow, any expression of respect and gratitude would certainly not be out of place. When our devotion is inspired by wholesome qualities that liberate and purify us, such devotion inspires us to acquire these qualities. Devotion of this nature does not become a blind belief and turn into bondage; it becomes a factor of enlightenment. This factor of enlightenment makes the mind tender, which is of great assistance in the process of purification through the practice of Vipassana."