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Buddhism: A Brief Introduction:
All Beings Have the Wisdom of the Buddha Chapter One- Suffering: The Problem of Existence Chapter Two- The Cause of Suffering: Ignorance and Karma Chapter Three- The Path to the Cessation of Suffering: Practicing the Dharma Chapter Four- The Cessation of Suffering: The Realm of the Buddha Chapter Five- Sangha: The Third Jewel Introduction to Chart of Samsara Chart of Samsara The Importance of Actual Practice in Buddhism |
The Importance of Actual Practice in Buddhism
From the outset of his career, the Buddha explained that his teachings were "only a finger pointing at the moon; not the moon itself". That is, they were a means or way to be cultivated, not a creed to be believed or a dogma to cling to. You must "drink the water yourself, to know whether it is warm or cold"--see for yourself what is true and attain ultimate freedom from suffering. Thus the Buddha said: Monks, do you not speak that which is known by yourselves, seen by yourselves, discovered by yourselves? Yes, Venerable Sir. You, Monks, have been instructed by this Dharma (teaching) which is evident, timeless, inviting one to come and see, leading onwards, and to be personally known by the wise. (Majjhima Nikaya I 265) The implication is clear: without actually practicing the teachings it is not possible to fully comprehend them. Mere study cannot compare to actual practice and direct experience. Thus, in the Bodhisattvas Ask For Clarification, Chapter 10, Flower Adornment Sutra, we find this principle stated in the following vivid analogies: Like a physician who, though skillful in prescribing medicine, Is unable to cure his own illness; Without practicing the Dharma, Much study is the same way. Like one who counts the wealth of others' But has not a penny of his own; Without practicing the Dharma, Much study is the same way. Like a person born in a King's palace, Who still suffers hunger and cold; Without practicing the Dharma, Much study is the same way. Like a deaf musician playing tunes Others enjoy but he himself does not hear; Without practicing the Dharma, Much study is the same way. Like a blind artist whose many drawings Are displayed for others, but he himself can never see; Without practicing the Dharma, Much study is the same way. |
