Buddhism for Today
The forms in which Buddhist truths are expressed always adapt according
to circumstances. But the essence of Buddhism transcends culture and
conditions. In the West today we are heirs to the whole of the Buddhist
Tradition. We need not be restricted to Theravada Buddhism, to Zen,
or Tibetan Buddhism, but can draw from them all. The FWBO's attitude
is not one of eclecticism, however. We take what is useful according
to our actual spiritual needs. We take whatever will help us to grow
under the conditions of modem Western life.
Meditation
Of all the means of personal development employed within the
FWBO, meditation is the most highly valued. It is the direct method
of working on the
mind in order to transform it.
Dharma Study
Through study we come to understand the Buddhist Tradition more deeply
and we learn to apply it in ways which are useful and relevant today.
Developing
Friendships
In conversation with Ananda, his attendant and
companion, the Buddha stated that "Friendship is the whole of the
spiritual life." Friendship
is a human necessity. In the FWBO, friendship is considered to be a spiritual
practice. If the friendship is with someone more aware and emotionally
positive than ourselves, we can gain tremendously from the experience.
The
FWBO in New York City holds regular introductory
meetings as well as
a weekly group that meditate and study together.
www.freebuddhistaudio.com
Dharmachakra Archive is the sound and
text archive of the Western Buddhist Order.
*Free Buddhist Audio from the Dharmachakra Archive
*Over 500 audio talks on Buddhism and meditation
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Pictures of Buddhas & Bodhisattvas
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