OVERSEAS TEACHING AUTHOR: KHENPO TSULTRIM LODRO

There is a Buddhist scripture that states that there are three kinds of reasoning. The first is that of direct perception, in which external objects in the phenomenal world—the stars, the sun, the moon and so on—are directly perceived with our eyes, our ears and our other sense faculties.

Depicted from "Buddhism in the 21st Century - Part 12" June, Sydney, Australia

In respect to the view, we often talk about the Six Perfections or the Six Paramitas. Among these the paramita of wisdom in itself is indispensable at any time, but it is particularly so now in the 21st century, when people experience so much conceptual thinking. Science is very advanced in this age so it is especially significant that we also cultivate wisdom.

Depicted from "Buddhism in the 21st Century - Part 9" June, Sydney, Australia

After we have determined our view, it is necessary for us to engage in meditation practice. This can be likened to actually walking along the path that we have set for ourselves with our eyes. Simply fixing our eyes on the road ahead of us and thinking we need to go to the left or to the right, without actually moving our legs, will not get us very far.

Depicted from "Buddhism in the 21st Century - Part 6" June, Sydney, Australia

Let’s explore the difference between faith that is grounded in wisdom and blind faith.

In the Buddhist teachings there are three criteria that need to be satisfied in order for a teaching to be considered in accordance with reason. If teachings meet these criteria then they can be accepted, but if they do not then they can be discarded. If from the beginning we do not understand these three criteria and our belief is not based on them, then we have blind faith in the teachings. However, if we know these criteria and our belief is founded on the study, examination and contemplation of the teachings, then we can consider our faith to be based in reason and wisdom.

Depicted from "Buddhism in the 21st Century - Part 11" June, Sydney, Australia

This three-fold formula of view, practice and conduct is not just spoken of in the religious context. Any kind of work we undertake also has a view, a practice and conduct that underpins it. And not only positive actions have their own view, practice and conduct, but negative ones as well. In the view, practice and conduct of a thief, for example, the view would be the decision not to work or do business, but instead to steal from other people. The meditation of a thief would be thinking constantly, time and time again about how they are going to go about stealing from other people. The conduct of a thief would be actually going and stealing the property of others.

What we need to do is abandon incorrect view, meditation and conduct and instead cultivate positive view, meditation and conduct.

Depicted from "Buddhism in the 21st Century - Part 8" June, Sydney, Australia

As Buddhist practitioners, it is important that we start by developing a correct view. When we talk about “view”, it often means something that we see with our eyes, like when we start off along a path and need to ascertain where we are going so we avoid veering off to the left or right.

Depicted from "Buddhism in the 21st Century - Part 5" June, Sydney, Australia

Given that wisdom is so important, it is crucial that we cultivate a belief that is not grounded in blind faith. We should develop faith and acceptance that is based on our own examination and study of the teachings.

Depicted from "Buddhism in the 21st Century - Part 10" June, Sydney, Australia

The third stage is our conduct. Having established our view, and having practiced meditation well, what sort of actions should we undertake? If we have a solid foundation in our view and practice then this will produce good results in our conduct.

Depicted from "Buddhism in the 21st Century - Part 7" June, Sydney, Australia

Regarding Buddhist practitioners in the 21st century, I’d like to address three topics: the view that contemporary practitioners need to develop, their meditation practice, and their conduct.

The first topic, view, refers to our developing correct ideas about the world as it is.

The second, meditation, refers to what kind of practice we should be engaging in.

Thirdly, as a result of our practice, we will discuss how we should be benefiting society through our conduct.

Depicted from "Buddhism in the 21st Century - Part 4" June, Sydney, Australia