Buddhism has become a great inspiration in my life. Many people try to categorize Buddhism as a religion. However, this is technically an incorrect classification. Buddhism is a Philosophy. The Dalai Lama has stated that it is possible to be Buddhist and Atheist, Christian, Muslim, Hindu, or whatever you choose to be. This is because Buddhism seeks to teach us how to be a better human being. We are all different and special in our own way, and it is only when we acknowledge this fact and work together to ensure that our differences are used in a way that helps instead of hurts one another, can we achieve greatness.
There are 2 main lineages of instructions on the basis of which you can practice and generate Bodhicitta.
The seven-point cause and effect instruction.
begins by meditating on equanimity and then proceeds through the following steps:
The instruction on exchanging oneself and others.
The instructions on exchanging oneself with others consist of five main points:
1. Recognizing all sentient beings as one's mother
2 Recognizing the kindness of mother sentient beings
3. Repaying their kindness
4. Affectionate love
5. Great compassion
6. The extraordinary intention
7. Bodhicitta
1. Equalizing oneself with others
2. The disadvantage of cherishing oneself
3. The advantages of cherishing others
4. The actual thought of exchanging oneself with others
5. The meditation on giving and taking
(tong-len)
Spirituality can be controversial. For a unique outlook on spirituality.
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