Taking refuge is the key expression of commitment to Buddhism. If you want to identify as a Buddhist in a more formal way, you can take refuge by saying the refuge prayer: “I go for refuge to Buddha, Dharma and Sangha.” When we take refuge, we are committing ourselves to peace and the path to that inner peace. The Buddha is the teacher, and the Sangha (spiritual community) assists you in your practice, but the real refuge is the jewel of the teaching, because experience of the teachings protects our mind and solves our problems.    You are now at the end of life;  You’re headed for Yama’s presence  With no resting place along the way,  No provisions for the journey.  Make an island for yourself.  Be quick in making effort. Be wise.  Unblemished, with corruption removed,  You will experience birth and old age no more. (Verse 238) —Buddha, The Dhammapada   Links and References  Buddha.The Dhammapada. Translated by Gil Fronsdale. Shambala, Boston and London, 2011, pp.62.  Je Tsongkhapa. Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment, Volume 1. Pages 206-208. Translated by the Lamrim Chenmo Translation Co.  

Episode 92 - If You Want To Be a Buddhist...

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         Joy and pleasures are woven into the fabric of our lives. The teachings of Buddha invite us to dance with moments of delight without the chains of attachment. In this episode, we explore how to savor the pleasures of life while releasing the grip of attachment. Way to enjoy life's pleasures without the pain of attachment:   Enjoy the Moment   Accept what is   Let go of the past and future   Enjoy the moment We discover a world of joy by fully immersing ourselves in each moment. Instead of fixating on the past or yearning for the future, let's learn to be present, allowing joy to arise from the most simple pleasures. Cultivating the art of presence also means learning to enjoy life's pleasures without trying to possess, control them, or keep them.  Accept what is Non-attachment, a cornerstone of Buddhist philosophy, encourages us to accept what is. Non-attachment means we accept what is without wishing people, experiences, and things to be different. Releasing attachments allows us to discover freedom in the vast expanse of the human experience. We let other people be who they are at present. We let ourselves be. We let the experience be what it is. Without grasping at people and things being different, we can actually enjoy them! Let go of the past and future Remembering impermanence can help us let go of the past. Impermanence is like a river; it only flows in one direction—change. Go with the flow because change is inevitable. What we once obsessed over is eventually gone or boring or broken. The phrase "go with the flow" suggests we navigate the river of impermanence with grace. We let people go. Embracing impermanence is not a call to detach from life's pleasures but an invitation to savor them with a heart wide open. We find peace by releasing our grasp on the transient. Mindfulness of the present moment can help us detach from worries or cravings of the future. Mindfulness, as taught by Buddha, is like a dance with the present moment. Incorporating mindfulness into our daily life allows us to savor the present joys without clinging, much like a dancer who moves gracefully through a performance, fully immersed in the rhythm without thinking about the next step. Embracing life's pleasures without clinging is an art. Once mastered, it unlocks the door to true peace. We discover the profound beauty that arises when we learn to enjoy life without clinging.   Like water on a lotus leaf      Or a mustard seed on the tip of an awl Whoever does not cling to sensual craving Him I call a Brahman --Buddha, The Dhammapada (Verse 401)  References with Links  The Dhammapada, by Buddha. Translated by Gil Fronsdale.  Je Tsongkhapa (2014). Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment, by Je Tsongkhapa, Volume 1 (Kindle). Translated by the Lamrim Chenmo Translation Committee. Joshua Cutler, Editor-in-Chief, and Guy Newlan, Editor. Find us at the links below:  Website: BuddhismforEveryone.com Online Study Program: https://buddhismforeveryone.com/ongoing-buddhist-study-program/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Buddhismforeveryone Podcast Facebook Group: Join our private group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sanghatalk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buddhism.with.joann.fox       

Episode 194 - Enjoying without attachment

For the average person, Moments of anger are inevitable. They can flare up in response to various triggers, from personal frustrations to global injustices. However, according to the Buddha's teachings, there is a powerful antidote to this destructive emotion: compassion. In Buddhism, compassion is revered as a guiding light, illuminating the path towards healing and awakening.    At the heart of Buddhist philosophy lies the understanding of interconnectedness. Understanding interconnectedness leads to an awareness that everything we do as an individual affects the rest of humanity. It is also the idea that all beings are deeply interconnected by sharing a common desire for happiness and freedom from suffering. This fundamental principle forms the basis for cultivating compassion to overcome anger.   Compassion is not merely a lofty ideal but a practical tool for navigating the complexities of human emotions. Buddha invites us to embrace the humanity in others, even in moments of conflict and turmoil. Through the lens of compassion, Buddha reminds us that every soul carries its burdens, and every heart yearns for solace and peace.   In the face of anger, Buddha encourages us to pause and breathe. Witness the storm raging within with gentleness and understanding. Like a fragile bloom breaking through rocks, we can nurture the seeds of compassion within our hearts, even in the harshest environment. Buddha's teachings invite us to reclaim our power from the clutches of anger. No one benefits more from our patience and compassion than we do!    Compassion can be like a warm embrace—soothing our weariness as we acknowledge the pain and struggles everyone faces. By extending compassion to others, we dissolve the barriers that separate us.   Relying on compassion as an antidote to anger requires daily mindfulness—the awareness of our thoughts, emotions, and actions in the present moment. Through mindfulness, we observe the arising of anger without becoming consumed by it. Instead of feeding our painful feelings with angry thoughts, we feed them with thoughts of compassion towards that person. Rather than suppressing our emotions, we acknowledge them with compassion and guide them to pass without causing harm.     By cultivating compassion, we can overcome the grip of anger and replace the habit with a sense of connection and harmony with all beings. In a world filled with turmoil and conflict, may we each strive to embody compassion and sow the seeds of peace and understanding wherever we go. In this episode, JoAnn Fox guides a meditation called taking and giving that helps us develop compassion toward someone who makes us angry or that we have some resentment toward.  To practice taking and giving meditation with someone you feel anger toward:   Begin by visualizing the person in front of you.   Try to recognize their humanity, acknowledge that they experience suffering and desire happiness just like you.   Consider the ways in which this person suffers.   Imagine a day walking in their shoes. What causes them pain or frustration?   Contemplate how you make them suffer.      This meditation not only transforms your relationship with this person, but it also creates inner peace and harmony in your life.   Him I call a brahmana, who is free from anger, who practises austerity, who is virtuous and free from craving, who is controlled in his senses and for whom this body (i.e., existence) is the very last. --Buddha, The Dammapada, Verse 400 References with Links Buddha (1986).The Dhammapada: Verses and Stories. Translated by Daw Mya Tin, M.A. (Website). Edited by Editorial Committee, Burma Tipitaka Association Rangoon. Courtesy .of Nibbana.com. For free distribution only, as a gift of dhamma. Retrieved from https://www.tipitaka.net/tipitaka/dhp/verseload.php?verse=400 Je Tsongkhapa (2014).  Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment, by Je Tsongkhapa, Volume 1 and Volume 2 (Kindle). Translated by the Lamrim Chenmo Translation Committee. Joshua Cutler, Editor-in-Chief, and Guy Newlan, Editor. Find us at the links below:  To learn about the Buddhist Study Group or Courses, visit our Website: BuddhismforEveryone.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Buddhismforeveryone Facebook Group: Join our private group at:https://www.facebook.com/groups/sanghatalk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buddhism.with.joann.fox  

Episode 193: Compassion as antidote to anger

In this episode, we delve into a universal human experience: anger. But fear not! We're not just exploring the problem; we're diving into solutions. Get ready for an enlightening journey as we uncover practical strategies rooted in Buddhist wisdom to tame the flames of anger and cultivate inner peace.    We can learn how to transform the energy of anger into understanding and compassion. Through understanding and compassion we can heal ourselves and be a refuge of peace for others. In fact, in the story associated with the following verse, Buddha said: ‘Because I am patient and do no wrong to those who do me wrong, I have become a refuge to many." Then the Buddha spoke in verse as follows: Him I call a brahmana,  who, without anger endures abuse, beating and being bound,  and to whom the strength of patience is like the strength of an army.  --Buddha, The Dhammapada (Verse 399)   Interested in live weekly classes with Joann Fox?  Visit www.Buddhismforeveryone.com to enroll or learn more. Find us at the links below:  Website: BuddhismforEveryone.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Buddhismforeveryone Podcast Facebook Group: Join our private group at:https://www.facebook.com/groups/sanghatalk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buddhism.with.joann.fox References with Links Buddha (1986).The Dhammapada: Verses and Stories. Translated by Daw Mya Tin, M.A. (Website). Edited by Editorial Committee, Burma Tipitaka Association Rangoon. Courtesy .of Nibbana.com. For free distribution only, as a gift of dhamma. Retrieved from https://www.tipitaka.net/tipitaka/dhp/verseload.php?verse=399 Je Tsongkhapa (2014).  Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment, by Je Tsongkhapa, Volume 2 (Kindle). Translated by the Lamrim Chenmo Translation Committee. Joshua Cutler, Editor-in-Chief, and Guy Newlan, Editor.

Episode 192 - Solving Anger with Dharma

                              Virtual Classes with JoAnn Fox start this Saturday, March 2nd! You can enroll any time!   What: An ongoing study program to practice the entire path of Buddhism. Join us at any point!   When: Saturdays 10 am EST   Why: People often have to study Buddhism in a piecemeal fashion. JoAnn participated in a virtual teacher training program for over ten years that presented the whole path of Buddhism. This systematic approach makes the path very clear. It makes it much easier to practice and creates deeper inner change. JoAnn wants others to have the same opportunity! We’ll also find ways to create a connected sangha.   How: Live Classes will be held on Zoom. Or watch the recordings   Two Class Options: Join the ongoing study program or enroll in short courses.   Enroll on the website Buddhismforeveryone.com    - For Ongoing Buddhist Study Program: https://buddhismforeveryone.com/ongoing-buddhist-study.../   - Short Courses: https://buddhismforeveryone.com/short-buddhist-courses.../   You can pause or cancel your subscription at any time.    100% Satisfaction Guarantee: If you discover the classes aren’t for you, get a full refund within the first 30 days.   Questions: email joann@buddhismforeveryone.com              

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Renunciation is the determination to be free from our own cycle of suffering and dissatisfaction. Renunciation is a state of mind, like patience, compassion, or contentment. Much like these virtuous states of mind, developing renunciation leads us to deeper and deeper levels of inner peace. In this episode, we explore how renunciation directs our focus toward spiritual development, creates happiness, and how we can develop this state of mind.    Normally, we're always looking for something...something to ease discomfort, abate dissatisfaction or boredom, or give us pleasure. If we're lonely, we might seek out a new partner. If we're depressed, we might eat a bowl of ice cream or drink to intoxication. We turn to these things for some refuge, but the relief is brief, and they don't address our real problem. In fact, these sources of relief often bring us more problems! The first step in developing renunciation (the wish to be free of the cycle of suffering and dissatisfaction) is to understand that these external sources of refuge don't work. But don't just believe me! You can check whether the things you are trying to solve your problems are true or false refuge.   The four-point way to check whether something is a false refuge or real refuge: 1. Does it create any unwanted side effects or more problems? 2. Does it address the real source of the problem? 3. Does it create peace in the mind? 4. Does it always give you relief when you turn to it?    If you answered yes to all four questions = real refuge  If you answered no to any of these questions = false refuge    When we realize that we seek relief in false sources of refuge, we look for real solutions. This search for real solutions is renunciation. Often, people hear the teachings on renunciation and think it's about giving up worldly pleasure. Because renunciation is necessary for the attainment of enlightenment, we might think that enlightenment is only possible for monks or nuns. Renunciation is not about giving up worldly pleasure but relating to pleasures differently. As we develop renunciation, we begin to transcend the desire for the fleeting happiness or relief that arises from worldly pursuits. But when delight graces our path, we welcome it, savoring the enjoyment without chaining it to our expectations.    Wouldn't it be wonderful if we weren't shocked or sad when something we really enjoyed ended? Perhaps, for example, we'd be grateful for the good times when a relationship ended, knowing they were bound to end somehow. Often, we become angry when the most pleasurable things cease to give us the same pleasure but instead give us mostly pain. Generally, we don't attribute this pain to our mental habits. We keep getting lost in the valley of some familiar pain. Or we addictively desire the same peak of pleasure. We experience the same cycles of pain because our mind is set up for similar disappointments or dissatisfaction.    The solution to pain or dissatisfaction, therefore, is within the mind. With this growing wisdom of renunciation, we turn to what can help us solve our real problems. For Buddhists, this means taking refuge in the teachings, the teacher, and the spiritual community. When we start developing real sources of refuge, like patience or compassion, we stop being tossed on the waves of changing fortune and turn our attention to a higher goal: cultivating our inner potential.    Him I call a brahman who has cut the strap of ill will, the thong of craving, and the cord of wrong views together with latent defilements, who has lifted the bar that fastens the door of ignorance, and who knows the Truth.  —Buddha, The Dhammapada, Verse 398   References with Links Fronsdal, Gil (2023).The Dhammapada: A Translation of the Buddhist Classic with Annotations. (Kindle). Published by Shambala (Link).   Je Tsongkhapa (2014).  Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment, by Je Tsongkhapa, Volume 1 and Volume 2 (Kindle). Translated by the Lamrim Chenmo Translation Committee. Joshua Cutler, Editor-in-Chief, and Guy Newlan, Editor. Find us at the links below:  Website: BuddhismforEveryone.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Buddhismforeveryone Facebook Group: Join our private group at:https://www.facebook.com/groups/sanghatalk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buddhism.with.joann.fox

Episode 92 - If You Want To Be a Buddhist...

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