One of the fundamental teachings of the Buddha is that we do not have a permanent, unchanging, and independent "self".  However, we believe we do have such a "self", and as a result, we engage in karmic actions that trap us in the cycle of rebirth, which means continual rebecoming in new existences, which is suffering because they are impermanent.  Buddhist practice is focused on breaking down this illusionary belief in a self so we can encounter our true self and existence which is impermanent, ever-changing, and interdependent on other phenomena.  When we do this, we can live in our natural state of Nirvana free of the Three Fires/Poisons of ignorance, greed, and anger.

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Karma can be a misunderstood term in our world since it has crept into our everyday conversations with "good karma" and "bad karma".  But for Buddhists, it is an important part of the religion because it is something one wants to both transform, and ultimately end creating karma that keeps them bound to the cycle of rebirth.  Enlightened beings, such as the Buddha, created Karma 'without outflows' meaning it is the karma of an enlightened being who is no longer creating karmic actions that are unskillful and reinforcing (and binding) the false idea of a permanent 'self'.  Instead, it is karma where one has a clear and fundamental understanding of the world and how to properly interact in it.  

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The "Threefold Training" is based upon the Buddha's Eightfold Path to practice Buddhism that leads to enlightenment and Nirvana.  It is the way to end the Three Fires of greed, anger, and ignorance/delusion which would then lead to your true state of Nirvana (which is devoid of the Three Fires).  The Threefold Training is practiced by the different Buddhist traditions in different ways but can ultimately be found in all the different practices, rituals, ceremonies, and other things found within them.

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The world-famous Buddhist monk Venerable Thich Nhat Hanh passed away in January 2022 at the age of 95.  He left behind a legacy of monasteries, local groups, books, and millions of followers.  In this episode, I'd like to reflect on what I feel is some of his key teachings and some things that are often overlooked by Westerners about him.  If you are new to him and would like a book recommendation, "The Heart of the Buddha's Teachings" (https://amzn.to/3rDtSGJ) is one of his most popular introductory books on Buddhism.  The other book I mentioned in this podcast about Pure Land Buddhism is called "Finding Our True Home" (https://amzn.to/3slw4Sg).

Read my article on Thich Nhat Hanh:  https://alanpeto.com/buddhism/thich-nhat-hanh-life-lessons/

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As an Amazon Associate, the link to the books above is on Amazon and provides Alan a small commission if you choose to purchase.  This does not affect the price to you.

The most widely practiced form of Buddhism is the cultivation of merit.  Merit creates the wholesome conditions that are conducive to the Buddha's path towards enlightenment.  Because enlightenment is often not possible in our lifetime and is difficult for laypersons, the Buddha created the practice of merit to help create these future conditions.  It is practiced both by laypersons and monastics as a mutually beneficial and symbiotic practice.  While this practice is often not known or practiced by Westerners, it is one that is within the Buddhist teachings, scripture, and is a wonderful way to progress on the path.

With a new year upon us, it can be a perfect time to reflect upon why we are Buddhists and re-invigorating our determination and effort to practice.  The Eightfold Path, and the Threefold Training that derives from it, provide us the foundation to practice Buddhism so that we can liberate ourselves from the unsatisfactoriness (Dukkha) of the cycle of rebirth (Samsara) by realizing our true mental state of Nirvana.

Read the article here: https://alanpeto.com/buddhism/buddha-mind/

And learn about Buddhist practice here:  https://alanpeto.com/buddhism/daily-buddhist-practice/

Merry Christmas!  Can a Buddhist celebrate Christmas?  Yes, with a Buddhist mindset.  Learn how Buddhists can demonstrate the shared values of peace, love, kindness, compassion, and charity, and allow it to fill your heart and mind.

Alan's Buddhism and Christmas articles and videos:  https://alanpeto.com/tag/christmas/

The Mahayana Buddhist holiday of "Bodhi Day" celebrates the Buddha's enlightenment.  Bodhi, meaning awakened or enlightened, is the goal of all Buddhists so they can emulate what the Buddha achieved:  cutting through delusion and ignorance, realizing the truth, becoming enlightened (Bodhi), blowing out the three fires of greed, anger, and delusion, which then allows us to reside in our true, peaceful, calm, natural state of Nirvana.  Learn how we celebrate this holiday from a Western perspective to including how to repurpose a Christmas tree and lights into a "Bodhi Tree"!

Learn more in my article and videos here:  https://alanpeto.com/buddhism/bodhi-day/