Moral Foundations & Modern Fables

Diamond Sutta belonged to the Mahayana doctrine system. Another sutta named by the Buddha in Sanskrit was the Vajra-Prajna-Paramita Sutta. The Mahayana doctrine system emerged two hundred to six hundred years after the Buddha entered Nirvana. Many doctrines reached their climax in Mahayana, such as Lotus Sutta and Nirvana Sutta (Mahaparinirvana Sutta), which appeared six hundred years after the Buddha entered Nirvana. Other Pure Land School and Tantric School doctrines emerged one thousand years after the Buddha entered Nirvana. Thus, the Diamond Sutta predated any of them. Although the Diamond Sutta belonged to the Mahayana system, this Sutta was closely aligned with the Hinayana thought. Therefore, the scenes in this Sutta were described as simply as those in the Hinayana doctrines...

There are many ways to learn the Buddha’s teachings, and the author’s method is one of the various ways to practice Buddhist lessons. Although this is a piece of work, it is pregnant with her experience in studying Buddhist philosophy. I am sure that if a person like her is going on the path to Buddhism and gains knowledge of the Buddha’s teachings, then her labor will be perfect.

Question 01: DO LAY PRACTITIONERS FACE GREATER CHALLENGES IN FOCUSING ON SPIRITUAL PRACTICE COMPARED TO MONASTICS DUE TO FAMILY LIFE CONSTRAINTS? Answer: Indeed, family life can present more obstacles to spiritual practice than monastic life. This is one of the reasons why all religions incorporate a monastic tradition dedicated to intensive, focused practice and preservation of teachings. However, circumstances are not always fixed. There may be times when monastics face challenges due to external factors, necessitating lay practitioners to intensify their practice to uphold and safeguard the teachings of their faith. Question 02: LAY PRACTITIONERS MUST EARN A LIVING AND INTERACT WITH MANY NON-PRACTITIONERS IN SECULAR SETTINGS. CAN THIS EASILY LEAD TO CONFLICTS AND CHALLENGES THAT HINDER SPIRITUAL PRACTICE TOWARD ENLIGHTENMENT AND LIBERATION? Answer: Undeniably, this situation reflects the karmic conditions that have led us to circumstances that are challenging for practice, compelling us to cultivate our spirituality within a lay life full of constraints, conflicts, and concerns. However, if we persist in diligent practice despite these difficult circumstances, we cultivate the potential for more favorable conditions for practice in future lives. This presents a significant test for Dharma. If there's a shortage of monastics, and lay practitioners' efforts weaken, the Dharma may struggle to endure. Considering the long-term preservation of the Dharma, we must strive earnestly in our lay practice while also actively supporting brethren in similar situations, enabling collective progress on the path. (*) The Buddha's definition of enlightenment is very profound. Even if one can enter a deep state of meditative absorption, this is only considered a meditative achievement, but it is not regarded as true enlightenment or attaining a stage of sainthood. True enlightenment, or Sainthood, is achieved only when one eradicates the deep-seated invisible defilements, known as fetters (kilesas), within the deepest layers of the mind. Fetters are the natural instincts of sentient beings that influence all thoughts and behaviors. These include inclinations such as selfishness, arrogance, greed, anger, amour propre, hatred, stubbornness, laziness, cowardice, blame-shifting, fear and at the deepest level of mental fetters, ignorance (Avidyā). The Buddha identified four stages of Sainthood: Sotāpanna (Stream-enterer), Sakadāgāmi (Once-returner), Anāgāmi (Non-returner), Arahant (Fully Enlightened One). The concept of enlightenment in Buddhism is extremely profound and intricate, requiring significant spiritual practice to fully grasp its meaning.

The book "BUDDHISM FOR BEGINNERS" by Janna serves as an invaluable guide for anyone interested in exploring and understanding the fundamentals of Buddhism. Through a question-and-answer format, the book clearly and concisely explains the basic concepts, philosophies, and principles of Buddhism. Author Janna skillfully incorporates short stories, practical examples, and answers to common queries, providing readers with a comprehensive and accessible approach to Buddhist teachings. This book is a valuable resource for both beginners and those looking to deepen their knowledge of this ancient religion.