Many, many people, young and old, are looking for something when they come to Buddhism.
by Khenpo Tashi
Some people who come to learn Buddhist want to learn meditation. Some want to study philosophy. Some want to know how to relax their minds. Other people want the mystical teachings.
Are these really the right things to look for? Please check properly, ok?
Anyway, to cut things short, we simply need the Triple Gems. Anybody, you, me, new, old.
The Buddha, Dharma and Sangha are available there, in front of us, whether we are new or old. What else are we looking for?
Leaving “Refuge” here and going somewhere far away to “study Buddhism” is not Buddhism. Looking for some meditation practice in the temple but leaving the Jewel of the Dharma somewhere else is not Buddhist meditation. Seeking a high teacher in the Himalayan mountains but leaving the Jewel of the Sangha aside is not Buddhism.
Whenever we hear, think or meditate on the Three Jewels anywhere, this is Buddhism. Beyond this, there is no Buddhism.
What does it really mean to be a Buddhist, or to learn some Buddhist way? – It is not about the hard work and perseverance. Hardwork is important, but that is not the essential meaning of being a Buddhist.
It is possessing the irreversible trust in the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. That is the meaning of a proper Buddhist.