Date: 01/06/2024 01/07/2024
Location: Star Ocean Meditation Center
Teacher: Laura
Dharma Knowledge
The core spirit of Buddhism
The core spirit of Buddhism does not lie in rituals, doctrines, or external forms, but in awakening to the true nature of life. What the Buddha realized was not a speculative philosophy, but a direct insight into human suffering and confusion, along with a path toward freedom from them. Buddhism is therefore a practical path, guiding individuals to understand themselves, comprehend reality, and transform the mind at its root.
Buddhism begins by acknowledging the reality of suffering. Life does not consistently meet expectations, and while pleasure is fleeting, dissatisfaction, anxiety, and insecurity often persist. This suffering arises not only from external circumstances, but more deeply from inner attachment and resistance. Rather than avoiding suffering, Buddhism encourages facing it honestly, seeing it clearly as the first step toward liberation.
The fundamental cause of suffering is ignorance, a misunderstanding of the nature of reality. People tend to regard impermanent things as permanent and mistake the ever-changing body and mind for a fixed self. From this misperception arises constant striving, avoidance, and clinging, which in turn generate greed, anger, and confusion, perpetuating inner turmoil.
Through the principle of dependent origination, Buddhism explains how reality functions. All phenomena arise due to conditions, and when those conditions change or dissolve, the phenomena change as well. Nothing exists independently or permanently. Understanding this interdependence allows one to loosen rigid attachments and recognize that things are not inherently fixed, opening the door to mental freedom.
From wisdom naturally emerges compassion. When one clearly sees that all beings suffer due to ignorance, a sincere wish arises to alleviate that suffering. Buddhist compassion is neither self-neglect nor emotional pity, but a balanced expression of understanding and care, aiming to reduce harm while remaining grounded in clarity.
Practice is central to Buddhism, yet it is not an escape from ordinary life. On the contrary, Buddhist practice is meant to be integrated into daily activities. Through ethical conduct, meditation, and mindful awareness, individuals observe their thoughts and emotions directly, gradually weakening habitual reactions and cultivating inner stability.
Buddhism emphasizes the Middle Way, avoiding extremes. It neither indulges in sensual pleasure nor promotes severe self-denial. Instead, it offers a balanced approach based on insight and moderation. The Middle Way is not compromise, but a wise orientation to life that prevents both attachment and avoidance.
Ultimately, the core spirit of Buddhism points toward awakening and liberation. This awakening does not reject the world, but allows one to live within it with clarity and peace. By reducing attachment, cultivating wisdom, and embodying compassion, the mind naturally moves toward freedom, which is the fundamental direction revealed by the Buddhist path.
