Date: 01/13/2024 01/14/2024
Location: Star Ocean Meditation Center
Teacher: Laura
Dharma Knowledge
The true purpose of studying Buddhism
The true purpose of studying Buddhism is not to gain a religious identity, a sense of belonging, or mystical experiences, but to understand the true nature of life and transform the confusion and suffering of the mind. Buddhism points toward a path of awakening that is both profound and practical. It is not primarily concerned with abstract beliefs about the future, but with how life is understood and lived in the present moment.
Many people begin studying Buddhism with practical concerns, such as reducing stress, easing emotional pain, or finding inner peace. These motivations are natural, and Buddhism can indeed help in these areas. However, if one stops there, the practice may become merely a tool for comfort. The deeper purpose of studying Buddhism is not to make the external world perfectly agreeable, but to develop a mind that remains steady and clear even when life is imperfect.
From a Buddhist perspective, the root of suffering lies not in external circumstances, but in ignorance and attachment within the mind. People habitually seek pleasure and avoid discomfort, attempting to find lasting security in a constantly changing world. One true aim of studying
Buddhism is to see through this misunderstanding and recognize that all phenomena arise from conditions and are inherently impermanent. With this understanding, one becomes less bound by gain and loss, success and failure, attraction and aversion.
Studying Buddhism is not about denying the self, but about understanding it deeply. Through careful observation of body and mind, one discovers that what is called “self” is not fixed or independent, but a dynamic flow of sensations, thoughts, emotions, and habits. This insight does not lead to indifference; instead, it softens rigidity and defensiveness, allowing for greater openness and empathy toward oneself and others. Understanding non-self is a crucial step toward freedom.
The purpose of studying Buddhism also includes ethical refinement and the cultivation of compassion. Buddhism is not focused solely on inner experience, but emphasizes the purification of actions, speech, and intentions. As one reduces greed, anger, and harmful behavior, inner peace naturally increases, and one’s presence becomes less burdensome to others. Studying Buddhism is not about withdrawing from the world, but about learning how not to add more suffering within it.
On the level of practice, the true aim is not to pursue extraordinary states or special experiences, but to develop stable awareness and clear observation. Through meditation and mindfulness, one learns to see how thoughts and emotions arise and pass away, without being compelled to act on them. This clarity is not suppression, but understanding; not control, but insight. As a result, the mind becomes freer and more resilient.
As practice deepens, it becomes clear that liberation does not mean escaping everyday life, but living within it without being governed by ignorance. In favorable circumstances, one does not become lost; in difficult situations, one does not collapse. One learns to respond wisely and endure skillfully. This steadiness does not come from external protection, but from inner understanding.
In this sense, the true purpose of studying Buddhism is to awaken to life, purify the mind, cultivate wisdom, and embody compassion, ultimately moving toward freedom and ease. This is not a distant or abstract ideal, but a direction that can be realized moment by moment. Whenever attachment lessens and clarity increases, the true meaning of Buddhism is already being lived.
