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@ Steaks -There is a distinction between
Taoism and Buddhism. Buddhism was
established earlier in India whilst Taoism originated from
China. Even in Buddhism, there are many sects
with different beliefs, traditions and practices (i.e. Zen
Buddhism, Shinto, Theravada, Mahayana, and Tibetan
Buddhism). Although Buddhism
have split into schools and sects, but the different sects of
Buddhism have never gone to war with each other and have developed
tolerance and understanding that they can practice and worship
together. So, you need to find the one that fits
your lifestyle.
Regarding Buddhism, all of the many
teachings of the Buddha centre on the Four Noble
Truths. They are called “Noble”
because they ennoble one who understands them.
And they are called “Truths”, because, corresponding with reality,
they are true. There are plenty of materials
that you can find on the internet about the Four Noble
Truths.
As the Buddha says:
‘No one saves us but
ourselves,
No one can and no one may.
We ourselves must walk the
path,
But Buddhas clearly show the
way.’
Once there was a man called Upali who was
impressed by the Buddha’s teachings and decided to become one of
his disciples. But the Buddha said to
him:
‘Make a proper investigation first
Upali. Proper investigation is good for a
well-known person like yourself.’
@ Steaks – In Buddhism, understanding is
very important and understanding takes time. It
is the end product of a process, so do not impulsively rush into
Buddhism. Take your time, ask questions,
consider carefully and then make your decision.
The Buddha was not interested in having large number of
disciples. He was concerned that people should
follow the teachings as a result of a careful investigation and
consideration of facts.
If after careful consideration, you find
that the Buddha’s teachings are acceptable, it would be good to
join a good Buddhist group and continue to learn more about the
Buddha’s teachings. Then, when you are ready,
you would formally become a Buddhist by taking the Three
Refuges.
There are four aspects to going for
refuge:
1.
By knowing the good
qualities
2.
By knowing the
distinctions
3.
Through commitment
4.
By refusing to acknowledge
other refuges
Going for refuge requires recalling the
good qualities of the refuge (i.e. the good qualities of the
Buddha’s body, speech, mind and enlightened activities).
Going for refuge by knowing the
distinctions among the three jewels (i.e. The Buddha, Dharma and
the Sangha community, each with its defining characteristics)
leading to the path of enlightenment.
Going for refuge through commitment means
upholding the Buddha as the teacher of refuge, the teachings –
nirvana – as the actual refuge, and the community as those who
assist us to attain refuge.
Going for refuge by refusing to acknowledge
other refuges means first of all understanding
the differences in worth between Buddhist and non-Buddhist
teachers, teachings, and disciples, for then you will uphold only
the three jewels as your refuge, and refuse teachers, teachings and
disciples that do not accord with them.
My advice to beginners is to first, study
and then analyse the Buddha’s teachings. Always adopt the middle
way rather than rush to practice without actual knowledge and full
understanding. To begin, we
need to hear the Dharma, listen and reflect.
Then, develop your meditation abilities to help you explore the
truth for yourself and not take on any teachings
unexamined. Wisdom is achieved once you are able
to merge what you have learned with your life’s
experiences. And may you then, develop clear
faith in the Buddha’s teachings.
Awesome! - all sects work on the same 4 noble truth, in
which, there is 4 noble truth of human realm, there is 4 noble
truth of heavenly realm, there is 4 noble truth of stream
enterer realm, arahat realm, bodhisavatta realm and buddha realm.
It's emptiness and varied according to individual grade of
conditioned mind subjected to its own blessing and wisdom, and
importantly the conditioning factor from their teacher as
well.
It is in the best of one interest to study in the
Buddhist institution / monastery that offered structured
courses, enjoying both blessing and wisdom - human life is short
but blessing and wisdom are eternally blissful. One needs not have
to convert but can learn from Buddhism that actually open its door
to understand all tenets in other religions and its sects.
As the chinese wisdom adage and the beauty of chinese
language goes like this:
「煮豆燃豆萁，豆在釜中泣；本是同根生，
相煎何太急。」
願以此功德
普及于眾生
皆共成佛祖