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6.Buddhism is the Practice of
Morality
To practice the Buddha's Way is to put morality into
practice. In other words, it is something that everyone should
learn, either young or old. Buddhists chant and offer incense in
temple either to express their utmost respect towards the Buddhas
and Bodhisattvas, or to seek the blessings of the Buddhas and
Bodhisattvas.
However, true Buddhist practices are not based on
faith or rituals only. There must be equal emphasis on both the
development of faith and the cultivation of wisdom. Merely
studying and researching the teachings of the Buddha is not
sufficient. We should be able to understand and put the teachings
into right practice.
Practicing the Dharma involves three main practices (the Three
Studies). These are the observance of the precepts, the
development of concentration, and the cultivation of wisdom. This
can be further extended into the Six Paramitas.
The observance of the precepts belongs to common
morality. Its aim is to prevent evil and wrong doing. However, if
we do not do what is supposed to be done, this is also a violation
of the precepts. If we can abide by the precepts, our actions, and
speech will be in accordance with the teachings of the Buddha.
But external good actions and speech are not
sufficient to calm a bewildered mind. A bewildered, unmindful, and
ignorant state of mind, will blind our conscience, and drive us
towards immorality. Therefore, this is why it is necessary to go a
step further in developing our mental skills. Mental training
involves the practice of one-pointed concentration. Through this,
we can develop a peaceful and pure state of mind that can help us
diminish or remove some of our defilements or frustrations.
However, to obtain the complete elimination of all mental
defilements, perfect wisdom, Prajna, is required.
Perfect Wisdom is the wisdom that sees the void
nature of self and Dharma. It is the key to clarify our attachment
to our view of 'Self.' The flame of wisdom can incinerate all our
defilements. It is only then that we can achieve a pure and
undisturbed mind. Every action performed, word spoken, and
intention arisen, will then be in accordance with the Truth. Our
loving-kindness and compassion will grow, and we will be able to
forgo ourselves for others. Perfect morality may then manifest.
Through the stages of practicing Buddhism, it can be
seen that to practice Buddhism is to begin with the cultivation of
an outer peace, then an inner peace, and then finally achieving a
perfect and flawless behavior. Practicing Buddhism is merely the
realization of morality. On this path of perfecting ourselves,
although not everyone can put in enough effort to attain the
completion of this process, following the precepts is the first
step, even if we just wish to be a good person in this life. |
