MINDFULNESS|SPIRITUALITY
My Experiences With Buddhism: Unanswered Questions and Personal Insights
My thoughts and reflections on Buddhism
I am not a Buddhist. I am secular in my thoughts on religion and like to understand the different thoughts and what they are trying to say to people.
I have a few travel experiences as well as an understanding of what I have learned from people, books, travels, reading, and attending their meetings.
I was recently invited by a friend to a Buddhist meeting. I told her I believe in spirituality and seek meanings from it but I cannot be tied to anything new and learn more about religion.
She insisted that I still go to their meeting.
I obliged and I went to the meeting. Every day I read so many schools of thought but what do I practice? I believe in simplicity and being a good human being. I feel you should do some good for humanity.
Why not spread love and peace in this life?
My experience and observation of Buddha’s teachings
The Buddhist practice began with some chanting of words I did not understand. I asked those chanting to please tell me what you are saying and the meaning of the words as well. The principal chanter said she would let me know the meaning later on and to follow her.
Those present all chanted some words. They went on faster and faster and I kept thinking that I did not know the meaning. Why am I chanting?
- Simple way of life: What I knew about Buddha's teachings from reading several books on the philosophy of Buddhism and visiting Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, Mc Laudgunj, and Gangtok in India and also Buddhists in Vietnam, and Thailand is that it was a very simple teaching to follow in daily life.
2. First sermon: In Sarnath, I learned that when Buddha achieved enlightenment, he gave his first sermon there, and he taught his disciples about suffering and the way to escape it.
He taught his disciples about the Middle Way, the Four Noble Truths, and the Eightfold Noble Path. From here I learned the truths are called Dharma. Subsequently, I read quite a few articles about it. You can read more about the truths here.
3. Mantra: I also heard about the mantra “Om Mani Padme Hum” which means compassion. This mantra helps to calm fears, soothe concerns, and even mend broken hearts.
My mind was wandering off there all the time when they were chanting away.
A quiet ear to them and I noticed that they were chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo
4. Explanation and vibrations: No one could explain the meaning of the words that were being chanted but they were soothing and I enjoyed listening to them without understanding the meaning.
I must say vibrations were good and the chanting continued for some time. When they finished they shared amongst themselves how Buddhism had benefitted them.
They were asked questions by the others as to what was the problem and how did they benefit from following Buddhism. By and large, everyone said that the problem remains and there is no change but it has been treated by changing one’s mindset becoming aware of the problem, and solving it by thinking of another way of doing things.
5. Symbols: This was one meeting but I had traveled to many Buddhist destinations and in each country, I learned a little more about Buddhism. I tied red threads, I rang the bell, I spun the wheel as I understood the three symbols of Buddhism
According to the various travel guides I learned to look at three specific signs, the Bodhi tree, the Dharma wheel, and the stupa, which occur frequently at all the major sites and I was told that the earliest Buddhist cult practice focused on these three objects.
6. Life of the monks: Another thing that I observed is that the monks lived in very austere conditions.
I clicked a photo out of pictures lying in the monastery to show how they lived in simple robes. They had no interest in worldly pleasures as is reflected from their few possessions.
The Buddhist monks spend most of their time in isolation and prayer I was told wherever I went.
The life led by Buddhist monastics is very simple. If they want to be a monk they have to leave behind their relationship with the material world.
Their life has to be a life of silence, contemplation, and prayer. They have to follow the Vinaya or the rules that govern the type of lives they have to lead as Monks. You can read more details here.
Two important questions in my mind
- Materialistic and elaborate temples, pagodas, and Buddhas: I have observed that although the philosophy of thought is simple monks live in very difficult conditions for human beings who have to give up everything materialistic, yet the structures that I have visited are very massive, elaborate, and decorative and Buddhists spend a lot of money in displaying Buddhas.
A case in point is some pictures of the various temples and pagodas.
Look at this structure. Every window and door is carved and adorned. There are so many lamps around the building structure too. Carving on each gate is also so elaborate.
Everything is so elaborate in this prayer room in the temple complete with the Buddhas. Millions are sent on these things when the philosophy and thought are all about simplicity and leaving a life of nonmaterialistic things.
The carvings were amazing. The detailing was tremendous but questions loomed in my heart and head all the time. I am looking for answers about it.
Do the following Buddhist teachings follow in line with the materialistic display of wealth understanding I am looking for and where do they meet?
2 How Buddhism is different when all thoughts have one goal of unity and brotherhood?
I feel that all faiths lead to unity and love and sharing with the have-nots but human beings make things complex and separate each one and make them different.
I would like to find out what you feel.
I have been to many types of meditation groups and spirituality always thinking of the same thing that there is no difference in the philosophical thoughts.
All roads lead to the same path think what you will. Be good and be spiritual. Lead a happy, contented, and peaceful life. Follow the simple principles of spirituality.
Lead a simple life. Love the people around you. Share food with have-nots.
©Dr. Preeti Singh, 2023. To get my stories in your inbox, you may subscribe to my content here. You may connect with me on Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, or via email: [email protected]
