The Way of Inquiry
June 2, 2006 11:38 pmA quote from the book "What is Buddhism" that I would like to share.
The Buddha warned strongly against blind faith and encouraged the way of truthful inquiry. He pointed out the danger in fashioning one's beliefs merely on the folloing grounds: hearsay, tradition, because many others say it is so, the authority of ancientscriptures, the world of a supernatural being or out of trust in one's teachers, elders or priests. Instead one maintains an open mind and thoroughly investigates one's own experience of life. When one sees for oneself that a particular view agrees with both experience and reason and leads to the happiness of one and all, then one should accept that view and live up to it!
This principle of course also applies to the Buddha's own teachings. They should be considered and inquired into using the mental clarity born of meditation. As one's meditation deepends, one eventually sees these teachings for oneself with insight, and only then do they become one's own truth that give blissful liberation.
The traveller on the way of inquiry needs to be tolerant. Tolerance does not mean the one embraces every idea or view but that one doesn't get angry at what one can't accept. Further along the journey what one initially disagreed with might be seen to be true. So in the spirit of tolerant inquiry, here are some of the Buddha's basic teachings.
- The Four Noble Truths
- The Middle Way or Eightfold Path
- Kamma
- Rebirth
- The Illusion of a 'SOUL'
View the online version of this book on the Buddhist Fellowship site.
I have also added two interesting quotes on the Buddhist site:
Namo Amituofo
Categories: Buddhism
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One Response to “The Way of Inquiry”
Few people live much past seventy – how long can our lives possibly last? Now in this eventing time [of your life], you better put aside all your worries and concerns, and see through this world. It’s like a play. Where’s the reality?
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