Autonomouslearning.txt;   Compassion.txt;  Cooperation.txt;  Friendship.txt;  Honesty.txt; Perseverance.txt;  Respect.txt;  Responsability.txt;  Self-Discipline.txt;  Sharing and Caring.txt;  We Are What We Do.doc;
What Buddha Taught.doc;   Buddhasayings.txt; Importance Of Self Control.doc; Values.rar; Howtorearchildren.rar;

"WHAT BUDDHA TAUGHT" by Carl William Brown

A man has a faith. If he says, "this is my faith," he maintains the truth. However, by that he cannot proceed to the absolute conclusion: "this alone is the Truth, and everything else is False."

The ideas produced here are a man's faith. Thinking about them and applying them to one's life, one may find the Truth and happiness.
In order to be happy in life one must understand the four noble truths:

(1) Sorrow (Dukkha)
(2) Origin of sorrow
(3) Freedom from sorrow
(4) The path to the freedom from sorrow ………………………….

Performance of Four Functions:

With regard to the four noble Truths, we have four functions to perform.

The first noble truth is Dukkha (sorrow), the nature of life is suffering, its sorrows and joys, its imperfections and unsatisfactoriness, its impermanence and instability. With regard to this, our function is to understand sorrow as a fact, clearly and completely.

The second noble Truth is the origin of Dukkha, which is desire, thirst, accompanied by all other passions, defilements, and impurities. A mere understanding of this fact is not sufficient. Here our function is to discard, eliminate, destroy, and eradicate desire, thirst, and passions.

The third noble Truth is the cessation of Dukkha. Nirvana is the absolute truth, our function here is to realize it.

The fourth noble Truth is the PATH, leading to the realization of Niravana. A mere knowledge of the PATH, however complete, will not do. In this case our function is to properly follow it.


"Happiness or sorrow- whatever befalls you, walk on untouched, unattached." Buddha
Source: The Dhammapada

GREAT SAYINGS OF BUDDHA 

Below are sayings and extracts from ancient texts of Buddhism. Most of the sayings are attributed to Buddha (563?–483? BC). After his yogic enlightenment he devoted 45 years to sharing his teachings. Some cornerstones can be rendered as "Suffering can be ended," and "Right livelihood favours contemplation" [well implied]. Today some 350 million people profess a Buddhist faith. Enjoy. - T. Kinnes

Buddhism, in its various forms, . . . teaches a way by which men . . . may be able either to acquire . . . perfect liberation, or attain, by their own efforts or through higher help, supreme illumination . . . The Catholic Church rejects nothing that is true and holy in these . . . [For many] ways of conduct and of life, . . . precepts and teachings . . . often reflect a ray of that Truth which enlightens all men.
- The Church, therefore, exhorts her sons [to] recognize, preserve and promote the good things.
- The Second Vatican Counsil (1965)

Bodhidharma of the early 400s CE says something better: "The sutras [here: discourses] of the Buddha contain countless metaphors. Because mortals have shallow minds and don't understand anything deep, the Buddha used the tangible to represent the sublime. People who seek blessings by concentrating on external works instead of internal cultivation are attempting the impossible."

The sayings that follow, come from a variety of sources. More than half of them are from the earliest writings of Buddhism, Theraveda canon. That is no guarantee that Buddha is cited verbatim, though, for the canon was put down in writing long after his death. And there is something else involved, which Poul Tuxen explains it in his foreword to the Buddhist poem Dhammapada:

The stanzas that the work contains, are in large part known from other sources too; over half of them are found in other Buddhist texts, and many have been traced from outside Buddhism in Brahmaniacal sources . . . Obviously, many stanzas are common Indian heritage, and sayings that were current and taken into now this work, now that. [Tuxen 9]
This is to say that Professor Tuxen identifies a common Indian nature and origin in the sayings of the Buddhist poem Dhammapada [Tuxen 10]. For all that, the statements are meant as appetisers, as aperitifs. If a saying is modulated by me, it is shown after the saying in question. The meaning of markers like 'Mod' and other abbreviations mean, is shown on a connected page; there is a link to it at the end of this page. To the left and at bottom there is also a link to the site's Buddhist literature: 'The Set'. - T. Kinnes

Great Sayings of Buddha

Be greatly aware of reality as you meet or confront it each day, and from that become fit enough to deal with it WHATEVER, after due examination and analysis, you find to be kind, conducive to the good, the benefit, the welfare of all beings; believe and cling to that doctrine, and take it as your guide. [Buddha]

As the bee collects nectar and fragrance, so let the sage dwell on earth. [Mod Buddha]

A generous heart is good for the right sort of people. [Mod Buddha].

A man is not to be considered a good man just because he is an able talker. [Buddha]

Be greatly aware of the present. [With Buddha]

Profound truth, so difficult to perceive, difficult to understand, tranquilizing and sublime, is not to be gained by mere reasoning and is perceived only by the wise. [Buddha]

By overcoming mental formations in a right way, bliss opens up. [With Buddha]

In the proper season they give, those with discernment. [Buddha]

Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn't learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn't learn a little, at least we didn't get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn't die; so, let us all be thankful. [Buddha]

Right focus brings about reality -. [Buddha]

Sensuous craving often gives rise to dissension, quarrelling and fighting, and so on. [Mod Buddha]

Thought-habits can harden into character. So watch your thoughts. [Buddha]

We are shaped by our thoughts to some extent, but not all that much. [Opp Buddha]

STRIVE to be true to the best you know. [Mod Buddha].

Right conduct is to form a proper livelihood to prosper by. [With Buddha]

One is to cultivate the seven factors of enlightenment: mindfulness, investigation into phenomena, energy, bliss, tranquility, concentration, and equanimity. [Buddha, Maha-parinibbana Sutta 9]

A good path is free from torture and groaning and suffering. [Buddha]

A great gift - a gift of Dharma conquers all gifts. [Buddha]

The way is not in the sky. The way is in the heart. [Buddha]

Avoid aiming at the ruin of others. [Buddha]

Both frivolous talk and covetousness may be unwholesome. [Mod Buddha]

Death is not to be feared so much by one who has lived wisely. [With Buddha]

Living well favours a serene death and rebirth in a happy state. [Buddha]

Giving properly means doing so confidently and without too much encumberments. [With Buddha]

Fit speech stems from fit thought most often. [With Buddha]

Hatred does not cease by hatred, but enough harr-harr, assumedly. *

One should understand according to reality and true wisdom. [Buddha]

One should refrain from intoxicating drinks and drugs. [With Buddha]

The prudent man ministers to the chaste and virtuous. [Buddha, Maha-parinibbana Sutta]

Lack of meditation leaves ignorance. Know well what leads you forward and what hold you back, and choose the path that leads to wisdom. [Buddha]

By taking what is not given (stealing) one seldom reaches great freedom from animosity. [Buddha]

It should pay to make proficient use of the main secrets and teachings, for few seem able to enter paradise unaided. Most fools fall short of it
A GOOD friend who points out mistakes and imperfections and rebukes evil is to be respected as if he reveals a secret of hidden treasure. [Buddha]

A good way lessens suffering, a great way routs it out. [Cf. Buddha]

Avoid evil deeds as a man who loves life avoids poison. [Buddha]

Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, no matter if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense. [Buddha]

Of all the worldly passions, lust is the most intense. Make proper use of it. [In part Buddha]

On life's journey [certain] deeds are a shelter. [Buddha]

One should strive to understand what underlies sufferings and diseases - and aim for health and wellbeing while gaining in the Path. [Cf. Buddha]

Though all his life a fool associates with a wise man, he may no more comprehend the Truth than a spoon tastes the flavour of the soup. [With Buddha]

To abstain from lying is essentially wholesome. [Buddha]

A family is a place where minds come in contact with one another. If these minds love one another the home will be as beautiful as a flower garden. But if these minds get out of harmony with one another it is like a storm that plays havoc with the garden. [Buddha]

With an unhesitant mind one should give where the gift bears great fruit. [Buddha]

Your body is precious. It is our vehicle for awakening. Treat it with care. [Buddha]

DISSENTION is part of the misery of sensuous craving. [Buddha] (4)

Conquer a liar with truth. [Buddha]

Neither overrate nor underestimate what you have received. [Cf. Buddha]

Doubt can be a poison that disintegrates friendships and breaks up pleasant relations, thorn that irritates and hurts. [Mod Buddha]

Few are the people who make it to heaven unaided. [Cf. Buddha]

A heap of many sores, diseased, soon to be devoured by old age, is a prey. [With Buddha]

Faithfulness is essentially very good. [With Buddha]

Holding fast to the Truth they shall reach the topmost height. [Buddha]

Perfect Ones have pointed out the way. [With Buddha]

Freedom from remorse comes in the end from a wholesome morality. Let us hope that. [With Buddha]

You can search throughout the entire universe for someone who is more deserving of your love and affection than you are yourself, and that person will not be found: You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe deserve your love and affection. [Buddha]

Travelling well one finds delight and proper understanding of what counts. It relates to inner purity
BETTER than a thousand hollow words is one word that brings peace. [Buddha]

Being undisturbed and very steadfast of mind is a gain to be used or directed toward Great Deliverance. [With Buddha]

How few here see clearly! [Buddha]

It is good to travel well sometimes. [Mod Buddha].

How can you find delight and mirth? [Buddha]

To keep the body in good health is a good task. Otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear. [With Buddha]

Right understanding is great. [Buddha]

An idea that is developed and put into action is more important than an idea that exists only as an idea. [Buddha]

Only the experience of nirvana makes it comprehensible to the wise. [Buddha]

We have to understand well to think well. [Cf. Buddha]

Wrong views are essentially unwholesome. [Buddha]

Untarnished virtues may be conductive to contemplation. [Mod Buddha]

Whose body is calmed, experiences ease more easily. [With Buddha]

YOU yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection. [Buddha]

Happiness can be the outcome of doing good. [With Buddha]

Fit efforts bring on greater and greater mindfulness. [Mod Buddha]

Go from freedom from oppression to welfare. [Cf. Buddha]

He who envies others does not obtain full peace of mind. [With Buddha].

Find your own light. [Buddha]

He could be able who thinks he is able. [With Buddha]

Insight relates to inner purity. [Cf. Buddha]

However many wholesome words you read and speak, what good will they do you if you do not act sagaciously on them? [Taking off from Buddha]

In the ignorance of the whole truth, each person maintains his own arrogant point of view. If that is your case, try to make the best out of it anyway. [Mod Buddha]

Let go of mere opinions. [With Buddha]

Know well what leads you forward and what hold you back, and choose the path that leads to wisdom. [Buddha]

One should learn to watch and examine carefully. [Mod Buddha]

Of that which is transient and subject to suffering and change, one cannot rightly say: `This belongs to me; this am I; this is my Self'. [Buddha]

Proper efforts at being mindful culminate in samadhi (absorbtion). [Buddha]

Work out your own salvation. Do not depend on others. [Buddha]

Men cannot live at all without a spiritual life foundation. [Mod Buddha]

Our theories of the eternal are as valuable as are those which a chick which has not broken its way through its shell might form of the outside world. [Buddha]

A favourable reputation is a nice thing to have. If not, make the best out of that. [In part Buddha]

There are three kinds of feeling: pleasant, unpleasant, and neither pleasant nor unpleasant (quite indifferent). [With Buddha]

One had better refrain from incorrect speech. [With Buddha]

The words we utter should be chosen with care, for people will hear them and be influenced by them for good or ill. [Buddha]

They do not follow righteous ways who resort to violence to achieve their purpose. But those who lead others through non-violent means, knowing right and wrong, may be guardians of righteous ways. [Buddha]

To the one who endures, the final victory comes. [Buddha]

The enlightened express their approval for giving. [Buddha]

Sorrow, lamentations and sufferings tend to repel most others. *

A very able man directs the unruly thoughts properly. [Buddha]

To abstain from harsh language can be very wholesome. [Buddha]

"Where, lord, should a gift be given?" "Wherever the mind feels confidence". [Buddha]

You must leave unrighteous ways behind, at the very least. [With Buddha]

Wise persons are diligent persons. [Buddha]

You should free yourself from sufferings while there is time left. [Mod Buddha]

You should seek to escape becoming a corrupt corpse while living . . . [With Buddha]

ONE should go for great increase of wealth through sound diligence. [With Buddha] (7)

If you can escape disease, by all means do so. [Mod Buddha]

Let us try to face reality squarely, exactly as it is. [Mod. Buddha]

If mind is transformed, can wrong-doing remain? [Buddha]

There is a realm where there is neither solid nor world [Great Beyond]. This I call the end of suffering. [With Buddha]

One had better refrain from sexual misconduct. [With Buddha]

Old age may not be avoided full well. [Mod Buddha]

One had better refrain from what leads to great carelessness. [With Buddha]

There are six classes of consciousness: consciousness of forms, sounds, odours, tastes, bodily impressions, and of mental objects (lit.: eye-conscious-ness, ear-consciousness, etc.). [Buddha]

Wherever in the world there are delightful and pleasurable things, there much craving may subside for a while. *

What is given to a virtuous person could bear great fruit. [With Buddha]

There are beings whose eyes are only a little covered with dust: they may come to understand the truth. [With Buddha]

You can make known the Truth by helping in setting it forth - and making it your own. [Buddha]

Gist

Be greatly aware of reality as you meet or confront it each day, and from that become fit enough to deal with it.
It should pay to make proficient use of the main secrets and teachings, for few enter paradise unaided. Most fools fall short of it.
Travelling well one finds delight and proper understanding of what counts. It relates to inner purity.
IMPACT - Increasing awareness of the great teachings stem from inner purity, which may be cultivated through contemplation every day - that is "travelling the path" well, in insider's terminology.
Buddha at Varanasi
After his enlightenment Buddha decreed that no one was to make an image of him or to paint him. But a nameless artist who saw him sitting deep in contemplation on the banks of the Ganges at Varanasi (Benares), was so moved by the sight that he wanted to portray Buddha in some way: He used Buddha's reflection in the rippling Ganges and in this way made a portrait without defying Buddha's injunction. Many representations of the youthful Buddha thus have folds in their garments - it is called the water-ripple effect.
 

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