action that would do harm.
5. Right Livelihood—One’s way of livelihood does not harm in any way oneself or others, directly or indirectly.
6. Right Effort—One makes an effort to improve.
7. Right Mindfulness—Mental ability to see things for what they are with clear consciousness.
8. Right Concentration—Being aware of the present reality within oneself, without any craving or aversion (involves deep meditation).
The Noble Eightfold Path is seen as a practical guideline for ethical and mental development to free the individual from “attachments and delusions” (things that cause suffering). Buddhists believe that following it will lead to understanding the truth about all things. They emphasize the practical aspect, because it is only through practice that they can hope to attain a higher level of existence and finally reach Nirvana. The eight aspects of the path are not a sequence of steps, but are attitudes and actions that can be developed simultaneously.
The Five Precepts are the basis of Buddhist morality. They are not given in the form of commands such as “Thou shalt not...,” but are training rules in order to live a better life in which one is happy, without worries, and can meditate well. The Five Precepts, in general, consist of five abstentions:
1. Abstain from harming living beings (non-violence toward sentient life forms). This includes human beings, animals and insects. However, Buddhists can eat meat, if the being has not been killed for them specifically.
2. Abstain from stealing, which means not taking what is not given.
3. Abstain from sexual misconduct. This includes being unfaithful to one’s partner, involvement with prostitution or pornography, immoral thoughts, etc.
4. Abstain from false speech, which includes lying, gossiping, etc. This means speaking the truth always.
5. Abstain from intoxicating drinks and drugs (which lead to loss of mindfulness), except those taken for medicinal purposes. 28
How to Reach a Buddhist
It’s clear from the teachings of Buddhism that this is another works-righteousness religion, with a fear that if righteousness isn’t attained, there with be another rebirth into this world of suffering.
Hollywood has made reincarnation look to many like an intriguing alternative to Heaven. So many latch onto the belief that they may have lived another life in the past and will return after death in another life. But a little probing shows that they haven ’ t given much thought about their belief: Who is in charge of giving out bodies? What is God’s (or whoever’s in charge) criteria for doing so? If they are hoping to come back as royalty or a great stallion, what do they have to do in this life to merit such a reward? Or what does one have to do or be to end up coming back as a cockroach? What were they in past lives, and what did they do to merit the life they have now? Asking some of these questions may help them see that their belief is illogical, and has no proof.
Then share with them the Good News, that if they want to go where there is no more suffering, there’s only one Way for that to happen—and it’s a belief that can be backed up by verifiable proof.
As in other religions, Buddhism uses some of the same words as Christianity, but with entirely different meanings. For example, to avoid confusion, don’t tell a Buddhist that he must be “born again.” Since the Buddhist’s goal is to avoid being reborn, that phrase indicates failure and gives a negative view of what becoming a Christian means. Instead, explain to him that he can be born as a new person spiritually and be saved eternally.
Witnessing to a Buddhist
You: Hi. How are you doing? My name is [your name here].
Dasbala: Good. I’m Dasbala.
You: Good to meet you, Dasbala. I have a question for you. What do you think happens after someone dies?
Dasbala: I
5. Right Livelihood—One’s way of livelihood does not harm in any way oneself or others, directly or indirectly.
6. Right Effort—One makes an effort to improve.
7. Right Mindfulness—Mental ability to see things for what they are with clear consciousness.
8. Right Concentration—Being aware of the present reality within oneself, without any craving or aversion (involves deep meditation).
The Noble Eightfold Path is seen as a practical guideline for ethical and mental development to free the individual from “attachments and delusions” (things that cause suffering). Buddhists believe that following it will lead to understanding the truth about all things. They emphasize the practical aspect, because it is only through practice that they can hope to attain a higher level of existence and finally reach Nirvana. The eight aspects of the path are not a sequence of steps, but are attitudes and actions that can be developed simultaneously.
The Five Precepts are the basis of Buddhist morality. They are not given in the form of commands such as “Thou shalt not...,” but are training rules in order to live a better life in which one is happy, without worries, and can meditate well. The Five Precepts, in general, consist of five abstentions:
1. Abstain from harming living beings (non-violence toward sentient life forms). This includes human beings, animals and insects. However, Buddhists can eat meat, if the being has not been killed for them specifically.
2. Abstain from stealing, which means not taking what is not given.
3. Abstain from sexual misconduct. This includes being unfaithful to one’s partner, involvement with prostitution or pornography, immoral thoughts, etc.
4. Abstain from false speech, which includes lying, gossiping, etc. This means speaking the truth always.
5. Abstain from intoxicating drinks and drugs (which lead to loss of mindfulness), except those taken for medicinal purposes. 28
How to Reach a Buddhist
It’s clear from the teachings of Buddhism that this is another works-righteousness religion, with a fear that if righteousness isn’t attained, there with be another rebirth into this world of suffering.
Hollywood has made reincarnation look to many like an intriguing alternative to Heaven. So many latch onto the belief that they may have lived another life in the past and will return after death in another life. But a little probing shows that they haven ’ t given much thought about their belief: Who is in charge of giving out bodies? What is God’s (or whoever’s in charge) criteria for doing so? If they are hoping to come back as royalty or a great stallion, what do they have to do in this life to merit such a reward? Or what does one have to do or be to end up coming back as a cockroach? What were they in past lives, and what did they do to merit the life they have now? Asking some of these questions may help them see that their belief is illogical, and has no proof.
Then share with them the Good News, that if they want to go where there is no more suffering, there’s only one Way for that to happen—and it’s a belief that can be backed up by verifiable proof.
As in other religions, Buddhism uses some of the same words as Christianity, but with entirely different meanings. For example, to avoid confusion, don’t tell a Buddhist that he must be “born again.” Since the Buddhist’s goal is to avoid being reborn, that phrase indicates failure and gives a negative view of what becoming a Christian means. Instead, explain to him that he can be born as a new person spiritually and be saved eternally.
Witnessing to a Buddhist
You: Hi. How are you doing? My name is [your name here].
Dasbala: Good. I’m Dasbala.
You: Good to meet you, Dasbala. I have a question for you. What do you think happens after someone dies?
Dasbala: I
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