The teachings in Buddhism of Lord Buddha have been a part of my life for many years going back to when I studied for a Bachelor of Theology at McGill University in the Faculty of Religious Studies in the 70’s.
Tibetan Buddhism – Trungpa Rinpoche
Buddhist practice influences my daily life. I was introduced to Tibetan Buddhism through the teachings of Trungpa Rinpoche in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Pure Land Buddhism
I was introduced to the Pure Land Buddhist Mahayana traditions of China at the True Buddha School.
Pure Land Buddhism is a branch of Buddhism focused on Amitābha “The Buddha of Infinite Light.” Kuan Shih Yin / Guanyin is part of my daily practice.
Buddhist Teachings
The basic concepts in Buddhism can be summed up by the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path.
Buddhism is a religion, or philosophy, that originated in India based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama an Indian prince who became who the Buddha. The word Buddha is derived from ‘budhi’ or to ‘awaken’. Siddhartha awakened when he 35 years old.
To many people, Buddhism goes beyond religion and is more of a philosophy or ‘way of life’. It is a philosophy because philosophy ‘means love of wisdom’ and the Buddhist path can be summed up as:
- to lead a moral life,
- to be mindful and aware of thoughts and actions, and
- to develop wisdom and understanding.
Schools of Buddhism
Buddhism encompasses a variety of traditions, beliefs, and practices. Generally speaking Buddhists usually classify themselves as belonging to one of two schools of Buddhism namely Theravada or Mahayana. Although some say that there are three schools Theravada, Mahayana, and Tibetan Buddhism.
Buddhist Resources
You can find a growing list of Buddhist resources to help you explore Buddhism.
Points of Reference
Teachers, Guides, and Mentors
Explore My Teachers, Guides, and Mentors pages.
Reconnecting With Spirit
Learn more about steps you can take for Reconnecting With Spirit.
Be practical and expect miracles when you just take the first step forward every day.
–Richard Edward Ward
