The Benefits of Buddhism

In the West, most of us lead increasingly frantic lives, chasing happiness and striving to experience contentment and peace of mind, but somehow rarely enjoying any of these states for very long. Most Westerners are cynical about politics, and have become alienated from what we understand as religion; though we may really believe that exotic holiday, that powerful new car, that exciting new partner will change our lives and make us live happily ever after.

Tibetan Buddhism teaches that peace of mind is not in the gift of anyone else. No creator-god, no saviour, not even those dearest to us can give us lasting content. With the wise support and encouragement of our teachers, and our own sustained effort, we learn through the practice of contemplation how to access the true nature of our own mind, which is shining and clear, like a sky without clouds. Gradually accustoming ourselves through meditation to this experience of the clear light mind, it is possible to achieve happiness which external events have no power to change.

Sometimes Westerners are sceptical about Buddhist study and practice, especially the practices of contemplation and meditation, seeing them as lazy self-indulgence, even self-obsession.  And the idea of going on retreat, isn’t that just cowardice, running away from the demands of everyday life? Mistaking meditation for blissed-out relaxation, Westerners sometimes ask: why don’t Buddhists get off their meditation cushions and DO something useful? This is to misunderstand the purpose of meditation. Through regular practice, gaining peace of mind, we become easier to live with, wiser and more compassionate. As compassion grows in our hearts, with it grows the determination to use all the energy, knowledge and skills we have for the help and benefit of others.

Real and Lasting Benefit

This is not just theory. The experience of Mahasandi Buddhist group students over the past years has been that sincere study helps us make sense of our life experiences, and regular meditation practice (even practice that isn’t as regular as we would like), really does make life happier for us and those around us. Students completing our Crossing the Water Introductory Course are asked for their comments – here are a sample:

“Having been drawn to Buddhism for many years, knowing very little except snippets that I had read... I have gained such a huge amount from this past year… My daily practice encourages me to think about nearly everything that I do. I look forward to my practice, it gives structure to my life.”

“I’d been getting badly impatient and irritable – not just with my partner but also people at work! Doing a bit of meditation has helped me a lot – I recite the MANI mantra when I get held up & the bodhicitta practice helps not to label everyone FRIEND/ENEMY any more… thanks.”

In December 2006, Dza Mura Rinpoche most kindly agreed to be with us via an internet webcam link. Speaking in Tibetan, with a translation into English, Mura Rinpoche gave us Refuge vows, and important teachings and transmissions.

One of our students wrote:

“I would just like to thank you very much for arranging today. It was a wonderful experience …  I was amazed at the feeling of oneness that was present, it was quite unexpected, as such a distance and a computer was between us.Would you please kindly pass on to Mura Rinpoche my warmest thanks, we were most grateful for his time, his words and honoured to take refuge from him.”

Read about Dzogchen Pema Tung Great Perfection Retreat Centre

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