Where to Start with Buddhism

Westerners new to Buddhism are sometimes confused or discouraged by the sheer volume and diversity of information available, some of it complex and even contradictory; and beginners may find things especially difficult when trying to study and practice on their own. To clarify our understanding, it makes sense to start right at the beginning.

Who was the Buddha?

The teacher known as the Buddha was a real historical figure; scholars tell us he lived in northern India (modern Nepal) in the 5^th century BCE. Mahayana Buddhism teaches that the historical Buddha, Sakyamuni, was fully enlightened lifetimes before he took rebirth as Prince Siddhattha. He chose to take rebirth out of compassion, in order to demonstrate by his life the stages on the path which leads to the cessation of suffering for us and for all beings.

What’s the Story?

Siddhattha’s father the king was determined to shield his son from all contact with the harsh realities of life, so the prince grew up safe and happy within the luxurious confines of the royal palace. He studied politics and the art of war, married and had a son. But longing grew in Siddhattha for deeper experience so, abetted by his chariot driver, he disguised himself and ventured outside the palace walls. Here for the first time Siddhattha witnessed the sufferings that accompany growing old, becoming ill and dying. Overwhelmed by pity, he began to question why it seems inevitable that sooner or later all beings suffer in these ways.

What’s the Answer?

Following the religious custom of his times, Siddhattha left the palace and spent six years living as an ascetic monk, meditating with no concern for food, drink, rest or shelter. He became so emaciated that his belly touched his backbone, but the realisation he achieved was that self mortification is not useful; the correct path to achieving clarity of mind is the middle way between asceticism and self indulgence. Meditating on the middle way between extremes, Siddhattha attained realisation and became known as the Buddha, the Awakened One.

Enlightenment - what’s that?

The Buddhist teachings tell us that enlightenment is recognition of our own true nature, nothing more or less. This is also called attaining Buddhahood. A Buddha experiences everyone and everything without any projection of characteristics, understanding that nothing is fixed or solid. This is known as emptiness - although things are apparent, they have no ultimate existence. This realisation frees a Buddha from all afflictions and suffering and brings true bliss and happiness.

However, beings who have not realised emptiness continue to suffer in this illusory world. Moved by this, a Buddha is spontaneously and limitlessly compassionate, a quality known as Bodhicitta, and therefore brings intrinsic benefit to all unenlightened beings. It is the union of the wisdom that realises emptiness and boundless compassion that characterises the perfect enlightenment of full Buddhahood.

Read about the practice of Dzogchen

All content © Mahasandhi Buddhist Group