#practice of

[mindpenis]

The theory and practice of oligarchical collectivism by emmanuel goldstein

[windingriverherbals]

Practice of Aromatic Alchemy

Practice of Aromatic Alchemy

When we approach an essential oil with concentration and mindfulness it begins to reveal hidden dimensions of beauty, power, and intelligence that are not ordinarily noticed. As we integrate these new perceptions into a greater awareness of our own physiological reactions to the plant’s essence, we begin to understand how we are deeply connected to all of life, specifically to the photosynthetic…

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[buddhazen101]

Hi. Could you expand on why you think meditation isn't essential to the practice of Buddhism? And on the same note, how is a person expected to understand the Four Noble Truths, commit to the Precepts and follow the Eightfold Path without the practice of meditation as a tool? May you be well.

Hello!

Yes, I’d be happy to expand.  First of all, this is shown in that most lay Buddhists around the world do not practice meditation.  In the Buddhist world, meditation has been traditionally seen as a practice of the monks at monasteries.  Second, the Buddha’s primary prescriptions to lay people were the Five Precepts.  He was concerned with the personal improvement of oneself and living peacefully and ethically with others. Third, meditation is one of the many ways that there are to practice Buddhism.  Other practices include making donations to the monks, chanting, reading scriptures, praying, making offerings (e.g., offering fruit or incense before the Buddha), decorating altars, etc.  All these are very valid tools in the practice of the different forms of Buddhism.

Surely, there is nothing wrong with practicing meditation.  It is a beautiful way to examine one’s mind and gain merit.  But many Americans automatically assume that Buddhists meditate, or are at least supposed to.  Meditation is hard at first, and it’s supposed to be serious a commitment—not a fad.  This was the reason why I said not to worry about meditation for the time being.  However, it is one useful way out of the many to practice Buddhism.

I also said it because I wanted to emphasize compassion towards other sentient beings.  As the Dalai Lama said (and I’m paraphrasing), “we do not need more Buddhists; we need more compassion”.

Gassho,Dan