Buddhism
The Buddha Shakyamuni lived 2,500 years ago in
India. He was a human being who possessed the
same spiritual potential that is within us all. He
realised enlightenment and spent his life helping others find what he had found. Enlightenment
is the direct realisation of one’s true nature and
the nature of all existence. This reveals not only
the cause of human suffering, but the means by
which we can bring our own suffering to an end.
It engenders profound compassion for all living
things.
Since the time of the Buddha, many traditions
of Buddhism have developed. The aim of each
has been to express the essence of the Buddha’s
teaching in a manner appropriate to the time and
culture.
The Serene Reflection
Meditation Tradition
Serene Reflection Meditation embodies:
1. The practice of meditation.
2. Keeping the moral Precepts of Buddhism, both
in our outward behaviour in service to others, as
well as in the inner practice of cleansing our own
hearts.
3. The teaching that all beings have Buddha Nature. All are fundamentally pure, but out of ignorance we create suffering thereby obscuring our
real nature.
4. Awakening the heart of compassion and expressing it through selfless activity.
Meditation
Through meditation we can discover the truth directly for ourselves, therefore it is the foundation
of religious practice. It is to sit still with an open,
alert and bright mind, neither suppressing nor indulging the thoughts and feelings that arise.
In meditation, one learns how to accept oneself and the world as it is. Profound transformation becomes possible once we know things as
they are. If I believe I am separate from everyone
else, then I act selfishly to get what I want. If I know
that within diversity nothing is separate, then I already have all I need, for I am one with all things.
The Three Pure Precepts
Cease from evil. By refraining from that which
causes confusion and suffering, the truth will
shine of itself.
Do only good. Doing good arises naturally when
we cease from evil.
Do good for others. To train in Buddhism is to devote one’s life to the good of all living things.
The Ten Precepts
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The Buddhist Precepts
The Precepts are a description of enlightened
action and serve as a guide. They are never imposed, but may be undertaken freely by anyone
who wishes.
The Three Refuges
I take refuge in the Buddha
(the source of the teaching).
I take refuge in the Dharma
(the Buddha’s teaching).
I take refuge in the Sangha
(those who practise the teaching).
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Do not kill.
Do not steal.
Do not covet.
Do not say that which is not true.
Do not sell the wine of delusion (whether
drink, drugs or the emotional appeal of delusive thinking).
Do not speak against others.
Do not be proud of yourself and devalue
others.
Do not be mean in giving Dharma (teaching)
or wealth.
Do not be angry.
Do not defame the three treasures (do
not deny the Buddha within yourself or in
others).
We take refuge in the Buddha by trusting the wisdom born of the compassionate heart and we also
develop the humility to check our understanding
with the teaching of the Buddhas and Ancestors
(the Dharma) and with the Sangha (the living community of those who follow the Buddha’s Way).
We are all human and even the greatest teacher
can make a mistake; however, if the Precepts are
taken seriously, they provide the necessary safeguards and guidance.
All Beings Have Buddha Nature
In the Serene Reflection Meditation tradition,
one can follow the Way as a lay person or as a
monk. We use the term monk for women as well
as men, since there is complete spiritual and functional equality within our Order.
We can all learn to meditate because we all
have Buddha Nature, even though it may be as
yet unseen. All beings are Buddhas and should
be respected as such, whatever manner of life
they may be in.
Awakening the Heart of
Gratitude and Compassion
Compassion is aroused when we experience
our unity with all life. When we realise that all
things teach, we can accept them with gratitude. Meditation embraces both the good and
the bad without judgment or indulgence. When
we are touched by the infinite compassion that
is the foundation of all existence, the desire to
help all beings arises naturally. By understanding
and embracing the darker side of ourselves, we
come to understand that the Precepts are our life
blood—and that to go against them causes suffering for ourselves and others.
Our aim is to make Buddhist teaching available
to all, but never to try to impose it upon anyone.
It does not claim an exclusive truth; it is a way that
has led many to the deepest fulfilment.
Where to Go from Here
For more information please contact the nearest priory or temple as listed below. They will
be able to tell you about the programme of
events they offer, as well as direct you to the
closest meditation group in your area. You are
also invited to visit Throssel Hole Buddhist
Abbey in Northumberland, a large retreat centre
and monastery of the Order. Contact the Guest
Master or see the web site at www.throssel.org.
uk.
Priories and Temples of the Order of
Buddhist Contemplatives in Great Britain
Dragon Bell Temple, Exeter (01392) 479648
Great Ocean Dharma Refuge,
Pembrokeshire, Wales (01239) 891360
The Place of Peace Dharma House,
Aberystwyth, Wales (01970) 832026
Portobello Buddhist Priory,
Edinburgh (0131) 6699622
Reading Buddhist Priory (0118) 9860750
Rochdale Zen Retreat, Preston (01772) 612112
Telford Buddhist Priory (01952) 615574
Throssel Hole Buddhist Abbey, Northumberland
(01434) 345204
Serene
Reflection
Meditation
The Sōtō Zen Tradition
of Buddhism
Order of Buddhist Contemplatives
founded by Rev. Master Jiyu-Kennett