Who was Buddha?
Buddha was a man who lived approx 500 BC in India and Nepal.
After many years of following very difficult practices he came to the realization that Enlightenment was not to be achieved by complete austerity and being much too hard on oneself, and that it involved a certain balance in how one conducted one's life.
At the age of 35 he became enlightened under the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya in India.
Buddhist teachings
After this, he spent the rest of his life teaching the masses, how to improve their lives and how to progress spiritually in order to become enlightened.
Many teachings correlate the path to Enlightenment with relieving suffering, and helping others to relieve their suffering and to be happy.
One mistake Westerns make, is that they think being happy is having a big car, a nice house, a beautiful partner, indulging one's senses.
Quite to the contrary, Buddhist teaches how we should observe ourselves, and analyse what it is that makes us happy in the long term.
It states that happiness produced by external things usually leads to suffering, either by being afraid of losing our possessions, or when they rot or fall away.
Instead, it advocates an inner happiness, based on not being too attached to external things, not being too attached to our ideas of self, helping others, and leading a harmonious life.
And one of the most central aspects is
Compassion
.
The teachings of Buddha explain how no one can enlighten someone else.
That each of us must work with ourself.
That is the only way to achieve ever lasting happiness, and to help others also acheive Enlightenment.
Buddhist courses at Burren Yoga and Meditation Centre, Ireland
Calendar of Retreats in Burren Yoga and Meditation Centre, IrelandBuddhist teachers who teach here
From time to time we have Buddhist teachers who come to teach at the centre to give Buddhist courses.
Ven Panchen Otrul RinpocheGeshe Michael RoachBuddhist teachings in Ireland
Buddhist teachings in Co. Cavan, Ireland, websiteMore information about Buddhism website
More abut Buddhism and the middle path
I wish that you all benefit from the teachings and practices here at the centre, and that it helps each and every one of you in finding true happiness and helping eleviate suffering of others, and ultimately helps us all achieve Enlightenment as quickly as possible.
Best Wishes,
Dave
