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The Method of Studying Buddhism
The details of this Dharma Talk begin by noting that today is November 11, 2012, at the Full Moon Meditation Hall, where the winter retreat season is approaching. Buddha Shakyamuni, who lived about 500 years before Jesus Christ, adopted the teachings of reincarnation from the Indian tradition. In Brahmanism, Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva are the three most important deities. Brahmin priests played a significant role in ancient society with their ability to change the weather and avert disasters through prayer. Thich Nhat Hanh analyzes the ancient society divided into four classes: workers, merchants, politicians, and monks, emphasizing that precious spirit lies within each class. He also discusses Jainism and Buddhism, the transition from Vedic texts to Upanishads and Brahmanas, and Siddhartha’s method of the four dhyanas. He emphasizes that everyone has the ability to attain miraculous powers through the practice of mindful breathing and walking. He provides a profound analysis of the concepts of interbeing and interdependence, emphasizing that everything is interconnected and dependent on each other. He also discusses the principles of symmetry and the balance between light and darkness, birth and death, samsara and liberation. Finally, he emphasizes that a deep understanding of Buddhism requires a method of learning and studying the Dharma.
Contemplation on Being and Non-Being, Chapter Fifteen, Part 1