What is Buddhism?
Buddhism offers a practical path of human growth, ultimately towards enlightenment, the profound Awakening discovered by the Buddha two and a half thousand years ago.
Buddhist practices include meditation, retreats, study, ritual, community or ‘Sangha’, and myriad other ways in which our lives can be enriched with a sense of purpose and connection.
Teachings from the Buddhist tradition are often referred to as the ‘Dharma’, which means both the Truth or ‘how things really are’ and the Path towards the realisation of that Truth.
The Dharma as a Path involves a transformation of how we understand and value ourselves and others, and the possibilities of human life. This is not a philosophy so much as a deep change of heart. Outwardly such a transformation will include an altruistic urge and the energy, clarity and courage to make a real difference.
The Dharma is traditionally likened to a raft for crossing a flooding river. Out of the sufferings and limits of our experience, we discover a joy and liberation which is not contingent on making the world fit our demands. Wherever we are on that journey we can taste for ourselves how the Dharma works and thereby gain confidence.
Buddhists believe that it’s possible for all of us to evolve and develop our full potential as human beings, by following this well-trodden path of practice. In Buddhism there isn’t a creator God. Instead, our experience is understood to be the consequence of conditions arising from our environment and actions.
Learn about Buddhism
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Buddhism has so many different forms that trying to understand it can be confusing. Our tradition’s teacher, Sangharakshita, was concerned with finding what unites all of the different presentations of Buddhism. He believed that all forms of Buddhism have the historical Buddha and his experience of enlightenment in common. This means that Buddhism teaches human potential and also provides a path of spiritual practice through which we can awaken to this potential, causing less suffering for ourselves and others.
For those who want to find out about and/or practice Buddhism, we offer a range of options. Aside from classes, courses and retreats, there are study groups, volunteer opportunities and other options to get more involved and deepen our practice.
“Find the truth and then live by it.” - Sangharakshita
THE THREEFOLD PATH: ETHICS, MEDITATION & WISDOM
One of the simplest and most fundamental presentations of the Buddhist path focuses on three aspects: ethics, mediation and wisdom. Although many people in Ireland first become interested in Buddhism through exploring meditation and mindfulness, traditionally taking responsibility for ourselves and refining our actions is seen as an important basis for exploring meditation because behaving ethically can give us peace of mind. Transforming our hearts and minds through meditation practice leads to us becoming more aware. With more awareness we are able to reflect on the significance of our lives and these reflections can lead to a deepening wisdom and insight into the true nature of reality, which in turn can liberate us from the states of mind that cause our suffering.
The Five Ethical Precepts:
With deeds of loving kindness, I purify my body
With open-handed generosity, I purify my body
With stillness, simplicity and contentment, I purify my body
With truthful communication, I purify my speech
With mindfulness pure and radiant, I purify my mind
Na Cúig Dheachtú Eiticiúila:
Le gníomhartha ceanúlachta, íonaím mo chorp
Le fial fairsing, íonaím mo chorp
Le suaimhneas, simplíocht agus sástacht, íonaím mo chorp
Le cumarsáid cneasta, íonaím mo urlabhra
Le haireachas cumhra agus geal, íonaím m'intinn