Young men looking after the environment in Arnhem Land.
More Dreams.
Fair dinkum Aussies we met in Katherine N.T.
The Australian Aborigines speak of their ‘Dream Time’ of the serpent and creation. In the light of day their dreams were shattered, they were forced to step from hunter gathers into a modern age. In a few generations technology has advanced rapidly and everyone is finding it hard to manage the transition. Few have any understanding of how the indigenous people are struggling to cope with their crushed dreams.
The Buddha’s aim was to relieve suffering in the world. He explained the universal truth that all things are passing and subject to change. This is the cause of dukkah, a Pali word that has no precise synonym, in English we loosely translate it as pain and suffering. The Buddha prescribed a cure for suffering by following eight steps.
Pauline reads a sad reminder of History.
The Eightfold Path or The Middle Way is a way of moderation, a philosophy that can be practiced in conjunction with other religions. Because of it being compatible with other beliefs the Buddha’s teachings are now associated with religions and local myths from other countries. There are many schools of Buddhism just as there are many branches and denominations of other religions. The below teaching I have outlined is fundamental to all schools of Buddhism. If you incorporate these steps with your beliefs your life will improve.
A Chinese representation of The Buddha.
This is a self-disciplined guide, to become a better person.
Right understanding, Is understanding the true nature of life, realising all things change and cannot be clung to, is the beginning of right understanding.
Right thoughts, are kind, caring and compassionate thoughts.
Right speech, is honest, considerate and not harsh.
Right actions, are a benefit to all sentient beings.
Right livelihood, is to earn our livelihood in a decent, helpful way not a destructive way.
Right effort, is a matter of doing your best.
Right concentration, meditation is training in concentration and mind control.
Right mindfulness is to be aware of your thoughts and emotions.
A very impressive representation of The Buddha.
These are not commandments they are a guide to self-disciplines, the goal to self-betterment, a path to peace and contentment in a troubled world. The Buddha’s philosophy became a religion after his death, as it spread to other countries their folk laws and myths were added. Many different branches of Buddhism developed, a hierarchy debating over their differences. With all the complex religious ritual and added myths the basic path has been obscured. The result is the basic philosophy Buddha taught, The Four Noble Truths and The Eightfold Path, is often neglected. Buddhists need to wake up.
Once a belief becomes an organised religion it is lost in a power struggle for converts.
Peaceful image representing The Buddha.
Reblogged this on O LADO ESCURO DA LUA.
Thank you for your kindness._/\_
One point worth considering Jack, is that central to realising the goal of The Noble Eightfold Path is the certain knowledge that there is no enduring self or soul – Pali: Anattā (non-self). This means there can be no Pythagorean or Christian transmigration of the soul, and so the doctrines are incompatible. The ending of suffering – Pali: Nibbana (extinguishing) – means the ending of anguish previously caused by thoughts of selfhood, or soul-possession. The realisation of the Buddhist goal would therefore negate any desire for a Christian ascension to heaven, or fear of hell. With your permission, I thought it may be worth adding this comment below your fine article. Hariod _/\_
A good point Hariod You comments are appreciated. _/\_
‘A power struggle for converts’. Yes that does sum up a lot of our most shameful history – including our two countries treatment of our aboriginal peoples. Thoughtful post Jack. Some great photos here too.
Each photo brings back a memory I think that is their greatness.
Yes those empire builders have left a lot of grief in their wake as the ploughed through history.
So well explained Jack~
I think Jack the indigenous everywhere are struggling in adapting to the ‘Modern World’
And I agree the 4th principle is often neglected..
And have you noticed the colours of the Aboriginal monument? the same colours used in the Four Directions in Native America.. also in Tribal Africa and Tibet ? And how the Sun is in some..
We have a good partial- eclipses over the UK at 9-30am tomorrow.. So depending on the weather we may not get to see because of cloud.. which looks likely
Great Photo’s you have added Jack..
In Gratitude Sue _/\_