Lesson Twelve: Buddhist Living

Lesson Twelve Buddhist Living

Who is a lay follower of the Buddha?

He is one who has an unshakeable confidence
and faith in the Buddha, who believes, studies
and practices the Teachings (Dhamma), and
who cherishes the Order (Sangha). Those who
earnestly follow the Dhamma way may rightly
be called the disciples of Buddha.

A lay Buddhist follows the Five Precepts: not to
kill, not to steal, not to commit adultery, not to
lie or deceive, and not to take intoxicants, and
drugs. Not only does he take refuge in the Triple
Gem - Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha - and
keep the precepts as best as he can, he tries to
help others keepthem, especially his relatives
and friends, so that they, too, may share in the
Buddha's compassion.

Though living in a world of desires, a Buddhist
avoids becoming attached to such desires. Life
is aconstant parting and even his parents and
loved ones he has to part with; therefore,
instead of becoming greedily attached to things
he sets his mind on enlightenment, wherein
nothing passes away.

1.The Mirror of Happiness

To awaken an earnest confidence and faith

(Saddha) in the Buddha-Dhamma, a lay follower

should realize that a quiet, undisturbed

happiness rests within his mind and by

following the Way taught by the Buddha, he can

experience this peace and harmony. This

happiness within works in marvelous ways

when it is showered on others, for it springs

from the pure and compassionate mind treating

all alike and always happy to do any good deed.

When happiness is radiated to others (and what

a joy doing it), it will multiply in the minds of

others and will then be reflected back to him

again.

The mind of faith is pure and gentle, always

patient and enduring, never arguing, never

causing suffering to others but always

pondering on the Triple Gem. It is kept far from

having a selfish mind, from attachment to

possessions, and, therefore, it has no fear in

daily life or fear of being criticized.

Whether a follower lives in adversity or in

prosperity, it will make no difference to

increase his faith. He cherishes humility and

respects the Buddha's teachings. He is

consistent in speech and action, is guided by

wisdom and has confidence unshakeable as the

mountain as he progresses along the path to

Enlightenment.

Even if he is forced to live in difficult situation

and among people of impure minds, with his

confidence in the Buddha he can lead them

towards better deeds.

Daily observance of a Buddhist

Buddhists usually keep an altar in the most

prominent part of the house. A Buddha image

or picture is placed in the center of the altar

along with one joss stick stand or an incense

burner, a flower vase and two candle stands:

The Buddha image is given the highest seat in

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