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a Buddha or Bodhisattva, bowing, allows one to reach the liberation of at as a religion that is focused on
prostrating, offerings, chanting – the “other shore” of Nirvāṇa. Each the liberation of sentient beings
these are the daily activities that tradition culminates in the same from the cycle of rebirth. This
anyone can start incorporating and goal, which is Nirvāṇa, which is was what the Buddha taught, and
is may be referred to as devotional liberation from the conditions that why Buddhists ultimately practice.
Buddhism. These practices skillfully create forced rebirth (Saṃsāra). Whether Buddhism is consistent
help to transform our mind and with science doesn’t really matter
heart with wisdom, compassion, and But each tradition is designed to when we are talking about freedom.
concentration. open the path to those at different
levels and inclinations. Even In one of the Buddha’s sermons
I believe it’s important to stress the beliefs and practices are not (Cūḷamālukya Sutta), he gave a
why Buddhists practice even when so dissimilar when one looks parable about a man shot by a
Buddhism can seem very difficult. fundamentally into them, as all poisoned arrow. Instead of wanting
It’s about the cycle of rebirth can be found with the historical to save his life by getting treated, he
(Saṃsāra) and our karma. We are teachings. became obsessed and first wanted
likened as prisoners in Saṃsāra to know who shot him, where they
where we allow our untamed mind My advice for laypersons is to not were from, what the arrow was
to create unwholesome actions dwell on which tradition is “best” made of, etc.
(Karma) which is keeping us but find one and practice! Each
trapped in this prison system. If we tradition helps laypersons with Satisfying these irrelevant questions
would only understand what and practicing the Threefold Training with answers wouldn’t save him
why we are creating these karmic in a way that is unique to them, from dying of poison, only prompt
actions, we could stop them and yet they all help them with their treatment and medicine would.
free ourselves at any time (Nirvāṇa). wisdom, conduct, and concentration
This “prison” is a mental one of our that progresses them on the path. In the same way, we can look at
own construction, and we can walk it with our need to scientifically
out the door whenever we want! As a layperson, each school should validate all parts of Buddhism. Must
typically provide you the practices you first ensure it is scientifically
Because this can be a long process, that help you with the threefold feasible with our modern
Buddhists strive to transform their training of developing your wisdom, understanding of science before you
karmic actions from unwholesome transforming your conduct and take the “medicine” of the Dharma?
to wholesome so that future morality, and deepening your Or would you rather focus on the
births of karma in their store concentration. These are the result of becoming enlightened and
consciousness ensures a “realm” groupings of the liberating path set realize the liberation of Nirvāṇa?
that benefits one on the path to by Shakyamuni Buddha. There’s only one real answer here,
enlightenment. but our need to know “who shot us”
There is much dialogue and doesn’t ultimately save us. It’s the
Then there is the question of engagement between Buddhism medicine that does.
different schools of Buddhism. and Western Science. Do you
How do we not get confused by regard Buddhism as consistent So, while we might not be able to
these different schools with their with science especially when its scientifically prove karma, rebirth,
different emphasis on certain core belief is karma and rebirth and many other parts of Buddhism,
teachings? which is quite beyond the realm we need to stop and ask ourselves
of science? why are we even asking? If someone
The beauty of Buddhism is that handed you the key to a door that
there are many “Dharma Doors” that Buddhism should always be looked freed you from prison, would you