Basic Buddhism - Doing What is Right

I find of particular interest in the Eastern Religions many threads that survive in other, later, belief systems. Not only do they survive in textual fact, but they seem to be super relevant to New Age and reformed movements. I speak especially of Right Action, Positive Thought, Positive Action, seeing only Good in all things and all people and believing in a Oneness.

And I think that a reason for the solid base of affinity to Eastern beliefs is that they represent a way of life more than they do a religion. I would have to say that Hinduism and Sikhism are exceptions, but I have maintained for years that Buddhism is a way of life and not a religion. Tao means: the way!

This is not to say that this thinking is not spiritual, it is, very given to meditation, petitioning and prayer, to the Cosmic, the One, God. But what is absent from much Eastern thought are the dogmas, perversions and threats that are so much a part of some organized religions. Instead, it is free thought, choice, love of beauty and Nature, love of others, respect for humankind and, in my opinion, a monumental hope for the future.

Buddhism has but one basic doctrine, which is taught by mostly all of the world's religions: Avoid what is bad, do what is good. And purify the mind. Those who learn Buddhism learn kindness, detachment from the causes of suffering, meditation, relaxation, generosity, courtesy and helpfulness. Those who practice Buddhism are happy people.

Far more important than the person of Buddha is the idea of teaching. This is timeless and central to the faith. Buddha was a human being, Siddharta Gautama, who lived and taught the principle of freedom from greed, selfishness and ignorance.

Excerpts from a new book, "Looking for a Better World." Read more at: http://www.buybooksonthewe b.com/description.asp?ISBN=0-7414-2134-8

Dr. Malkin holds a B.Sc. in Business and a Masters and Ph.D. in Religion. He has made hundreds of visits to schools with a moving and effective motivational presentation, urging teens to do their personal best. His mentorin programs have empowered many, many children. His quest for years has been to teach the power of Right Action, working towards the goal of a better world.

---

As A Caterpillar

"Happiness can be as elusive as a fluttering butterlfy but as easily attainable as a crawling caterpillar. Put aside the net, and let it happen." Brain G. JettWhat an interesting statement this is... Read More

Life Inspiration: 12 Tips for Successful Living

1. Constant affirmation without accountability is a sure-fire way to cripple a child. In other words, belief in yourself without responsibility leads to a sense of entitlement.2. Raise your hand if you've ever... Read More

Heart

Direct Answers - Column for the week of May 24, 2004I am the mother of a 6-year-old child. My husband is an alcoholic and refuses to realize it because he can skip a... Read More

Escape From the Dungeon: Jennifers Survival Story

Have you ever been encountered with a trauma in life and not know how your life would be after it was all said and done? This is a story of my trauma and... Read More

What If?

What If? What if I can't? What If I can? What I should be thinking Is it in God's plan?What if I couldn't? What if I could? Then I start... Read More

Five Minutes Before the Miracle

Even though this article was next on my idea list, and I write them in order whether I want to or not, I REALLY didn't want to write this article. Why not? Because... Read More

H-U-G-S -------The More You Give----The More You Get!

How many of us couldn't use a hug on a daily basis----------well, when you get out of bed as part of your daily practice in the morning wrap your arms around yourself and... Read More

Number that Decides Your Success

God has created human beings to live successfully. He has no discrimination in this regard.At the same time he has also created certain resources to live successfully.Of these "number" is the one resource.It... Read More

Ever Wondered Why Everyone Else is Moving On, Except You?

"I attend courses, read books, listen to CD's, yet I am still not living the life I want to and am unhappy with the life I have. How can I have the life... Read More

Aim High

Change is difficult for many people. Often times our whole identity is wrapped up in what we've learned as children will work for us when dealing with people, allowing us to survive, thrive... Read More

Everybody is Somebody

I wrote about my life and all that I have had to go through. I also ended that story with a little bit about how my life has since changed, but I want... Read More

Meatballs: Friend, or Foe?

We all have those moments, don't we? We're right in the middle of a project, and it's simply not going well.Like me, you may find yourself becoming irritated, wishing you could find an... Read More

What Forgiveness Is Not

Is a grudge-laden heart sabotaging your success in business and in life?Much has been written over the ages about the value of forgiveness. And yet so many people continue to resist the idea... Read More

One Night Stand

Direct Answers - Column for the week of February 24, 2003I met someone over the weekend who is very, very famous. I was volunteering at a sports function and his sister was working... Read More

Crossing The Line Of Fear

Oh, this is a great topic! I remember when I was younger and in school, fear stopped me from asking out a girl I wanted to date. I can remember all the thoughts... Read More

How I Get Joy as a Value

*In the last couple of months, I have been fortunate to be able to share the troubles of others. Why fortunate? I believe that the ability to be very close to the pain... Read More

My Next Year With Jesus (Joyful Reflections On My Walk With The Lord)

The one question I keep coming back to is..."Am I involved with life the way God wants me to be involved?"That's it. Nothin' fancy.Now two related questions for you:1. If that question doesn't... Read More

A Little Blessing Changes Everything

"We're on a one-game winning streak!" That's what freshman Dawan Boxley said after his basketball team, the Rutgers-Camden Pioneers, beat Bloomfield College 77 to 72, snapping a five-year, 117-game losing streak. Imagine losing... Read More

Don?t Let the Boogeyman Steal Your Dreams

The boogeyman lurking in the closet scares the bejesus out of little kids. "Big people" know the imaginary monster from their childhood isn't real. Yet, adults freeze in their tracks when the same... Read More

4 Abundant Ways To Add FIRE To Your Passion!

How many times have you found yourself dreaming you were more passionate?What makes certain people so passionate? How come they seem to be on-fire for their cause? Why do enthusiastic people become leaders... Read More

Aftermath of a Child?s Near Death Experience

An 18 month-old girl lay dying of diphtheria in January of 1944. It was before the widespread use of antibiotics. In fact, the antibiotics were reserved for the troops fighting in World War... Read More

7 Perks to Living a Life on Purpose

1. We all have a purpose in this life time.The Mystics say each being has 2 core needs, to know they are loved and to know their lives have purpose. Is there anyone... Read More

The Eyes of the Clown

There are few enough miracles in life, God knows. I think perhaps the circus is one of them. We pay our money, braced for boredom, and are bombarded by noise, bewitched by beauty,... Read More

Reality Check

Direct Answers - Column for the week of September 16, 2002Two years ago I made the greatest mistake of my life. I started dating a coworker. She is this beautiful young girl that... Read More

Important Things to Know / Remember About Life

I love you not because who you are, but because who I am when I am with you There is no one in this world that worth your tears, and if... Read More

Essential Oils and Aromatherapy: Raise Your Frequency with These Divine Gifts

The volatile essences of aromatic plants contain potent, complex, natural chemical compounds that work at multiple levels to catalyze physical, emotional, and spiritual healing. Science is at last looking in earnest at the... Read More

Harsh Reality

Direct Answers - Column for the week of August 25, 2003My wife and I married eight years ago. One month into our marriage she was diagnosed with a non-life threatening form of muscular... Read More

Lewis And Clark Pay Attention

As I write this Southern California has just ended its second week of triple digit temperatures. The intense heat changes the way we live and alters the rhythm of our days. We are... Read More

A Pre-existing Condition

Direct Answers - Column for the week of December 2, 2002I am 25 and have been married for two years. This past August I began an affair with my husband's younger brother. I... Read More