The Buddha’s Advice For Vanquishing Fear

Sep. 5 | With one’s self-limited merits, mere mindfulness of oneself when dying at best leads to a limitedly blessed rebirth. – Stonepeace | Get Books In the Dhajagga Sutta on ‘Banner Protection’, which is one of the discourses compiled...

Beating A Thief With The Triple Gem

Feb. 5 | As the Buddha is the invincible teacher of the infallible Dharma to the inspiring Sangha, the Triple Gem is the indispensable refuge. – Stonepeace A lama in Eastern Tibet lived beside the Dzachu River. He received many offerings from the faithful,...

Can ‘Buddhists’ Not Believe In Rebirth?

Dec. 4 | If you do not believe in unenlightened rebirth, what are you seeking liberation from? [to be continued…] – Stonepeace There are some who do not believe in the Buddha’s teachings on rebirth, who nevertheless consider themselves to be...

Difference Between Faith & Respect

Sep. 6 | For one to take refuge, there must be respect. For one to have respect, there need not be refuge. – Stonepeace Since faith and respect are different, respect for other religions does not mean we must have faith in their doctrines. For example. I...

Is Taking Refuge A Must For Buddhists?

Nov. 29 | Question: Must one go through the Threefold Refuge ceremony to be a proper Buddhist? Why is it so important? Answer: It is best to do so formally though it is not an absolute must. It is important because to go through the short and solemn ceremony...

Differences Of Refuge And Respect

Oct. 11 | Question: Is it alright, as Buddhists, beyond the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, to pay respects to various gods and deities? Answer: If we think of asking gods for assistance before we think of the Triple Gem, it is probably a sign that we have not really...

Can A Baby Take Refuge In Buddhism?

Jul. 26 | To take the Threefold Refuge unmindfully or insincerely is to only create an imprint with little impact. – Stonepeace Buddhism does not accept the Christian notion of original sin, so Buddhists do not think infants are inherently sinful. If an infant...

A Buddhist By Any Other Name Is Just As Buddhist?

Mar. 23 | Paradoxically, names help us to differentiate, as much as to associate. ~ Stonepeace When we were born into this worldly life, we are given worldly names (though they can be spiritual in nature too). When we decide to become Buddhists and have taken...

Are Buddhists Atheists?

Nov. 10 | According to online dictionary m-w.com, an “atheist” is “one who believes that there is no deity” and a “deity” is “the rank or essential nature of a god/ a god or goddess/ one exalted or revered as supremely good or powerful.” Many theists,...