35 Conclusion

In Buddhism, a person’s first duty is mental purification. To cleanse ourself of the mental defilements of greed, hatred and delusion. The uproot of these mental defilements will bring great benefits to others in the society as well as to oneself.

As we practise the Noble Eightfold Path, our experiences tell us that it does lead to a lessening of desires and an increase of happiness and contentment.

We can gain happiness and in the future by performing the three highly meritorious activities. They are Dana (generosity), Sila (morality) and Bhavana (mental culture).

By performing the Ten Meritorious Deeds which will purify and cleanse our mind which also benefits ourselves and also brings good advantage to others.

Embracing the Dhamma, (Buddha’s Teachings) and Sangha as offering security and happiness. This is done by taking refuge in the Triple Gem so as they free ourselves from Samsara and freedom from suffering.

Faith is important as it imparts a self-confidence, strength and fearlessness that makes us see everything as of secondary importance of the Dhamma.

Wisdom therefore gained by the development of the qualities of mind.

A Buddhist should avoid becoming attached to a living world of desires, instead of becoming greedily in possession of things.

The sharing of some of one’s wealth for the needs of the community, nation and devote some to the needs of the religious teachers, the building of religious structures and the welfare of people.

One should lend a balanced life and live within one’s means, being neither too extravagant nor to stingy. We live according to Buddhist’s principles by following the Five Precepts for good behaviour. Respects the Buddha’s teachings by following the Way taught by Buddha, one can experience peace and harmony.

A just and equitable society offers the maximum opportunities for humans to be happy and to develop spiritually. If such a society is to develop, ethics must be applied to the relationships humans develop with each other as much as they do to individual behaviour. We begin to treat our fellows with love, justice and equality and thus what we can call the ethics of relationships is an essential part of the Buddhist living.

Apart from the religious practising of the Noble Eightfold Path, it is essential for every Buddhist to do the  Nava Puja – the devotional practices of a meaningful ceremony meant to help strengthen and give expression to our faith and to remind us daily of our commitment to the Triple Gem (Ti-ratana).

The Buddha image is given the highest seat of a Buddhist home. A Buddhist treats the Buddha image with reverence as he would the Buddha himself. Having cleaned ourselves in the morning and offer flowers, lighted candles and burning of incense sticks in the evening. We remind ourselves of the importance of virtue and aspire to become more virtuous as we offer incense.

We bow three times, a representation of the Buddha, such a gesture being an outward expression of our inward feeling of reverence, respect and gratitude. The first bow to the Buddha, the second bow to the Dhamma and the third bow to the Sangha. Beginning and ending the day with expressions of confidence and reverence for the Triple Gem, helps one to maintain calmness and happiness through the day.

By observing the Five Precepts, with the exception of the Eight Precepts, at all times in daily life so as to build up a consistency moral character.

Culturing the mind by constant practising of meditation to our own spiritual growth and for a radical change of our very being, leading ultimately to the supreme realization of Enlightenment itself.

To conclude, none of us can avoid death and if we are free from the vicious cycle of death and its paradoxical nature of suffering, of happiness and sadness, youth and ageing, healthiness and sickness, pain and death, all because we are so attached to the existence in the first place.

The Buddha urged us to prepare for death, to prepare for that journey by cleansing the mind and not being so attached to things, to be able to let go and release ourselves for needing to us, from needing to have.

Through this we will not suffer so much as we pass through the final stage of the present life, we can let go, be grateful for what we had but not clutch to it, not try to ensure permanency and cause ourselves to suffer more than we need to. This way we can end the cycle and leave forever, obtaining nirvana and release from the cycle of death and rebirth.

The ultimate goal of the Buddhist life and practice is Nirvana, which is sometimes described as the complete destruction of greed, hatred and delusion.

We finally work our way by attaining the freedom and happiness of Nirvana.

Thank you very much for your interests in completing all the lessons “All About Buddhism.”

Hope that you will put into practice the knowledge you have gained. After all, Buddhism has the spirit of thought and investigation. The Dhamma has increased your understanding in relation to yourself and to others around you; how it leads to joy and lightness of your heart.

Finally, would like to wish you joy and friendliness as you walk your Path. May you make progress in your insight and may you be liberated from the Samsaric cycle !