In the survey that we recently sent out and asked sangha members to complete I was surprised how many responded that they would like to know about basic practices - what practices they should do. So I’d like to talk about that today.

I believe the first step in following the Buddhist path is one all of you have already made. And that is connecting with a local Buddhist Center. We are so fortunate to have this wonderful Buddhist Center “The Rime Buddhist Center” - right here in Kansas City - in the middle of the country. People from either coast are often surprised to find such an inclusive Buddhist Center here. We refer to those who are part of a Buddhist Center by the term “sangha” - that our Christian brothers and sisters would call congregation. You are the Rime sangha - and therefore you are part of what makes up the Rime Buddhist Center.

Buddhism is the world’s 4th largest religion with over 350 million practitioners worldwide. It is estimated there are about 3 million practitioners in the U.S.

As many of you know Buddhism was founded 500 B.C.E. by Siddhartha Gotama - referred to as the “Buddha” which translated means enlightened one.

Buddhism main goal or purpose is to end suffering in ourselves and others. If there is one word that characterizes Buddhism it is the Sanskrit term “ahimsa” which means non-harming. We know that to be alive in this world we are going to harm other beings - it is going to happen. So, therefore we do our best not to harm other beings. HH Dalai Lama often says “Do your best to help other beings, and if you can’t do that, then at least don’t harm them.

There is very much a moral basis in Buddhism. It is centered around just that - not harming others through body, speech or mind. The Five Precepts say we should abstain from: killing, stealing, lying, sexual misconduct and intoxicants. Why? Because all of these are associated with harming others. It is said that trying to practice Buddhism without a moral basis - (while harming others) is like trying to row a boat still tied to the dock. No matter how strenuous our efforts we won’t get anywhere.

So how do we do this? How do we accomplish this? I want to read to you a story told by HH Dalai Lama:

”…practice must be carried out in terms of one’s own thought. If one knows how to bring the teachings into one’s own thought, all physical and verbal deeds can be made to accord with practice. If one does not know how to bring them into one’s own thought, even though one might meditate, recite scriptures, or spend one’s life in a temple, it will not help; thought is therefore important for practice. Thus, taking refuge in the Three Jewels (Buddha, his Doctrine and the Spiritual Community), taking into account the relationship between actions and their effects, and generating an attitude of helping others, are most important.

Formerly in Tibet there was a famous lama called Drom. One day Drom saw a man walking around a reliquary. ‘Walking around a reliquary is good,’ he said. ‘Practice is even better.’ The man thought, ‘Then, reading a holy book would be good.’ He did so, and one day while he was reading, Drom saw him and said, ‘Reading a holy book is good; practice is even better.’

The man thought, ‘This also does not seem to be sufficient. Now if I do some meditation, that will certainly be practice.’ Drom saw him in meditation and said, ‘Meditation is good; practice is even better.’ The man was amazed and asked, ‘How does one practise?’ Drom answered, ‘Do not be attached to this life; cause your mind to become the practices.’ Drom said this because practice depends on thought.”

Because changing your mind is what it is all about. Change it from what? Changing it from the negative emotions of anger, greed, lust and jealousy. And how is that done? It is through the meditation practice that we begin to slowly change our mind.

It seems new practitioners have so many worries about their practice. You don’t have to worry about doing it right, that you have to do more, or what books to read - that a very restricted thinking. Buddhism is a gradual path - these practices will help - but they are gradual - it is not like a lightening bolt. You will change gradually.

Mingyur Rinpoche was once asked by a new student who seemed very worried what books to read, what practices he should do. Rinpoche responded by saying, “It’s a long path - don’t worry and take your time.”

Spiritual practice - meditation practice - comes with a relaxed assured state - if you follow these practices - you will change. You don’t have to worry about

Finally: Ego clinging. The essence is to eliminate ego clinging. When you are not clinging to ego - you are not doing things from you own point of few - not competitive - you have to be better - instead you will be more concerned with others needs - rather than your own.

There are many practices in Tibetan Buddhism: meditation practice, sadhana practice, visualization, mantra recitation, listening to teachings by Dharma teachers - all are geared to lessening attachment to your own ego. Detaching from our ego clinging is very hard to do. And so, everybody responds to different practices - that is why there are a myriad of practice to do -or choose from.

Buddhism is a very creative religion because it takes into account your own individual journey - because you decide what practices to do. All of these things help you but none of these are rigid - like this is what you have to do. That is why all of these things are so important.

In the Mahaparinibbana-sutta the Buddha said “Be lamps unto yourselves. Be a refuge unto yourselves. Do not turn to any external refuge…. Work out your own salvation with diligence.”

So, remember - as Mingyur Rinpoche said “it is a long path, take your time.” Develop a daily meditation practice. Connect with the Rime Center - get to know other members - attend classes. I believe the best practice is a combination of study (reading) and spiritual practice.

You also have so many incredible opportunities to receive teachings from really great visiting teachers. Next weekend we have a wonderful Zen Priest who will be leading a half-day meditation retreat - ideal for beginners. I encourage all of you to attend.