All The Way. . .

We study Buddhism so we can concretely know how to become better, stronger, happier people. Therefore, studying Buddhism isn’t about becoming a Buddhist scholar who can quote a random passage from an ancient book. Actually, to just apply one Buddhist idea to your everyday life is far more valuable than reading hundreds of pages of Buddhists writings. It’s about what you do, not how much you know.

The same is true for Buddhism. A real understanding where we can open our eyes to what’s possible when we practice and truly believe in ourselves, is essential for Buddhist practice. Our community is also one of zero judgment, where we support and encourage each other just as we are. It’s also a community of equals, with no monks or authority figures who know the “secret of life” or have special powers to see into the future. Shakyamuni, the historical Buddha, had a disciple who asked him, “It seems to me that by having good friends … one has already halfway attained the Buddha way. Is this way of thinking correct?” Shakyamuni responds: “Ananda, this way of thinking is not correct. Having good friends is not half the Buddha way but all the Buddha way.”