Page 9 - Perceptions papers

2. To discipline one's body, to be careful of one's words, and to reflect well on one's

mind. Our sufferings and worries are created by the above three actions, (karma).

(a) of what our bodies have done;

(b) of what our mouths have said; and

(c) of what our minds have thought.

If we use our bodies to help others, use gentle speech, and be compassionate and concern

for others, these actions will someday be returned to us, and we will attain happiness.

There are differences in the various Buddhist denomination; the Mahayana, the Theravada,

and the Tantrayana, but all agree on the three refugees, the four noble truths, and the eight-fold

path. The differences are basically about practices, not teachings. No one method is superior or

better than another. One chooses what helps to enlightenment or realization, according to the

culture or one's origin and personal needs.

Thus, some prefer chanting (which means chanting Namu Amidabutsu) others prefer Zen (which

means Dhyana or meditation) while others prefer Tantric method (which means the use of

mudra,mantra, and mandala). Tendai uses all three forms of practice, namely, it teaches:

1. Pure Land chant the invocation of Amida in an act of faith, and the chanting of

the Lotus Sutra,

2. It also teaches the practice of Zen (samtha-vipassyana, or shikan) and

3. The use of Tantric practice, mandala, mantra, and mudra (mind, mouth and body)

For Enlightenment. The goal in any case is compassion. If one practices all these

things, but does not have compassion (metta) the whole process was wasted.

The important teachings (Dharma) are:

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