Buddhism in a nutshell
His Eminence Sogyal Rinpoche.
Our reporter Phuntsho Wangmo asks some common Buddhist questions to His Eminence Sogyal Rinpoche
Q. Your Eminence, nowadays people say that Buddhism needs to come out of the monasteries. What do you think about this?
A. The extraordinary thing about Buddha’s teachings is that all are relevant to the modern times. Even if it came 2500 years ago, we find it to be so extraordinarily relevant today. We call it ancient wisdom. Not necessarily come out of the monasteries. The most important thing is that we must not forget the original teaching of the Buddha, and so its time for us to do that more. To bring more understanding of the teachings, and if you bring that kind of education, particularly among the younger generation people, then I think that will bring a new vitality, a new understanding, new faith founded on understanding rather than based just on simple blind faith.
Q. In which way can Buddhist masters help the society better – by teaching lofty ideals or reaching out to common people, literally?
A. Buddhism can be taught at many levels. On a deep philosophical level for the learned. For simple people, you can teach the heart essence of Buddhism which is, “Commit not a single unwholesome action, cultivate a wealth of virtue, to tame this mind of ours. This is the teaching of the Buddha. Dalai Lama said, “My religion is very simple, my religion is kindness.” The most important point is being kind. All the teachings of Buddha are summed up in one line, ‘tame one’s mind, not others’.
Q. If we did not call Buddhism a religion, what would we call it?
A. Buddhism is more than a religion. On one hand, Buddhism is one of the greatest religions of the world along with Judaism, Christianity, Hinduism, and Islam. The word Buddhism is just western coinage. There is no “ism”. It’s nangpa, meaning those who look not outside but inside themselves. Those who seek truth in the realization of their ultimate nature are nangpa. Buddhism is a science of mind and a way of life. The greatest gift that Buddhism is offering to the world is understanding mind on a deeper level. That’s one of the reasons why people in the west come to Buddhism, not because they want to practise it, but because it’s practical. It’s practical wisdom. Originally Buddhism is very much for the people. Unlike any other religions, which have an outer aspect, Buddhism has not only an inner but innermost meaning.
Q. Where in Bhutan do you think is the best place to live and die?
A. Any place is good. Main thing is practice. Bhutan is a wonderful country. There is peace and tranquility here. I found it like a celestial realm. I hope that with development, the purity of Bhutan will be maintained. There’s a kind of goodness and decency in people. That’s a part of Buddhist culture. Bhutanese people are good and can become great practitioners. In many of the monasteries in India some of the best students are Bhutanese. I hope many younger people, educated people, come to realize the richness of Buddhism and see its real value. So Bhutan can be the best place to live and die.
Q. What would be the simplest way for an ordinary person to overcome the fear of death?
A. Just taming the mind. Most people think of Buddha Amitabha when they think of death. We all have Buddha nature in us. When you die, all your negative thoughts die and momentarily your Buddha nature dawns. If someone has trained him or her, the moment of recognition comes and there is liberation. When you discover the nature of mind, which is deathless, there are so many everyday evidences of how it helps people dying. They die peacefully.
Q. What do you enjoy doing at your leisure time?
A. I enjoy nature. I don’t have a favourite hobby. My hobby is always thinking about how I can help people and teach people.
Source: Bhutan Observer