The path of Buddhism also known as The Middle Way rejected the extreme methods that were in fashion at the time the Buddha lived about 2500 years ago such as starvation, complete renunciation of material needs and isolation. Balance in all things inner and outer was discovered to be a superior method and that without it enlightenment was not likely to occur due to the fact that without balance in physical, emotional and spiritual health the human being would not have the strength and fortitude to be the temple that enlightenment would be able to be realized and leading to ultimate wisdom. Wisdom at this phase has two parts Right Thought and Right Understanding.
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The Middle Way
Was we have already seen the Right Thought and Right Understanding elements here and here what is happening now as a result of our effort we realize Right Thought and Right Understanding. We ordinarily think of as understanding is an intellectual grasping of something according to certain data presented or compiled memory. Buddhism calls this anubodha and it is a superficial type of perception and not at all deep. Deep real understanding according to the ones that have gone before us is called pativedha or “penetration.” It is seeing things as its true nature without labeling it or naming it. This penetration is only available to us when we free our minds from all tainted elements from our previous un-awakened state and are developed fully through meditation.
The Four Noble Truths explain things as they really are and Right Understanding is the direct knowing of these truths. As a result of practicing Right Thought thoughts of love and non-violence and extend these thoughts to all beings we cultivate the conditions for true wisdom to arise. We then clearly see that these noble qualities are endowments of true wisdom and that all thoughts of self centered desire, hatred, violence and ill-will are all a result of absence of wisdom in all aspects of human life no matter – individual , social and political.
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Conclusion
I hope that this has inspired you to look deeper into these ideas, practices and methods and perhaps given you a deeper understanding what is required for true peace and harmony within ourselves, others and in this life we are collectively creating on this planet. This is only the beginning of this beautiful journey and I’m looking forward to the next steps to wisdom and peace. I hope you will join me.
What do you think?
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