BUDDHISM
THE RE-WRITE TO ACHIEVE EASY APPLICATION



CONTENTS

"Re-written" to save time and convert to easy practicality
No "far out" discipline or ideas
The most effective, reality-based system
Stop the insanity!
Overview readings
Test to see what you already agree with!
The "re-written" sections of Buddhism
Resources
Possible additional readings
      _________________________________________________________

Buddhism, when you strip it of "odd" words, has the time-tested wisdom that leads to leading an effective and happy life.  I recommend you learn why it works and how it works - and then to work it.

                                                             The BuddhaKahuna
     __________________________________________________________

"RE-WRITTEN" TO SAVE TIME AND CONVERT TO EASY PRACTICALITY

The bold rewrite, taking liberties though sticking to the meaning, was done so that the ideas   are more understandable and so you don't have to interpret and study everything so hard to come up with a few ideas of what works and how to apply it. 


NO "FAR OUT" DISCIPLINE OR IDEAS

It is much easier and more effective than you think - and you don't have to meditate for many years or go into deprivation or isolation.  Buddha, instead, recommended going "the middle way", with balance - you'll see.            


THE MOST EFFECTIVE, REALITY-BASED SYSTEM

This seems to be the most effective, reality-based, most straight forward system to use.

"PAIN IS INEVITABLE, SUFFERING IS OPTIONAL"

You might wish to read the piece called Disability And The Four Noble Truths- Suffering Is Optional, for a better understanding - and to help you let go of your mental displeasure.


STOP THE INSANITY! 

See the section on SUFFERING AND STRUGGLE (In Life), under the Emotional Management section.  See the three causes of our "second darts" that create our suffering - and then manage them to eliminate suffering.   Read the pieces in the Philosophy, Overall Philosophy section for expectations, limits, and acceptance of the world as it is.

Adopting these will stop your suffering.


OVERVIEW

    A "Quik-Guide" To Buddhism - Overview of key precepts, outline format (Original Word
        version, but I'd copy the webpage into your word processor if you want to have a copy to
        work with.)

    Overview at Wikipedia - A useful, quick overview of the key tenets of Buddhism.
  
            Buddhism Summarized at Wikipedia - A good coverage that saves time.


TEST TO SEE WHAT YOU ALREADY AGREE WITH

This helps you to see how this fits into practical, every day living and what you know already works.

     Buddhism Test - What In Buddhism Do I Believe Or Practice Or Intend To Do? - The
         "three jewels" (the foundational pillars), the four noble truths, the eight-fold path, and
         some of the other pieces - doing this test helps one to establish some more pillars for
         one's own life philosphy, which will help one increase the strength of the foundational
         philosophy upon which the quality of your life will be determined.


THE SECTIONS - REWRITTEN

     The Four Noble Truths Rewritten - Converted to truths understandable in my ordinary
         mind, not requiring one to reach Nirvana, but profound nonetheless.  Quick summary
         page, then a discussion in more depth follows.
         #1.  We don't accept the world as it is, so we suffer.
                      See the Philosophy section, Overall Philosophy, for expectations, limits, and
                         acceptance of the world as it is.
           Disability And The Four Noble Truths - Suffering Is Optional - Profound viewpoint
               and a great summary of the Truths.  Gives others a perspective on how we hold onto
               "shoulds" and make ourselves unhappy.
           What We Suffer About - And why and all the reasons we need not suffer about death,
               etc.
     The Eight-Fold Path of Buddhism - A quick summary (1 1/2 pages) that gives you the path
         to living a life without suffering.
         Right Thinking - Without this you don't really have much of a chance at anything close
             to the happiness (and elimination of unnecessary suffering) that you can live your life
             in.


RESOURCES (Understandable ones that speak pretty much in our way of understanding.)

Practical Buddhist Writers And Writings - Making It Understandable And Usable - Discussion and recommendation of which to read, depending on level of interest/time.

All You Ever Wanted To Know From His Holiness The Dalai Lama On Happiness, Life, Living,  
   And Much More, Conversations With Rajiv Mehrotra
Dancing With Life, Phillip Moffitt - A great job in going in depth on the Four Noble Truths,
   so you can see it and understand it for your life.
The Wise Heart, Jack Kornfield - Clear, excellent explanations.  One can see why Kornfield is
   pre-eminent in putting out books that have an impact on lives.

Deep

Bahai-Library - Excellent, intellectual discussion of Buddhism.  Quite clarifying!


POSSIBLE ADDITIONAL READINGS

These are not, by any means, part of the core readings to understand what is intended on this site, but for those who wish to explore this more:

Buddhist Meditation - It includes items to meditate on.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhist_meditation










VIDEOS

20 minute videos:

Matthieu Ricard, "The Happiest Man In The World"
    Ted.com Ricard Video
Bob Thurman says we can be
   Buddhas

Google Company Series:

Be Your Own Therapist - Great one hour talk by a "practical" Buddhist!

Buddhanet.com - A Five Minute Introduction