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How can we practice Buddhism in our daily lives? There is a Buddhist view on every aspect of human life and death, and a path exists for all who wish to follow the Buddhas and achieve awakening.

The path (or way) has three stages; morality, meditation and wisdom.

All may, with benefit, establish habits which are morally positive. There are five 'precepts', which are traditionally given as a thou-shalt-not stoplist, which may instead be rephrased as ideas for positive living. In no particular order:

(1) Abstain from harming living beings = Cherish and aid all living beings
(2) Abstain from lying = Encourage and promulgate truth
(3) Abstain from sexual misconduct = Love fully; your love is for one
(4) Abstain from drink and drugs = Live with a clear mind
(5) Abstain from stealing = Give what you don't need, and question why you need what you retain.

We ought not simply examine our every thought and deed and filter our actions and ideas according to this raw list. A life lived by rules is dictatorship from within, and we have freedom to aspire to. Just remember that everything we experience is karmic - We make our future, and wallow in our past when we crave comfort.

Read widely and question all. Take other media as it takes your interest, and move on quickly. Make things, and take things apart. Learn things, and teach them. Give things to others, and learn how to receive gifts. Never refuse hospitality, and offer to others with care.

Meditation is not an obligation, but practicing Buddhists want to meditate. Everything done can be a meditation, all we need to do is be certain that we do that one thing, in that one moment. The simplest task, undertaken mindfully, exposes our true nature. We may sit and meditate, at other times we may walk; but when our lives are lived meditatively, we are ready for the next stage.

Wisdom is that understanding brought to us by our awakening.

Learn more about this author, Pete Morris.
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