This isn't just a course in understanding Budhism; it is just as much a course in explaining it. Explaining complex or subtle things in simple terms is an art that we can only practice together because we need each other to tell us when we are making sense, when we have explained too little, when too much, etc. Let's take this opportunity to cooperate on some explanations of basic Buddhist terms and ideas. You'll get some practice and - who knows? - perhaps your website will help to enlighten millions of people worldwide. Feel free to add other things that need some 'splainin'.

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It would be impossible to equate a belief in Buddhism to, for example, faith and belief in Christianity. In Christianity salvation is given to you by someone else based on your faith, belief, and how you reflect that in your actions and character. The Buddha, however, will not save you from the cycle of self and desire. The individual must find enlightenment on his or her own. It is true that the Buddha taught after his enlightenment and that he left the sutras as a guide for those that would follow him, but a belief in the sutras is meaningless without individual practice and discovery. Also, as Venerable Huei Hsuen stated, you can acheive enlightenment without being a Buddhist or knowing anything about Siddhartha Gautama. Rahula points out in his text that the word saddha, though usually translated as "faith" or "belief," truly means "confidence born out of conviction (pg. 8)." Instead of "blind belief" it is growing conviction built upon a logical analysis of the facts that are presented, suggesting an accurate conclusion. The 4 noble truths, the 8 fold path suggest a journey of an individual from suffering to enlightenment. As you can see, not all of the answers are given. To say "Right Speech" is different from a negative rule, but it also does not explain what speech is 'right'. You must discover that on your own. The confusion between Buddhism and "belief" is based on trying to relate Buddhism to our western definition of what a religion is. While I believe the functions of the monks, nuns, and rituals reflect religious practice, Buddhism can be better understood as a philosopy or, as Venerable Yifa called it, a kind of "psychology." Our guide at the Wat Padhammachart temple equated Buddhism to science as it relates to phenomena in the natural world and follows the relationship of cause and effect. The Buddha's teachings invite us to "come and see" what Buddhism is for ourselves. The answers are not provided and belief is not needed. Only the tools and ideas are seen. You must take an active role in applying the tools and ideas to break yourself out of the cycle of belief in self and desire. If you simply believed it you would be trapped in a false understanding similar to the illusion of a self. (Adam Ekbom March 27, 2006)

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