Teachings

"Do not go by revelation; do not go by tradition; do not go by hearsay; do not go on the authority of sacred texts; do not go on the grounds of pure logics; do not go by a view that seems rational; do not go along with a considered view because you agree with it; do not go along on the ground that the person is competent; do not go along because the recluse is our teacher."

"Come and see for yourself - Ehipassiko"

"Just as gold is tested in fire for purity, so too, test my words in the fire of your own spiritual experience."

- Buddha Shakyamuni

This section offers a condensed summary of many key Buddhist teachings. Buddhism is so rich, with so many different approaches to the same purpose - knowing for yourself - that it is easy to lose your place at times. This section reviews how the teachings and practices reinforce and support each other.

While reading about these ideas, remember that each concept is best understood through personal experience in meditation. Written and verbal descriptions are just approximations that act as guides. Consider how a menu guides you toward dinner choices, but the actual experience comes from eating the meal; equally, in Buddhism true understanding comes from the work of meditation.