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Buddhism has become very popular in the West, however, the "western" practice of buddhism is no doubt very different from Eastern traditional Buddhism. Yet, as with Christianity which has also evolved through the centuries, the essence that we seek to discover and practice are the original teachings of the Buddha.

What are these teachings? Compassion and Love for All is probably the shortest way to condense the teachings of Buddhism. Well-known Buddhist teacher, Pema Chodron, writes about the Four Limitless Qualities -- loving-kindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity. In his article "Actions Can Transform Lives" Khenpo Kharthur Rinpoche, a Tibetan monk and teacher, speaks of creating peace within our heart and peace within the world.

Buddhism is Not A Religion

Buddhism is not a religion, which is why someone can be both a Christian and a Buddhist. Perhaps Buddhism should not even be considered a "spiritual path". It is a path of practicality, a path of day-to-day living, day-to-day experiences. It is not even a path to follow, but rather a path -- yours -- to discover. It is not about following someone else, but rather discovering your buddha nature and being true to it.

As has been said: "If you meet the Buddha on the road, kill him." Or, if you see a finger pointing at the moon, do not grasp the finger. In other words, do not make someone else your master -- become your own master.

Alan Cohen shares a story that is told of the Buddha: Someone asked Buddha, "Are you the messiah?" "No", answered Buddha. "Then are you a healer?" "No", Buddha replied. "Then are you a teacher?" the student persisted. "No, I am not a teacher." "Then what are you?" asked the student, exasperated. "I am awake", Buddha replied.

Awaken Your Inner Buddha

Thus the goal of Buddhism and of the articles in this section: To help you awaken to the beauty and ugliness of your being, to the love and the darkness that resides within you,and to the choices that are yours to make. To help you see that you too are a Buddha. You are a Buddha under the layers of dirt and misperceptions that are layering your persona and your reality.  As Jack Kornfield writes: "Buddha Wanted - Apply Within".

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