Buddhism Lesson 3

1.)  Scholars have determined that Buddhist dharma could be problematic since like others before him didn't write anything down. Actually, it was about 500 years after Buddha's death where his teachings previously handed down generation to generation were written down for posterity. Since much much time had passed between teaching and documentation, questions were raised regarding the authenticity. the receiver of the dharma may have introduced opinion or hearsay, falsehood etc. in essence diluting the pure substance of his teaching. Others may insert their own experiences, impressions and interpretation of the facts, whether maliciously or not for personal gain.

2.) If I were to consider the rest of my life as a Buddhist, I would first do a lot of soul searching to feel comfortable with a 180 degree change in my life. The ethnic reasoning for for going to refuge would not apply as I was not born in a Buddhist country nor am I from a Buddhist Family. Going for a refuge on a provisional basis would seem to be the best fit. I would speak to family and friends, a pastor perhaps and a practicing Buddhist to follow in his footsteps, discover what path I need to follow, meditate or examine my life goals and if I would fulfill my life in achieving enlightenment.

3.) In the quest for inner peace, I feel that one would take refuge in the things that would contribute to that end. The three jewels illustrate the path to enlightenment. To pursue this path, you must possess the absolute commitment to the process to follow the Buddha's teachings. The dharma and its mastery is a process from without to achieve enlightenment. As mentioned earlier, the enlightenment is real. Many Buddhists take refuge vows daily to keep their commitment to the Three Jewels
uppermost in their minds.

Rev. John Paul III