Many spiritual and religious traditions use the analogy of path or journey to describe the means by which a person can achieve greater understanding, awareness, and realization of the most fundamental and basic principles of why things are the way they are and how we as humans fit into everything.  As sometimes expressed, if you're on the path, you're on the way to seeing and understanding, but if you stray from the path, you could lose sight of those things - lose your way, metaphorically.

In the Buddhist tradition, the use of the word "path" comes from the Sanskrit marga, translated as "way" or "path."  This came, in turn, from the Pali samma, translated as "in the right way" meaning straight, not crooked (or, more direct).  When the historical Buddha gave his famous discourse at Deer Park, Varanasi, as recorded in the Mahaparinibbana Sutta, he described the right way to live as the Middle Way.  This is the means to seeing and understanding, and the basis of peace, knowledge, awakening, and nirvana.

The right way, or Middle Way, as fully realized by the Buddha, is characterized as the path of liberation from suffering.  Moral discipline, concentration, and wisdom are the foundation of the path set forth in the Buddha's teachings and known as the Noble Eightfold Path.  In the Chinese Buddhist tradition, this is sometimes translated as the "Path of Eight Right Practices."  Vietnamese Buddhist scholar Thich Nhat Hahn aptly refers to this more simply as the Path to Well-being.  If we follow the Path, we cultivate well-being and our life will be filled with joy, ease, and wonder.  The Path is really about putting this into practice, every moment of every day.

The Path, then, is our most basic guide to Buddhist practice.  The eight components are Right Understanding, Right Thinking, Right Mindfulness, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Effort, Right Concentration, and Right Livelihood.  All are intimately interconnected; much has been written about each.  Following this path has everything to do with the real difficulties we face in everyday life.  It is the means to embrace the suffering we encounter along the way.

Profoundly, the Sanskrit word marga, for "Way" or "Path," also means "absolute truth."  In the Buddhist tradition, absolute truth is also known as dharma, the means of seeing absolute reality, of attaining liberation.  The Chinese Zen master Linji simplified this further, saying "The way is the ordinary mind."  Ordinary mind is pure mind.  Pure mind is the Buddha.  Therefore, the Path becomes Buddha and Dharma - they are one.  The Path is concrete practice.  "If we are on the Path," says Thich Nhat Hahn, "then from within us a stream of loving kindness rises and our suffering eases."  This is the essence of the Fourth Noble Truth, and the essence of our journey on the path as Buddhists. 
 

Green Living

   Animal Welfare Approved is an organization that has set the highest in Humane and compassionate standards for the raising, care, and processing of animals for food.  It is the highest rated organization of its kind by the US Humane Society.  Visit their website: http://www.animalwelfareapproved.org/

   As part of our Buddhist practice we may choose to look into the well-being of all creatures great and small.  This organization provides standards to humanely raise and slaughter food animals.  While we encourage a Vegetarian diet, if one does eat meat, we can treat the animals with kindness and compassion.

The 3 routes to enlightenment                  in Buddhist Practice 

Theravāda (Teachings of the Elders). In the past it was called "Hīnayāna" (Lesser Vehicle) but that name is no longer in use.  The Theravada tradition has changed some over the years since the Buddha. However, it is the most traditional and conservative of the schools of Buddhism and it keeps many of the original rules of the Buddha's teachings.  Monks are usually in saffron robes and have a mendicant (relying on donations) practice for all their needs.  This school is the smallest branch of Buddhism and is common in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Burma.  Vipassanā style practices are usually found in the Theravada traditions (although they may also be found in Mahayana practices).

Mahāyāna (Great Vehicle), is easily assimilated in most countries. The Mahayana School of Buddhism practices most of the rules of the Theravada School, but has changed guidelines as they become antiquated and adapts new practices based upon need or the country of practice.  Loving Kindness is seen as one form of Bodhisattva (a future Buddha) practice (for the benefit of all sentient beings), which is common to many of the Mahayana Schools of Buddhism.  Some of the denominations include Pure Land, Thien or Ch'an (Zen), Tiantai, Nichiren, Yogacara, and Madhyamaka.  Thich Nhat Hanh & Shunryu Suzuki Roshi are Mahayana Monks.

Vajrayāna, or Tibetan Buddhism (which also includes the Japanese Shingon school).  Some scholars include Vajrayana as a form of Mayahana Buddhism.  It may also be known as Tantric Buddhism, Tantrayāna, Mantrayāna, Secret Mantra, Esoteric Buddhism and the Diamond Vehicle. Vajrayana is a complex and multifaceted system of Buddhist thought and practice, which has evolved over several centuries and has numerous and sometimes contradicting sub-groups. Its main scriptures are called Tantras. A distinctive feature of Vajrayana Buddhism is rituals, which are Skilful Means (Upaya), used as a substitute for other meditations.  Some teachings and rituals are secret and only a teacher can reveal them to their students.  Reincarnation and rebirth are a strong component of this faith.  His Holiness The Dalai Lama is a Vajrayana monk.

All of these "routes" (branches or schools) of Buddhism have similar values and practices.  While there are many differences, the heart of Buddha's teachings are present and honored in all.   Choosing your own practice and how you follow the Buddha's teachings is a personal preference.  I encourage you to experience all the schools of Buddhism and then choose the one that suits you best. Ultimately there is only 1 Buddha, 1 Dharma, and 1 Sanga.  The important thing is your practice - life is short - don't waste it! 

Dave Martin MSOM, LAc opens his new office

Trinity Natural Medicine                                                         Acupuncture and Classical Chinese Medicine                                    410 E. Jewett Blvd, White Salmon WA   

509.493.1241

Dave wants folks to experience acupuncture and to know about his new office. Through February 2011, all office visits are $25.00.    

I have been going to Dave for several months and I am very pleased with his work.  He is kind, loving, and competent   I encourage you to call him if you have health issues.  Kozen  

 
Cookie Gilpatrick  LMT
 Massage Therapist
Yoga Instructor
Trout Lake and Hood River     
cell 541.490.9077  home 509.395.2468  

Karen Hoffman LMT
Massage Therapist
Trout Lake and White Salmon                 
cell 509.637.4995

 Newly Opened 
 Dave Martin MSOM, LAc                        
Acupuncture and Classical Chinese Medicine   

410 E. Jewett Blvd, White Salmon WA

office 509.493.1241

Denise Morrison PA-C
Mid Columbia Family Health Center
http://www.mcfhc.com/

Jennifer Silapie ND
Naturopathic Physician
251 N. Main Ave, White Salmon
509.493.3300

These individuals are recommended because of the quality of their practice, not because of any religious beliefs.