Buddhism Guide

Episode 14, 13 February 2015, Indulging in Superstitions. [10:11] Intro: Welcome to Buddhism Guide’s Audio blog. A contemporary look at Gautama Buddha’s Teachings, from Karma Yeshe Rabgye. For more information, visit: http://www.buddhismguide.org You can find more episodes of this audio blog on iTunes and Stitcher Podcasts. A transcript of this episode is available at http://buddhismguide.org/audio-blog-archive/audio-blog-transcripts/episode-14-transcript-indulging-in-superstitions Episode 14: Indulging in Superstitions. [00:45] 1. Superstition as a way of avoiding responsibility. For centuries, people have been indulging in superstitions, lucky charms, omens, divinations, and fortune telling. They've used these things to help them make decisions and keep them from taking responsibility for their own actions. 2. The Harm Caused by Superstition. [03:45] You may say there's no harm done, but I beg to differ. These two stories show just how harmful this type of trickery can be. I believe these people are acting irresponsibly and fraudulently. 3. No use for "Low Art". [05:38] Gautama Buddha called all these practices "low art" and on many occasions he stated that such things are of no use, as we have to take responsibility for our own lives. In the [Anguttara Nikaya], Gautama Buddha stated that this is how responsible people act. There is a story about a Brahman, who was an expert in predictions drawn from cloth. Gautama Buddha did not believe in luck, fate or chance, he taught that, whatever happens, does so because of cause or causes. 4. Responsibility, Rationality and Obligations. [08:07] So what did Gautama Buddha believe? He believed in individual responsibility, rational thought and social obligations, rather than unhealthy fears and irrational superstitions. This point was made very clear in the Mangala Sutra.

Episode 13, 7 February 2015, Something to Meditate on. [08:55] Intro: Welcome to Buddhism Guide’s Audio blog. A contemporary look at Gautama Buddha’s Teachings, from Karma Yeshe Rabgye. For more information, visit: http://www.buddhismguide.org You can find more episodes of this audio blog on iTunes and Stitcher Podcasts. A transcript of this episode is available at http://buddhismguide.org/audio-blog-archive/audio-blog-transcripts/episode-13-transcript-something-to-meditate-on Episode 13: Something to Meditate on. [00:45] 1. Single Minded Concentration. In Gautama Buddha's Eightfold Path, what is traditionally talked about in Right Meditation is being able to concentrate single mindedly, on the object of your meditation. The way to live a responsible life, is to meditate on the Eightfold Path, make it a part of your life, and then check your progress every day at a daily review session. 2. Right View. [02:37] The first part of the Eightfold Path is Right View. So, while meditating on Right View, you have to really understand the workings of cause and effect. 3. Right Intention. [03:43] You should not harm others, nor have ill-will towards them and your actions should not be driven by the Three Poisons, which are: Attachment, Aversion, and Unawareness. 4. Right Speech. [04:17] Next, mediate on Right Speech. Many a time we open our mouths before using our brains, and what comes out is harmful and unhelpful to others. 5. Right Action. [05:28] Now comes Right Action. So we must ensure we are fully in tune with our actions, so that we are aware of when we are being led astray by the Three Poisons. 6. Right Livelihood. [06:24] Again, ensure that your work does not harm anybody and bring suffering to them. Think about your chosen profession and if you see that you are harming a living being, try to change jobs, or at the very least minimise the damage you cause. 7. Be at ease on the cushion. [06:57] In all of the above, ensure you put in the Right Effort and Right Mindfulness. Because it is impossible to sit quietly and mentally still on the meditation cushion, if you are not at ease. 8. Right Mediation in a Nutshell. [07:42] Let us try to put Right Mediation in a nutshell: When our minds are unguarded and we are not concentrating, our actions, speech and thoughts are also unguarded. On the other hand, when our mind is concentrating and guarded, our actions, speech and thoughts are also guarded. Outro. [08:25] You can find more information about this subject in Karma Yeshe Rabgye’s books at http://www.buddhismguide.org/books/ The best way to catch a snake – A Practical Guide to the Buddha’s Teachings; Life’s meandering path – A Secular Approach to Gautama Buddha’s Guide to Living; Ripples in the stream – A Pragmatic Journey Through Gautama Buddha’s Teachings. They’re available now, from Amazon and Kindle. Thank you for listening, and I hope you enjoyed Buddhism Guide's audio blog. Until next time, remember, the only person we can ever truly know, is yourself.

Episode 12, 31 January 2015, Being Human. [04:43] Intro: Welcome to Buddhism Guide’s Audio blog. A contemporary look at Gautama Buddha’s Teachings, from Karma Yeshe Rabgye. For more information, visit: http://www.buddhismguide.org You can find more episodes of this audio blog on iTunes and Stitcher Podcasts. A transcript of this episode is available at http://buddhismguide.org/audio-blog-archive/audio-blog-transcripts/episode-12-transcript-being-human Episode 12: Being Human. [00:40] 1. "A Brotherhood of Man". In the words of John Lennon: "Imagine no possessions, I wonder if you can, No need for greed or hunger; A brotherhood of man. Imagine all the people sharing all the world; You may say I'm a dreamer, But I'm not the only one. I hope some day you will join us, and the world will live as one." A Brotherhood of Man seems such a dream at the moment, and as for sharing the world - forget it. We are so far removed from the world where we can live as one. In fact, we have very little tolerance for the views of others and seem hell-bent on pursuing our own selfish ideology. We identify with religions, political parties, football teams, countries and so on. But we never identify with the one thing that binds us together: Being Humans. At the core of all religions is compassion for our fellow man, but this has been lost among so much dogma. In the 21st Century, religions are still being run by men, not just any men, but rich and powerful men. Men who are afraid of change. In Christianity, you are told to love thy neighbor, but not if he's gay. Muslims are being told to love only other Muslims. And now Buddhists are starting to follow suit. In Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Thailand, Buddhists have grown intolerant of Muslims and are burning their houses and even killing them. This is from a religion based on non-violence. However, the religions are not to blame, it is the fanatical people using the religions for their own personal ideology that are causing all the problems. These fanatics are within all religions and they are slowly turning the world into a dangerous place. These people are filled only with hatred and ignorance where will it all end? Nobody knows the answer to this, but sooner or later people have to stand up and say - enough is enough. We cannot survive in a world driven by killing, fear and discrimination. By sitting on the fence and becoming immune to the violence around us, we moderate people are going to become part of the problem. The moderate people within the various religions, and these are thankfully the majority, have to speak out sooner rather than later. Tolerance is the only answer. I envisage a world where we all have tolerance for others, a world where we accept difference, and not fear it. You may say I'm a dreamer, but I hope and pray I'm not the only one. Outro. [04:13] You can find more information about this subject in Karma Yeshe Rabgye’s books at http://www.buddhismguide.org/books/ The best way to catch a snake – A Practical Guide to the Buddha’s Teachings; Life’s meandering path – A Secular Approach to Gautama Buddha’s Guide to Living; Ripples in the stream – A Pragmatic Journey Through Gautama Buddha’s Teachings. They’re available now, from Amazon and Kindle. Thank you for listening, and I hope you enjoyed Buddhism Guide's audio blog. Until next time, remember, the only person we can ever truly know, is ourselves!

Episode 11, 19 January 2015, Mindfulness - The Bottom Line. [11:11] Intro: Welcome to Buddhism Guide’s Audio blog. A contemporary look at Gautama Buddha’s Teachings, from Karma Yeshe Rabgye. For more information, visit: http://www.buddhismguide.org You can find more episodes of this audio blog on iTunes and Stitcher Podcasts. A transcript of this episode is available at http://buddhismguide.org/audio-blog-archive/audio-blog-transcripts/episode-11-transcript-mindfulness-the-bottom-line Episode 11: Mindfulness - The Bottom Line. [00:45] 1. Mindfulness. Gautama Buddha stated in various Sutras that there are Four Foundations of Mindfulness: Mindfulness of body; Mindfulness of feelings; Mindfulness of mind; Mindfulness of mental states. 2. Mindfulness of Body. [02:45] This means being aware of your body and all the actions carried out by it. 3. Mindfulness of Feelings. [05:03] There are Three Types of Feelings: Pleasant, unpleasant, and neutral. 4. Mindfulness of Mind. [06:10] Mindfulness of Mind is looking at the mind as though you are looking in a mirror. Ask yourself, how is my mind at the moment? Is it full of desire, full of anger, full of ignorance? Is it present in the moment, or distracted? In a guide to the Bodhisattva way of life Shantideva says: Whenever I have the desire to move my body, or to say something, first of all, I should examine my mind, and then with steadiness, act in a proper way. 5. Mindfulness of Mental States. [07:55] When we begin to be mindful of mental states, we start to see obstacles arise in the form of the Five Hindrances. These hindrances are mental states that can lead us astray; take us away from responsible living. The Five Hindrances are: Being gripped by desire; Feelings of ill will; Lack of interest; Restlessness, and Doubt. 6. Right Mindfulness - The Bottom Line. [09:45] If we are going to be Mindful, and Live a Responsible Life we have to be fully aware of, but not tangled up in, our bodies, feelings, minds and mental states. By being mindful we'll be able to take full responsibility for all our actions. This will ensure that our minds become more calm and we travel through life in the present moment. Not being tossed backwards and forwards from the past to the future. Being mindful means being conscious of every thought, feeling, emotion, physical sensation, and action. So, the bottom line is, become aware of the present moment, but not engaged with it. Outro. [10:40] You can find more information about this subject in Karma Yeshe Rabgye’s books at http://www.buddhismguide.org/books/ The best way to catch a snake – A Practical Guide to the Buddha’s Teachings; Life’s meandering path – A Secular Approach to Gautama Buddha’s Guide to Living; Ripples in the stream – A Pragmatic Journey Through Gautama Buddha’s Teachings. They’re available now, from Amazon and Kindle. Thank you for listening, and I hope you enjoyed Buddhism Guide's audio blog. Until the next time, remember: "The only person we can ever truly know, is ourselves".

There are many great podcasts on Buddhism as a religion and even more on Buddhism as a philosophy. This podcast is about Buddhism as a way of life, which means there is no Buddhist jargon or dogma. It is not based in the metaphysical world, but has its feet planted firmly on this planet. It is easy to understand and practical. I use the Buddha’s early teachings as the foundation for the podcast, and explain them in a way that is relevant to your life today.

Episode 10, 13 December 2014, Right Livelihood. [04:21] Intro: Welcome to Buddhism Guide’s Audio blog. A contemporary look at Gautama Buddha’s Teachings, from Karma Yeshe Rabgye. Find out more, at http://www.buddhismguide.org A transcript of this episode is available at http://buddhismguide.org/audio-blog-archive/audio-blog-transcripts/episode-10-transcript-right-livelihood Episode 10: Right Livelihood. [00:30] 1. Right and Wrong Livelihoods. [00:35] A Right Livelihood is one, which does not bring any harm to anyone or anything. Gautama Buddha listed 5 professions that constitute a wrong livelihood. They are: Dealing in weapons; Dealing in humans; Dealing in meat production; Dealing in intoxicants, and Dealing in poisons. 2. Fortune Telling. [02:09] In the Sutra, "The Fruit of the Contemplative Life", Buddha stated this: "Whereas, some priests and contemplatives, living off food given in faith, maintain themselves by wrong livelihood. By such lowly arts as reading marks on the limbs, reading omens and signs, interpreting dreams, making predictions based on fingertips, laying daemons in the cemetery, placing spells on spirits, reciting house protection charms, giving protective charms, interpreting the calls of birds and animals." The bottom line is that our livelihood must not bring harm to people, animals or the environment. If we stick to this, we will be on the road to living a responsible life. Outro. [04:00] You can find more information about this subject in Karma Yeshe Rabgye’s books at http://www.buddhismguide.org/books/ The best way to catch a snake – A Practical Guide to the Buddha’s Teachings; Life’s meandering path – A Secular Approach to Gautama Buddha’s Guide to Living; Ripples in the stream – A Pragmatic Journey Through Gautama Buddha’s Teachings. They’re available now, from Amazon and Kindle. Thank you so much for listening, and I hope you enjoyed this audio blog.

Episode 8, 7 December 2014, The Power Of Speech. [07:06] Intro: Welcome to Buddhism Guide’s Audio blog. A contemporary look at Gautama Buddha’s Teachings, from Karma Yeshe Rabgye. Find out more, at http://www.buddhismguide.org A transcript of this episode is available at http://buddhismguide.org/audio-blog-archive/audio-blog-transcripts/episode-8-transcript-the-power-of-speech This Episode: The Power Of Speech. [00:17] 1. Speech is a very powerful tool. [00:20] If we hit someone, it will hurt them for a short time and then go away, but if we verbally attack someone, those words can stay with them for many years. On the other hand, well thought-out words can stop conflict, make friends, and heal rifts. This is the power of speech, and this is why Gautama Buddha included Right Speech in the Eightfold Path. Right Speech can be divided into four parts: refrain from lying, refrain from divisive speech, refrain from harsh words, and refrain from gossiping. 2. Lying. [01:07] When we tell lies it is obviously going to hurt and mislead others, but it will also harm ourselves. We must remember that we do not like to be lied to, so don't lie to others. This will free your mind of any guilt and leave it more peaceful. 3. Divisive Speech. [02:30] Divisive speech refers to speech that is intended to create a rift or division between people. What is the antidote to divisive speech? It is speech that promotes friendship and harmony. Speech based on kindness and compassion, which wins the trust and affection of others. 4. Harsh Words. [03:30] Harsh words are usually born out of anger, and cause harm and pain to the hearer. There are several antidotes to harsh words, but the most important one is patience. Gossiping. [04:39] Gossiping is shallow and pointless. It stems from the Three Poisons: Desire, Anger, and Unawareness. I believe to ensure we have Right Speech, we should ask ourselves the following questions: Is what I'm going to say useful? Is it going to hurt someone? Is my speech motivated by desire, anger, or unawareness? Would I like other people to say the same things to me? Sometimes, it is more powerful to say nothing at all. The Written Word. [05:50] Before I finish, I just want to say something about the written word. In Gautama Buddha's day this was not a problem, so he didn't mention the right written word, but today it is becoming a problem. If you are going to write something down, you should check your motivation. Outro. [06:46] You can find more information about this subject in Karma Yeshe Rabgye’s books at http://www.buddhismguide.org/books/ The best way to catch a snake – A Practical Guide to the Buddha’s Teachings; Life’s meandering path – A Secular Approach to Gautama Buddha’s Guide to Living; Ripples in the stream – A Pragmatic Journey Through Gautama Buddha’s Teachings. They’re available now, from Amazon and Kindle. Thank you for listening, and I hope you enjoyed this blog post.

Episode 7, 7 December 2014, The Spark That Fires Us Into Action. Intro: Welcome to Buddhism Guide’s Audio blog. A contemporary look at Gautama Buddha’s Teachings, from Karma Yeshe Rabgye. Find out more, at http://www.buddhismguide.org A transcript of this episode is available at http://buddhismguide.org/audio-blog-archive/audio-blog-transcripts/episode-7-transcript-the-spark-that-fires-us-into-action This Episode: The Spark That Fires Us Into Action. [00:17] 1. Right Intention. [00:24] Right Intention is divided into three parts: Letting Go, Good Will and Harmlessness. 2. Letting Go. [00:47] What we are letting go of, is attachment to, or craving for, objects of desire. How much we let go is a personal thing, but the more we loosen our grip on objects of desire the less we suffer. Because Gautama Buddha stated that clinging to desire is one of the causes of our suffering. Until we are able to let go of this craving, we will never reach a place where there is no more suffering. So contemplating impermanence is one of the best ways of letting go of our clinging to objects of desire. It takes time to change our perceptions and it isn't going to be easy, but if we don't start we will never finish. A wise person is able to let go. To let go is actually to receive; to receive boundless happiness. 2. Good Will. [03:12] This is the opposite of ill will and is a mental state. When we have good will towards others, we wish them well, and do not want any harm to befall them. One of the best methods of building good will is to do the Meta Bhavana Meditation. 3. Harmlessness. [05:22] This is the intention to not harm anyone, either physically, mentally or verbally. We have to realise that we are not the only ones suffering; everyone wishes to be free of suffering but is still gripped by pain, despair, anguish, dissatisfaction, and other kinds of suffering. We must understand that we play our parts in other people's suffering, by not having compassion for them, not caring for their well-being, and not seeing that, like us, they want to be free of all kinds of suffering. Outro. [08:04] You can find more information about this subject in Karma Yeshe Rabgye’s books at http://www.buddhismguide.org/books/ The best way to catch a snake – A Practical Guide to the Buddha’s Teachings; Life’s meandering path – A Secular Approach to Gautama Buddha’s Guide to Living; Ripples in the stream – A Pragmatic Journey Through Gautama Buddha’s Teachings. They’re available now, from Amazon and Kindle. Thank you for listening, and I hope you enjoyed this blog post.

Episode 6, 6 December 2014, Gautama Buddha's Fourth Truth. Intro: Welcome to Buddhism Guide’s Audio blog. A contemporary look at Gautama Buddha’s Teachings, from Karma Yeshe Rabgye. Find out more, at http://www.buddhismguide.org A transcript of this episode is available at http://buddhismguide.org/audio-blog-archive/audio-blog-transcripts/episode-6-transcript-gautama-buddhas-fourth-truth This Episode: Gautama Buddha's Fourth Truth. [00:17] 1. What is your view? [00:22] In the fourth of Gautama Buddha's truths, he explains the path we need to take to free ourselves from suffering. It is known as the Eightfold Path, and it comprises of three aspects: Seeing Clearly, is the first part and it includes: Right View, and Right Intention. 2. Right View. [01:19] Setting out on the Eightfold Path without the Right View is like starting a journey without a map. If you get into your car without knowing where you are going and what landmarks you are going to encounter along the way, you are bound to get lost. Similarly, if you set of on this path and have no idea what you are doing you will become lost and disillusioned. First, get the view correct and the rest will become clearer. 3. Cause and Effect, and Karma. [02:52] Here, some would say we need to understand the workings of Karma, but this is such a hot potato these days. If you believe in Karma and Rebirth, and it motivates you to be a good person, then follow that view. However if you are not a lover of Rebirth, and prefer to keep your Buddhism firmly planted in this life, then you should understand the workings of Cause and Effect. Whatever we do there will be a result. Life is like an echo: Whatever you put out comes back; Once you have the Right View concerning Suffering and Cause and Effect, you will be ready to move along the path. Next time, I'll talk about Right Intention. Outro. [04:55] You can find more information about this subject in Karma Yeshe Rabgye’s books at http://www.buddhismguide.org/books/ The best way to catch a snake – A Practical Guide to the Buddha’s Teachings; Life’s meandering path – A Secular Approach to Gautama Buddha’s Guide to Living; Ripples in the stream – A Pragmatic Journey Through Gautama Buddha’s Teachings. They’re available now, from Amazon and Kindle. Thank you for listening, and I hope you enjoyed this blog post.

Episode 5, 5 December 2014, Gautama Buddha's Third Truth Intro Welcome to Buddhism Guide’s Audio blog. A contemporary look at Gautama Buddha’s Teachings, from Karma Yeshe Rabgye. Find out more, at http://www.buddhismguide.org A transcript of this episode is available at http://www.buddhismguide.org/audio-blog-archive/audio-blog-transcripts/episode-5-transcript-gautama-buddhas-third-truth This Episode: Gautama Buddha's Third Truth. [00:17] 1. This Truth is called Nirvana, liberation, enlightenment, and so on [00:22] Some think, that if you reach Nirvana you will never be born again, others think you will be reborn, but you can pick where. For people who do not believe in rebirth, they see it as something we can achieve in this lifetime. 2. The Highest Happiness. [01:46] Gautama Buddha said that Nirvana is the highest happiness, but he wasn't talking about mundane happiness we strive for in our everyday lives. He was talking about absolute freedom from evil, freedom from craving, attachment, desire, hatred and unawareness. All of this we can achieve in this very lifetime by truly understanding the Four Nobel Truths, and following the Eight-fold Path. Once we start mediating on these teachings and turning them from knowledge to wisdom, we will start to change our actions of body, speech and mind. Remember, knowledge is something learned, something intellectual, whereas wisdom is a part of our very lives. 3. The first bit of good news. [02:39] So this is the first bit of good news. Nirvana can be reached by anyone, whether they call themselves Buddhist or not. You just have to put in the work. 4. A Second Bit of Good News. [04:02] So this is a second bit of good news. We do not have to die to attain Nirvana. It can be obtained during this lifetime. 5. We do not have to die to realise Nirvana. [04:54] So in a nutshell I believe Nirvana isn't a metaphysical thing, it isn't a place to go to, and we do not have to die to realise Nirvana. It is an extinguishing of our afflictive states of mind and can be reached by anyone in this very lifetime. Outro. [05:14] You can find more information about this subject in Karma Yeshe Rabgye’s books at http://www.buddhismguide.org/books/ The best way to catch a snake – A Practical Guide to the Buddha’s Teachings; Life’s meandering path – A Secular Approach to Gautama Buddha’s Guide to Living; Ripples in the stream – A Pragmatic Journey Through Gautama Buddha’s Teachings. They’re available now, from Amazon and Kindle. Thank you for listening, and I hope you enjoyed this blog post.

Episode 4, 4 December 2014, Everything Must Change Intro Welcome to Buddhism Guide’s Audio blog A contemporary look at Gautama Buddha’s Teachings, from Karma Yeshe Rabgye. Find out more, at http://www.buddhismguide.org A transcript of this episode is available at http://www.buddhismguide.org/audio-blog-archive/audio-blog-transcripts/episode-4-transcript-everything-must-change This Episode: Everything Must Change [00:17] 1. Unawareness [00:21] In the last posting I mentioned unawareness. So, what are the things we are unaware of? Usually, in Buddhism they talk about three main things, namely: Suffering, Non-Self, and Impermanence. I've covered Suffering in the post entitled "Gautama Buddha's First Truth" and Non-Self was covered in the post "How We Experience The World". So I'll talk about the third one here: 2. Impermanence [00:52] 3. The First Seal: All compounded things are impermanent. [01:40] In Tibetan Buddhism there are four seals, and the first seal is: All compounded things are impermanent. 4. The importance of understanding impermanence. [03:35] It means we will achieve freedom from fear, freedom from suffering, and freedom from panic. Because when we know things are not going to last, we are free from any fear, agony or pain of losing something or someone. Impermanence is not only true for pleasurable things but for painful things as well. In Thirty Seven Practices of all Bodhisattvas, it states: Like the dew, that remains for a moment or two, on the tips of the grass and then melts with the dawn, the pleasure we find in the course of our lives lasts only an instant. They cannot endure. Outro [05:43] You can find more information about this subject in Karma Yeshe Rabgye’s books at http://www.buddhismguide.org/books/ The best way to catch a snake – A Practical Guide to the Buddha’s Teachings; Life’s meandering path – A Secular Approach to Gautama Buddha’s Guide to Living; Ripples in the stream – A Pragmatic Journey Through Gautama Buddha’s Teachings. They’re available now, from Amazon and Kindle. Thank you for listening, and I hope you enjoyed this blog post.

Episode 3, 3 December 2014, Gautama Buddha’s Second Truth Intro Welcome to Buddhism Guide’s Audio blog A contemporary look at Gautama Buddha’s Teachings, from Karma Yeshe Rabgye. Find out more, at http://www.buddhismguide.org A transcript of this episode can be found at http://buddhismguide.org/audio-blog-archive/audio-blog-transcripts This Episode: Gautama Buddha’s Second Truth. [00:17] In the First Truth, Gautama Buddha encouraged us to fully understand that there is suffering in every corner of our lives. In his Second Truth, he tells us what causes these sufferings. 1. Desire [01:05] Our desires are never-ending. Once we have something new, we start wanting something else. So, if we understand this we will not become attached to things, which in turn will end that particular type of suffering. 2. Anger and Aversion. [02:37] Aversion is the opposite to attachment, and Anger leads to hatred, discrimination, aggression, and a lack of compassion. 3. Unawareness [05:41] Here unawareness means: lack of understanding of the true nature of things. Outro [08:04] You can find more information about this subject in Karma Yeshe Rabgye’s books at http://www.buddhismguide.org/books/ The best way to catch a snake – A Practical Guide to the Buddha’s Teachings; Life’s meandering path – A Secular Approach to Gautama Buddha’s Guide to Living; Ripples in the stream – A Pragmatic Journey Through Gautama Buddha’s Teachings. They’re available now, from Amazon and Kindle. Thank you for listening, and I hope you enjoyed this blog post.

Episode 2, 2 December 2014, How We Experience The World Intro Welcome to Buddhism Guide’s Audio blog • A contemporary look at Gautama Buddhist Teachings, from Karma Yeshe Rabgye. • Find out more, at http://www.buddhismguide.org [00:17] This Episode: How we experience the world. • The Five Aggregates: 1. Form, 2. Feeling, 3. Conception, 4. Mental Formation, and 5. Consciousness. [00:40] 1. Form - or matter: physical factors. [01:20] 2. Feeling - The Second Aggregate [02:32] 3. Conception - this is where we attach a name to an experience. [03:28] 4. Mental Formation - the impression created by previous actions. [04:28] 5. Consciousness - the final aggregate; which is very powerful. [05:26] Putting it all together: [06:48] Outro • You can find more information about this subject in Karma Yeshe Rabgye’s books at http://www.buddhismguide.org/books/ 1. The best way to catch a snake – A Practical Guide to the Buddha’s Teachings; 2. Life’s meandering path – A Secular Approach to Gautama Buddha’s Guide to Living; 3. Ripples in the stream – A Pragmatic Journey Through Gautama Buddha’s Teachings. • They’re available now, from Amazon and Kindle. • Thank you for listening, and I hope you enjoyed this blog post.

Episode 1, 1 December 2014, Gautama Buddha’s First Truth Gautama Buddha’s First teaching, the first of the Four Noble Truths, is that there is suffering. Suffering is inescapable and manifests in three forms: the suffering of pain, the suffering of happiness and, the all pervasive suffering. Through fully understanding this first teaching, and appreciating the true nature of our relationship with the world, we see how suffering is unavoidable and necessarily manifests in our lives. Only then are we are able to seek a solution; firstly, through identification of its causes, the teaching of the Second Noble Truth. Intro - Welcome to Buddhism Guide’s Audio blog, a contemporary look at Gautama Buddhist Teachings, from Karma Yeshe Rabgye. * Find out more at http://buddhismguide.org [00:19] This episode: Gautama Buddha’s First teaching. * On the Four Noble Truths; * The foundation on which Buddhism is built. [00:47] The First Noble Truth: There is suffering. * The definition of suffering; * A dissatisfaction, discontentment, an uneasy feeling running through our lives. * Gautama Buddha stated that there are three types of suffering: 1. The Suffering of pain - our daily, physical and mental suffering; 2. The Suffering of happiness - the lurking, just around the corner suffering of the the sadness that comes from loss - the change of happiness; 3. The all pervasive Suffering - a condition that exists because of how we perceive ourselves in relation to the world. You could say that our entire worldly experience is a definition of suffering that we can’t even see. [03:50] How do we see ourselves in the world? * Separate: I’m here, and the world is outside of me. In other words as subject and object. We see ourselves as the solid, independent self. * This is not true, we are actually the coming together of 5 things. [04:20] The Five Aggregates * So the way we look at things: subject and object, me and everything else, is in some way, the cause of our suffering and that will come back to us in the future. * Like eating a wonderful meal but not knowing it has been poisoned. [04:56] So why did Buddha want us to know that we have suffering in our lives? * To help us understand we have a problem. If we don’t know we have a problem we will not look for a solution; * If we know we are suffering we will look for the causes of the suffering and a cure; * If we fully understand this First Truth we can move onto the the next Noble Truth - The causes of suffering. [05:55] Outro * You can find more information about this subject in Karma Yeshe Rabgye’s books at http://buddhismguide.org/books/ 1. The best way to catch a snake – A Practical Guide to the Buddha’s Teachings; 2. Life’s meandering path – A Secular Approach to Gautama Buddha’s Guide to Living; 3. Ripples in the stream – A Pragmatic Journey Through Gautama Buddha’s Teachings. * They’re available now, from Amazon and Kindle. * Thank you for listening, and I hope you enjoyed this blog post.