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KARUNA BODHISATTVA ORDER |
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ORDER OF FAITH |
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SANGHASHOP |
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Our ‘Order Of Faith’ is a rather large and lengthy document. As such, it appears here in a much summarised version. If you would like a full-copy, please e-mail our Order Secretary who will email you a zipped or adobe version.
ORDER OF FAITH
Buddhism is a colourful, energetic, dynamic and diverse subject. It brings teachings, which are over two hundred centuries old, alive and meaningful to the modern world. It is something everyone can apply to their lives whatever their background, upbringing or culture. It is a universal, uniting spirit.
Traditionally within Buddhism there are many different thoughts and ways of thinking. We find diversifying interpretations as to how to apply Buddhism.
The Karuna Bodhisattva Order, though originating of Tibetan Buddhism origins, of Kagyu lineage, shall accept all teachings that can be encompassed within the Bodhisattva ideal; importantly,
Showing compassion to all sentient beings, &
Being at peace within ones self.
This ORDER OF FAITH sets out the ideals, teachings and guidance for members of the Karuna Bodhisattva Order.
We find that unlike in most religions, the Buddha said there are no hard and fast principles. There is no dogma in Buddhism. Take what has been said and written and use them as guidelines. Experience it, understand it, and then apply it as you are able to do so. Remember at all times, we are only human; we experience human emotions and feelings. It is important not try to be someone or something we are not. We need to accept our strengths and vulnerabilities. Explore them. Understand them. Be comfortable within ourselves.
Nor should we worry about understanding all the teachings or concepts straight away. Sometimes thought and reflection is needed to understand what is being said. Do not strive or grasp to understand anything within any given period. Let your learning and understanding flow as it happens. Be happy with your progress as it happens. The Buddha said that if you grasp at something you will never fully attain it.
‘You should stop pursuing words and letters and learn to withdraw and reflect on yourself. When you do so, your body and mind will naturally fall away, and your original Buddha nature will appear.’
‘He who goes for refuge to the Buddha, to Truth, and to those whom he taught, he goes indeed to a great refuge. Then he sees the four great truths…’
One of the main differences Buddhism has with other religions is that there is no supreme Deity or God. This is not to say that Buddhism denies any such Being. It is just that Buddhism does not concern itself with the existence of any absolute Being or Force. Buddhism is non-theistic. There are no revelations. Whereas other religions tend to seek salvation with a Deity, Buddhism concentrates on seeking salvation within oneself through spiritual self-development.
‘What we are today comes from our thoughts of yesterday, and our present thoughts build our life of tomorrow, our life is the creation of our mind.’
It is possible for people with beliefs of other religions to use Buddhism as a way of life; whether they accept all the teachings or maybe just take a few snippets. Either way, it is important that we all embrace each other and respect individual choices. All persons should be made welcome into the community of the Order.
‘Arise. Watch. Walk on the right path. He who follows the right path has joy in this world and in the world beyond.’
It is also true that conceptually, Buddhism is not about the Buddha, but the Buddha is about Buddhism; and the Buddha merely expounded the Dharma and showed others the way to Enlightenment.
Fundamentally, Order life is about being committed to three ideals;
Enlightenment. Consisting of wisdom and compassion.
The Path to Enlightenment. This is the sum total of the practices which lead to the Realisation of Enlightenment and the Path of Higher Evolution.
The spiritual community, comprising of individuals all aiming for the same goal.
All three together form the ‘Ideal of the Buddha,’ that is ‘Buddhahood.’
Some of the earlier stories and teachings seem to be somewhat pushing the bounds of what we would today consider reality or to be somewhat dramatised. We should not allow ourselves to become annoyed or frustrated at this. We just need to remind ourselves that it originates from different times and cultures. Many of the legends may have been used to entertain and add interest to the teachings when passing them on to the populace. It is important to accept it for what it is, and enjoy the experience and colourfulness of it. Though, it is important that these colourful stories and legends are not dismissed just out-of-hand. They are quite often not meant as a factual description of an actual event, but are describing an inner spiritual experience. So it is quite often worthwhile just to spend some time reflecting personally on these events.
Remember it is for ourselves to take and place into context within our own understanding the teachings of Buddhism. We do not have to take anything strictly at face value. As mentioned earlier, there is no dogma in Buddhism.
There is no magical or mystic solution to reaching a higher level! It is all within ourselves and how we practice our own form of Buddhism.
Remember, take from Buddhism what you feel comfortable with. It is one’s level of engagement with the Path that is important.
‘Whereas if a man speaks but a few holy words and yet he lives the life of those words, free from passion and hate and illusion, with right vision and a mind free, craving for nothing both now and hereafter, the life of this man is a life of holiness.’
‘O Brethen of the way, you must know that in the Reality of Buddhism there is nothing extraordinary for you to perform.
You just live as usual without even trying to do anything in particular, attending to your natural wants, putting on clothes, eating meals and lying down when you feel tired.
Let ignorant people laugh at me, the wise know what I mean to say.’
The Buddha said that if one struggles with any of the teachings, do not worry; so long as one can show compassion to all sentient beings, this is all that matters, as everything else will follow in time.
It is not necessary for terms originally written in older languages such as Pali, Sanskrit or Tibetan to be used in those languages. English, or other translations, may be freely used.
Any queries regarding interpretation or meaning of the Teachings or of this ORDER OF FAITH shall be resolved by a meeting of the Council of the Order.
The Karuna Bodhisattva Order shall bring the Teachings and The Buddha to the full spectrum of the community.
The Order shall be Temple-based. A Temple shall be that estate that the Council appoints as a Temple.
Those who take Ordination shall hold the title of Priest, or other title as bestowed upon them by the Council. They shall seek to take Buddhism to the outside community and provide spiritual and general support for all those who seek it. All Ordained members should seek to take appointments as Buddhist Chaplains for third party organisations.
Ordained members who wish to lead a Monastic lifestyle as monks may do so freely subject to suitable residential accommodation being available at a Temple.
Dress codes for Ordained members are as appear later in the ORDER OF FAITH.
All those who wish to join the Order shall first take the COVENANT OF FAITH.
Lay members need not take any further vows, but should be encouraged to take the first five precepts as they appear later in the ORDER OF FAITH.
Lay members who wish to take an additional commitment and be fully involved in daily Temple duties should take Lay Vows as they appear later in the ORDER OF FAITH.
Those wishing to train for Ordination should take the Novice Vows as they appear later in the ORDER OF FAITH.
Those taking Ordination should take the Holy Vows of Faith as they appear later in the ORDER OF FAITH.
COVENANT OF FAITH
I SEEK REFUGE IN THE BUDDHA I SEEK REFUGE IN THE TEACHINGS I SEEK REFUGE IN THE COMMUNITY I SHALL SHOW COMPASSION AND UNDERSTANDING, WITHOUT DISCRIMINATION, TO ALL SENTIENT BEINGS, WHATEVER THEIR SPECIES, CREED, RACE, COLOUR, GENDER, SEXUALITY, RELIGION, BELIEFS OR OTHERWISE. THIS COVENANT OF FAITH I MAKE SO THAT ALL SENTIENT BEINGS MAY ATTAIN ENLIGHTENMENT. |
