Edward Viljoen: Introduction to Buddhism

Monday, April 6, 2009

Introduction to Buddhism

By: Edward Viljoen on Monday, April 06, 2009

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Crash Course

Three Jewels
1. Buddha – the Awakened One
2. Dharma – Buddha’s teachings
3. Sangha – Community of practice

Four Noble Truths
1. Life entails dissatisfaction
2. Dissatisfaction is a result of clinging
3. There is a possible end to dissatisfaction
4. The way to end dissatisfaction is the 8 fold path

The Path
1. Right view
2. Right thought
3. Right speech
4. Right action
5. Right livelihood
6. Right effort
7. Right mindfulness
8. Right concentration

Cardinal Precepts
1. Not killing
2. Not stealing
3. Not lying
4. No intoxicants
5. No sexual abuse

Three Marks of Existence
1. Impermanence
2. No abiding, separate self
3. Nirvana

Three Poisons
1. Greed
2. Hate
3. Delusion

Four Sublime States
1. Loving-kindness - Selfishness – Hatred
2. Compassion – Pity – Contempt
3. Celebration – Boredom – Jealousy
4. Equanimity – Indifference – Aversion

Four Bodhisattva Vows
1. Beings are numberless: I vow to awaken them
2. Delusions are inexhaustible: I vow to end them
3. Dharma gates are boundless: I vow to enter them
4. Buddha’s way is unsurpassable: I vow to become it

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Bhagavad-Gita For Beginners

The Bhagavad Gita: The Song of God Retold in Simplified English is the latest title in the Essential Wisdom Library. This unique edition of the timeless epic is designed to be accessible for readers without any prior experience of Hinduism. Not merely a translation of the original, Viljoen has simplified and restated the Gita’s complex ideas, so that a first-time reader can fully appreciate the scope and beauty of this magnificent Indian classic. Written in concise, modern language, the retelling vividly captures the power and depth of the original work.

Reviews

“While goodness, kindness, compassion, and faith might seem like ordinary concepts, when it comes to actually living them in the face of life’s daily challenges, it’s easy to get stuck. Edward Viljoen has given us a gentle, illuminating, compassionate guidebook to living from the goodness that lies at the heart of who we really are.”
—Alan Seale, founder of the Center for Transformational Presence, and author of Create A World That Works and Intuitive Living

“Ordinary Goodness reminds me I can see goodness and kindness every day. Edward reminds all of us, that despite our failings, we really can be both good and kind. Brew a cup of tea and curl up with this insightful and achingly beautiful account of the mystery, paradox, and wonder of your life. You’ll be glad you did!”
—Petra Weldes, author of Joyous Living Journal

“If kindness were a country, Ordinary Goodness would be its travel guide. In this book, Edward Viljoen delves into a perfectly ordinary yet arguably neglected virtue—kindness—and reveals its source, its rewards, and a well-defined approach for integrating kindness into your very bones. Combining his personal history with his decades of experience as a minister, Viljoen is eminently qualified to teach us that the ordinariness of kindness may actually be the most dazzling quality we might possess.”
—Randall Friesen, publisher of Newt List Books

Edward Viljoen was a recent guest to my radio show, "In The Spirit." I had read his book, "Ordinary Goodness" and was happy to talk with him about it. I like the way he inserts stories from his own life to illustrate various points. In this cynical age, this book is a tonic a guide to live a good life by being good to others. We cannot be truly happy until we do. Thank you, Edward for bringing a much needed topic to our attention.

—Gary Goldberg, host of In The Spirit

The Power of Meditation

“Edward Viljoen’s new book, The Power of Meditation, is a gift. It serves as a practical guidebook for those who are new at spiritual practice, as well as a beautiful reminder of simplicity and essence for those who have been engaged in spiritual practice for a lifetime. Edward helps us find the strength we need to be present with whatever life brings. He takes the reader by the hand, dispels the mysteries, and makes this elusive thing called meditation very real and doable.” —Alan Seal, author of Create a World That Works