Willis - Buddhism: beginners guide to understanding and practicing Buddhism to become stress & anxiety free

A mind unperturbed by the vagaries of fortune, from sorrow, freed, from defilements cleansed, from fear liberated this is the greatest blessing.

The Buddha

Hello! You must be the kind of person who is eager to learn new things every day. After all, why else would you choose this book?

You must be curious about Buddhism. You might have heard of it from somewhere, such as on social media or from a friend who is passionate about its teachings.

You might also have heard about the many ways it has helped those who find their true purpose in life, or at the very least find peace and calm in the midst of a seemingly fast-paced and stressful world.

A million questions might be swimming in your brain concerning Buddhism. In a while, they will be answered.

First, do take comfort in being here right now: reading this book and acquiring the knowledge that can help you find true happiness in everyday life.

One of the most essential teachings of Buddhism is an understanding that where you are at this moment is exactly where you are intended to be. As each moment passes, you are following your own course throughout life and enjoying and taking in each moment is paramount in creating a path of wisdom and understanding for yourself. Revel in each and every sentence, taking the time to fully understand what you are reading because, in Buddhism, every tale, every reading, and every teaching pave the way to a more open, joyful and enlightened path in life.

Look around you and notice how your body has naturally kept you alive. Your lungs continue to breathe without you having to tell them to do so. Your eyelids blink automatically to keep your eyes moist and protected. Your blood continues to flow underneath your skin, oblivious to your surroundings and thoughts.

Also, notice how you are able to comprehend the words on this page. Is that not something to be grateful for? Take a moment to consider this thought.

Are you still here? Hopefully yes, because now let us answer what may be the first question in your mind: What is Buddhism?

What is Buddhism?

Would it surprise you to know that Buddhism is not a religion? At least, not in the sense wherein it is an institution that dictates how one should believe in a divine power. Many people make that mistake and avoid Buddhism because they believe it to be contrary to the teachings of their church. However, you can practice Buddhism in conjunction with your personal belief and religion, or as a complement to it.

In fact, there is no deity to be worshipped, although you might wonder why some seem to be worshipping the statues of the Buddha. While there indeed are those who worship his image (and erroneously so), true Buddhists merely pay respect to the memory of the Buddha. They neither worship nor pray to him. The Buddha himself is a guide and teacher for those that seek the path to enlightenment. The altars that you see in a Buddhist temple are inspirational and remind Buddhists of the path that they have chosen to walk. The colors of the decoration of a Buddhist temple are indeed made up of colors that are easily seen by the eye and the Buddha statue is there as a guide to your meditative process.

Many people who wake up each morning with the intention of practicing Buddhist teachings find inspiration from the gentle image of the Buddha. It is not unlike finding your motivation from the words of a successful person. His peaceful and meditative image can help you understand and remember the teachings you are following when life becomes stressful, and your mind begins to run off course. Thus, it follows that creating a meditative area and adorning it with a Buddha statue or other inspirational items is common for westerners.