In general, I don’t believe in Buddhist principles, Buddhist ideas or any of the other stuff. They’re just popcorn. Reassuring popcorn, to be sure, and often profound, but our minds won’t generally be changed by philosophy or ideas, no matter how perfect. And Buddhism is always about the transformation of our own minds*.

So, we have to start looking at our own mind, how things arise in our own mind, very carefully, very patiently, with nowhere to go. Over time, our mind will reveal its mysteries. When we reach the point where we can clearly articulate what we see inside, it will be Buddhist principles and Buddhist philosophy. 

This is why no one will ever tell you what to believe in Buddhism. Teachers will offer encouragement, and they’ll offer insights and wisdom as transmitted directly from the Buddha, and now to us. In so doing, they support us on our own journey, on the journey that countless beings have taken, continue to take, and will take in the future. Please use it to practice with faith and determination.

*There are some schools of Buddhism that do focus only on study, in the belief that study now and for many lifetimes might bring about the proper conditions for transformation in a future life. In the West, we often don’t have that degree of patience and faith.

Buddhist Ideas

For those new to Buddhism or who hear concepts in a gentle way

I phrased the Dharma Drop above in a slightly strong way because, in the west, we tend to be hypnotised by concepts. If that doesn’t apply to you, the version below may be more suitable. Please focus on whichever seems more helpful.

Buddhist ideas are among the most profound words that we have. They describe the relation between our karma, our habits of mind and how experiences unfold for us. They penetrate deeply into the nature of ego, emotions and anger. They describe how our attachments and difficult emotions can paralyse our mind. They also offer a vast collection of tools and methods to overcome theses things and find our way to enduring happiness.

We can use these helpful descriptions and concepts to develop the foundation that our practice creates, if we remember that they are an encouraging [and enriching] support for our efforts to transform our own minds, not the transformation, itself.