What Being a Buddhist Means to You?

The path of the Buddha will offer the possibility ofpersonal intention and self-promotion which may allow
living a different type of life, if indeed this isone to cleanse the debris that hides the Source of
important to one. Modern Americans are very linear inCreation. We are already an honored and viable
thinking. We work hard to achieve that which we seeparticipant in the Source of Creation. It is our
as the goal. Interestingly, upon reaching a goal, aindividual idiosyncrasies that cause our participation in
feeling of emptiness may remain. One may havethe cause and effect turmoil that results in sadness
traded peace-of-mind, integrity, relationships, etc., forand isolation.
the ability to reach the goal.To follow the path of the Buddha, means we can
A different process may be the realization that wesee our childish cries of "I want" for what they
are immersed in the glorious power that is ourare.--useless demands for that which is not needed
creation. We never left the power, we have onlyby those who don't understand. Rather, to see the
separated ourselves with our own limited thinking.cause and effect within which we are immersed, can
If one can view existence as complete as it is, thebe interesting if we don't run from that which we
result can be a calmness and peace that may not besee as "bad" while trying to grasp that which we see
of material gain, but rather of internal joy. We haveas "good".
witness sufficient to know that wealth doesn'tInstead, this existence can be seen as a fascinating
necessarily mean happiness, anymore than povertyundulating ocean upon which we ride. The "good"
does. Rather, happiness is the culmination ofcomes-don't grasp it, the "bad" comes-don't grasp it,
something else. Neither does a large cadre of friendsthe "good" comes--don't grasp it, and so on.
and associates mean happiness. Something muchEventually the possibility of the Oneness is
more fundamental is in play.understood. The work in this material world is that
The path of the Buddha implies the removal of thewhich makes the realization of enlightenment possible.