Buddhism with its practical and consistent teachings and its relevance to daily life is able to satisfy intelligent and inquiring minds, and thus still appeals to our present-day society. There is nothing mysterious in this spiritual path. The Buddha never resorted to supernatural rituals or asked for logic-defying leaps of faith in any of his teachings. Everything is rational and sensible, relevant to the present and very much down-to-earth.
Buddhism
is an ancient spiritual practice. It is not a religion in the
Judeo-Christian sense, but Buddhist tenets point to ways of finding the
happiness and contentment we as humans seek. Buddhist practices are
designed to help you see the world and our place in it more clearly.
The
focus of Buddhism is following a spiritual path rather than a religious
belief system. It is a way of finding peace within oneself. Buddhists
develop inner peace, kindness and wisdom through their daily practice.
They then share their experience with others in bringing benefit and
change for a better world.
With
much stress and modern day problems around the globe more and more
people are becoming interested in the peaceful and tolerant Buddhist way of life. In particular there is deep interest in learning how to
meditate, to overcome stress and anxiety, as well as to find a better
meaning of life.
Buddhist tenets are not difficult. They can be practiced by anyone, regardless of what cultural, religious or ideological label one carries. By approaching these teachings with an open mind they can be easily observed and practiced. The results will be immediate and beneficial — for this life and beyond.
Are you seeking inner peace?
About Mind
Buddhism originated in India more than 2500 years ago. A prince named Siddhartha Gautama had tried many spiritual paths without satisfaction, until one day, while sitting in meditation, he came to a profound realization of the nature of existence. He was thereafter known as the Buddha, meaning the "Awakened One". Buddhism spread from India to China, then to Korea, Japan and Southeast Asia. Since roughly the 19th century, various Asian immigrants and Zen masters began to bring Buddhism to Europe and the United States.
Zen emphasizes the practice of zazen, or sitting meditation, and individual effort. By learning to put the entire being into spiritual practice, we are able to realize our original nature and to carry that experience beyond sitting meditation into daily life.
We come into this world endowed with enlightenment nature. When we fail to realize this, life becomes selfish and egotistical, causing much suffering to ourselves and others. For that reason, we remove the barriers towards awakening and take refuge in the Buddha (teaching of Gautama Siddharta Shakyamuni, the Buddha), the Dharma (reality, the way things are), and the Sangha (practice in community under the guidance of a master). We commit ourselves to lives guided by the Precepts (Buddhist ethical code) and aspire to follow the Bodhisattva ideal of Mahayana Buddhism, in which we rejoice in being of service to others.
No matter how long we have been meditating, we aim for "beginner's mind" and treat each period of zazen as if it were our first time. We focus on the mechanics of sitting meditation (zazen), including posture, breathing and disposition of the mind. Our practice is rounded out with Dharma readings, teaching and discussion.
When religion grows in age, faith turns into dogma, and experience is replaced by book-knowledge, virtue by adherence to rules, devotion by ritual, meditation by metaphysical speculation. The time is then ripe for a rediscovery of truth and a fresh attempt to give it expression in life.
lama govinda
Mission Statement
Lotus Zen Temple is a non-profit organization (incorporated in the State of Nebraska) that offers resources and instruction on Ch'an (Zen) Buddhism in the Chinese Mahayana lineage tradition of Hui Neng. We welcome people of all backgrounds and religious paths. The Temple also offers opportunities for people to practice Zen through its various activities and outreach in Nebraska and beyond.
Lotus Zen Temple is an open and accepting community. It does not support or participate in discrimination on the basis of skin color, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, nationality, class, marital status, gender or physical condition.
