Book 32: Buddhism Plain & Simple

Buddhism Plain & Simple by Steve Hagen. It is what it says -- he just breaks down the teachings of the Buddha into very simple terms.

He strips away any idea of religion, tenets, temples, rituals, costumes, incense, gongs, icons, or doctrines. Original buddhism was about none of these things. In fact, once you've awoken, throw out the buddha-dharma -- you don't need to be weighed down by it.

Buddhism is simply being aware of reality. Being aware of our own thoughts, our own convictions which shape the way we see the world, and our own beliefs which lead us to worry and be afraid.

The Buddha said that we all have 83 problems. We always will. Sometimes it will rain too much and sometimes not enough. The real problem is that we want to have NO problems. The real problem is that we can't just accept that there is both good and bad in life, all the time, every day.

Or as The Gits say in Another Shot of Whiskey "You seem to think if you just remove the problem the answers are what will come next... Never thinking that all the good times are what walked in with the bad."

Here's the trick: pay attention to what is real. Notice what we think about the world and situations, and let go of false beliefs. Don't let your imagination or your interpretation make you unhappy. For example, if someone says something mysterious, don't assume it was an insult. Many of our 83 problems come from within our own minds. Don't make extra trouble for yourself. I know -- it's not that easy! So, just keep trying.