Study Guides
WHERE TO START?
Study Guides
Whether you are new to Buddhism or Refuge In Dhamma, this is a great place to start exploring the website. The study guides below will provide excellent guidance on the topics that are suitable for you.
WHAT IS BUDDHISM?
New to Buddhism
Although many people consider Buddhism to be a religion, at Refuge In Dhamma, we consider Buddhism to be an egalitarian way of life. You shall see from the articles below that there is no worship of ‘Gods’ or deities, no superstitions and no rituals. Only teachings to guide you to live the best of your life in terms of happiness and fulfillment.
History of Buddhism 1 – Life of the Buddha
HOW TO LIVE MY LIFE?
Buddhist way of life
There are many Buddhists in the world, however, not many know how to live their life according to the Buddha’s teachings. One example is devotees being taught to let go of desires, ill-will and delusion but there is a lack of step-by-step instruction on how to go about doing it. This results in lay people claiming to be Buddhists but none or very few of their actions follow Buddhist tenets. Fortunately, the Buddha did give detailed instructions and this study guide will show lay devotees how to truly live the Buddhist way of life.
Advice to Sigālaka 1 – Morality
MOST IMPORTANT ASSET IN LIFE
Health
Health, both physically and mentally, is often neglected by many people as they go through life in pursuit of sensual pleasures. Without a healthy body and mind, dreams will become bubbles and all one can do is live in agony and regret. Therefore, taking care of one’s health should be of utmost importance.
HOW TO IMPROVE MY MEDITATION?
Right Mindset
A lot of Buddhists are enthusiastic about meditation and retreats. However, whether beginners or long-term meditators, they may have the wrong mindset regarding these practices. Once the wrong mindset is formed, wrong behaviour and actions will follow. These will plague the meditators for years and stall their progress if not remedied. This series of articles will list out the problems with wrong mindsets and offer solutions to correct the mindset.
Wrong Meditation Mindset
SHOULD WE FOLLOW ALL CUSTOMS?
Superstitions
As Buddhism has been around for more than 2,500 years and has spread through many countries, there are bound to be certain local customs integrated into the Dhamma practice. Some may be good like Asian’s concept of filial piety which ties in very well with what the Buddha taught while others are pure superstitions like believing people will turn into ghosts the moment they die. To promote better learning of the true Dhamma, this category serves to dispel superstitions that Buddhists believe in, especially in South East Asian countries.
