Buddha Dharma, or Buddhism, is one of the oldest organized religions in the world (Hinduism, Zoroastrianism, Judaism, and aboriginal traditions are older, though it is older than Christianity, Islam, and their offshoots). Buddhism originated roughly 2,500 years ago in what is now northern India and southern Nepal. More about its history and evolution can be found in other pages on this website, and in other sites on the links page.

I suppose all major religions, as can be interpreted from their specific teachings in texts, mythology, and rituals, can be said to have a central message. (Keep in mind that the articles on my website are interpretations and abstractions of what is, in reality, a living tradition, or traditions, plural.) In the case of Buddha Dharma, it centers on inner transformation.

In Theravada (way of the elders), which may be the oldest existent group of Buddhist lineages, a well-formulated path is laid out in which the yogi or yogini observes how stress is associated with activity, particularly mental activity such as compulsive thinking/desiring, and observes the link between stress and possessiveness (to people, places, things, situations, and outcomes, and even attachment on a more subtle level to any beliefs, opinions, and concepts, i.e. the lens used to look at reality, rather than reality itself).

The foundational teaching is that clinging is suffering. Clinging is coterminous with the craving that arises with sense contact, and obsession with memories or the future, but a consciousness that is serene, at rest, and clear, can be liberated.

No other sect of Buddhism disputes these core teachings, but some include other teachings and meditative techniques.

In Tibetan Dzogchen the Vajra master (i.e. Rinpoche, a sort of guru) directly shows the disciple how to clear away mental obstructions and focus on the free, open space of mind prior to all thinking. Zen, similarly, is an austere path that directly teaches its students how to notice the limitations of the intellect's language, binary splitting/fracturing, and (perhaps most importantly) grasping, in order to experience reality holistically (the referents rather than the symbols), in a non-verbal state of attentiveness and present-centered awareness. This spontaneous state of mind, in almost all sects of Buddhism (and perhaps Taoism and Yoga as well), is considered the source of ever-present enlightenment. Tantric teachings also get us to this grounding source, and includes special practices, such as transmuting the energy behind emotions and desires for the purpose of transformation, and other Buddhist sects, including Theravada, also have practices that cultivate positive emotions, extending generosity of spirit as well as expanded perspective (ultimately to all, freeing the constricted mind from a single center).

In each case, there are means of freeing the mind (and heart).

Now, can other religious teachings be transformative? I believe so. Do I believe we even need religion to transform us? Not necessarily. It's the transformation of consciousness that's important, not adherence to dogmas.

You may not agree with the teachings, and it may not benefit you, but it’s at least worth considering.

Enjoy!