biggrin Excellent questions!
Shokai
My first question is:
What is meant by taking refuge in the Buddha,etc...or to put it in easier terms..What is meant by taking refuge?The idea behind taking refuge is that when it starts to rain, we like to find a shelter. The Buddhist shelter from the rain of problems and pain of life is threefold: the Buddha, his teachings (the Dharma) and the spiritual community (the Sangha). Taking refuge means that we have some understanding about suffering, and we have confidence that the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha (the "Three Jewels") can help us. We should however not be taking refuge in Buddhism to avoid problems in this very life, there are many non-religious organisations for that, but we should take refuge to avoid problems in future lives, or even better, to avoid future uncontrolled rebirths.
We like to be free from suffering, now and in future lives. When we understand the frustrating nature of all life, we like to be freed from cyclic existence in general. The best reason would be the wish to free all living (sentient) beings from suffering.
The analogy of sickness is often used; Buddha is the doctor; Dharma is the medicine; Sangha is the nurse; we are the patient; the cure is taking the medicine, which means practising the methods. Taking refuge is like unpacking the medicine and deciding to follow the doctor's advice. [
source ]
Shokai
My Second question is: (this is what I read in the link I put here). What does it mean by this: 13.
The importance of Non-attachment. Buddhism goes beyond doing good and being good. One must not be attached to good deeds or the idea of doing good; otherwise it is just another form of craving.I was wondering especially where it says:
One must not be attached to good deeds or the idea of doing good; otherwise it is just another form of craving.What does it mean? Shouldnt we do good deeds? Or does it mean that we shouldnt be "looking" forward to
just doing a good deed for the heck of it..
Non-attachment is essential. We should still do good deeds, but good deeds should never become our sole focus. We should not feel bad when we're unable to do good deeds, nor should we feel self-important when we are able to.
If you do good deeds, good. If you do not, good.
Buddhism can be viewed from a short statement by the Buddha: "To avoid evil deeds, To perform good deeds, To purify the mind." To do good deeds alone is not good enough. The mind should also be purified so that it does not attach even to good deeds or whatever.
