Buddhism

The Pannarama Buddhist Meditation Centre of New Zealand is dedicated to providing opportunities to learn the original teachings of the Buddha. These teachings encompass a philosophy of life and meditation practice that bring about freedom from human suffering and thereby happiness to individuals and ultimately the world. The Buddha taught that through an understanding of the mind we are better able to recognize our connection to nature and each other and therefore live in harmony with our world.

Buddhism addresses itself to all people irrespective of race, nationality, or gender. It teaches practical methods which enable people to realize and utilize its teachings in order to transform their experience, to be fully responsible for their lives and to develop the qualities of awareness, wisdom and compassion. Developing the practice of self-care allows us to more readily share our happiness, compassion and wisdom with others.

The basic tenets of Buddhist teaching are straightforward and practical: nothing is fixed or permanent; actions have consequences; change is possible. There are many different forms of Buddhism, but all traditions are characterized by non-violence, lack of dogma, tolerance of differences, and, usually, by the practice of meditation.

'Sati' plays a central role in Buddhism. Sati is from Pali meaning mindfulness, awareness or skillful attentiveness. In Buddhism, mindful awareness of one's thoughts, actions and motivations is affirmed as an essential element in the path to liberation, that is freedom from suffering. Correct sati is developed through sitting, walking and living meditation - especially when the meditation training is guided by a skillful teacher.

It is a mistake to think that Buddhism is a religion. The Buddha taught his life philosophy and meditation techniques because he believed that every human has the potential for enlightenment and to be a Buddha - not so he would be worshipped. Throughout the centuries, as the Buddha's teachings have spread from India, many countries have added there own cultural interpretation of these teachings. Each style, however developed within the Buddhist tradition over thousands of years has created an incomparable resource for all those who wish to follow a spiritual path - a path which ultimately culminates in happiness.