"Talking Dharma"

One who communicates the Dharma of the awakened mind is like the skeleton that points in the direction of the moon. They are not the moon. This book provides a brief introduction to a secular western approach to Buddhism. It then explores the core teachings of the Buddha in relation to a number of different themes and concepts that relate to Dharma practice whilst living within a 21st century western culture. It aims to eliminate the ‘ism’ out of Buddhism in order that the reader can undertake a personal inquiry from the perspective of simplicity and practicality, without the hindrance of institutionalized religious dogma, blind belief, superstitions, cultural world views, or anything that could be considered to be supernatural or paranormal. It pays homage to the ancient past but embraces fully the current functional understandings within the scientific method of inquiry to see what works to move the mind away from worrying in order that it can realize peace of mind with itself, others and the world around it for the benefit of all beings. One who communicates the Dharma of the awakened mind is like the skeleton that points in the direction of the moon. They are not the moon. This book provides a brief introduction to a secular western approach to Buddhism. It then explores the core teachings of the Buddha in relation to a number of different themes and concepts that relate to Dharma practice whilst living within a 21st century western culture. It aims to eliminate the ‘ism’ out of Buddhism in order that the reader can undertake a personal inquiry from the perspective of simplicity and practicality, without the hindrance of institutionalized religious dogma, blind belief, superstitions, cultural world views, or anything that could be considered to be supernatural or paranormal. It pays homage to the ancient past but embraces fully the current functional understandings within the scientific method of inquiry to see what works to move the mind away from worrying in order that it can realize peace of mind with itself, others and the world around it for the benefit of all beings.