Question asked by BL
Buddhism has so many rituals to follow eg prayers, mantras, offerings, etc
Can I just chant mantras and just be careful of what I do, say and think? Will I be one step closer to enlightenment or be reborn in Amitabha's pure land. I am so tired of living in samsara and yet it is wrong to take one's own life.
Dear BL,
H.E. Tsem Rinpoche always says that real Dharma practice is the time we spend going about our daily lives.
Out of 24 hours, we may spend only 1 hour chanting mantras, performing rituals or reciting prayers. But the 23 other hours are the time we actually need to practice the teachings…being careful of what we do, say and think. But it’s more than that, we need to start making a conscious effort that our actions, speech and thoughts are motivated by compassion towards others. When we do this and make aspirational prayers, creating a strong connection with Amitabha, upon our deaths if we have practiced strongly then we will be reborn in Amitabha’s pure land. But the key here is our own effort.
You are right that it is wrong to take one’s own life, in that we create negative karma through that act, which binds us further to samsara and suffering in our future rebirths. However you are also very lucky, you have become tired of living in samsara and for this fact you should rejoice. Use this as a motivation to get OUT of samsara… you do this by following the teachings….do not get caught up in the diversity of practices…find one that you like and then go all the way with it.