Buddhism Role Model

Using the Dalai Lama as a role model, and relying on key buddhist teachings, Buddhist adherents learn to journey through their path to enlightenment by living their daily lives based upon the Buddhist principles. This includes living according to teachings such as the Eightfold Path, the Five Precepts, the Four Noble Truths as well as the Three Jewels. However to reach Nirvana and attain enlightenment, individuals must not only learn and acknowledge the Buddhist teachings, they must live it. It includes participating in Temple Puja with their community and living with compassion.
This idea is further reinforced by the quotes given by Buddhaghosa and Dogen. Wherein they state that Buddhism is not about remaining stagnant and simply following
This is because unlike other religious traditions, it does not promote worship of a deity but rather acknowledge and respect for a figure (Buddha) and to follow in the Lord Buddha’s footsteps. This is supported by the quotes given, wherein Buddhaghosa states, “Nirvana can only be reached, not produced by the Path”, meaning Nirvana is only attainable if the adherents choose to walk their path alone acknowledging the Buddhist teachings, rather than simply learning the teachings and relying on them to reach Nirvana making limited progress on their path. Dogen’s quote amplifies this idea, “Proper meditation, is single minded intense sitting without burning incense, worshipping, reciting…” This means that true meditation does not take any specific form or follows any strict guidelines. Proper meditation is simply when Buddhist adherents seek internal insight and further travel in their journey to enlightenment. This is similar to Buddhaghosa as it highlights the idea that simply following the ‘rules’ and learning the principles of Buddhism does not mean reaching enlightenment, but rather how adherents use the principles as stepping stones on their path to Nirvana. The Dalai Lama once said “ “Whether you believe in God or not does not matter much, whether you believe in Buddha or not does not matter so much; as a Buddhist, whether you believe in reincarnation or not does not matter so much. You must lead a good life” (1). This quote, along with the given quotes again signify the importance that Buddhism is a way of living wherein individuals use the teachings, the Buddha and Dalai Lama as a guide to living a good life. Hence why Buddhism is regarded as more of a lifestyle for