Inquiry and faith

Not faith without investigation

• Setting a proper motivation for listening to the teaching
• “Faith” in Buddhism: the Tibetan and Sanskrit terms for “faith” do not have the connotation of undiscriminating faith
• Inquiry plays an important role in our generating faith in the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha
• We get enlightened not simply by faith, but by transforming our mind, which can only happen through reasoning and inquiry
• Don’t have “undiscriminating faith” in your negative emotions: try and use inquiry to dispel them

Inquiry and faith 01 (download)

The Kalama Sutra: the Buddha’s statement for free inquiry

• Important to understand this sutra in context
• The Buddha didn’t say that faith is unnecessary or that we should only rely on our own experience
• An inquiring mind is not a skeptical mind
• Faith and inquiry complement each other on the Buddhist path
• What do we do when we have doubts about the teachings?
• How do we verify the Buddha’s teachings?

Inquiry and faith 02 (download)

Questions and answers

• I dreamt a few times of my grandma who passed away two weeks ago. Do dreams mean anything in Buddhism? What can I do for her after 49 days?
• Is it possible to change our destiny or fate in this life by doing more positive actions?
• Besides meditation, are there any other ways to develop mindfulness?
• How do we practice in relation to the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha? What’s the importance of seeking refuge in the Three Jewels?
• Are Christians included in the cycle of rebirth? Is it a disadvantage to them to not know the Buddhist teachings?
• How Sravasti Abbey makes the practice of generosity one of its core values.

Inquiry and faith 03 (download)