Sis. Paru sharing with the course participants on ‘What is Buddhism?’ and ‘The Three Jewels’.

On Sunday 27 March, Sis. Paru conducted the first of six modules of BPS 033 ‘Buddhist Devotional Practice’ course, where she touched on the topic of ‘What is Buddhism?’ and ‘The Three Jewels’.  She explained that the coined English term ‘Buddhism’ refers to the religious tenets and practices centred upon the Buddha’s teachings.  When Buddhism spread to other parts of the world, it took on different forms due to the influence of local beliefs and culture of the indigenous peoples.

There were plenty of active interactions between the course participants and speaker.

On the subject of ‘The Three Jewels’, Sis. Paru explained that they referred to the Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha. When we bow to the Buddha image, it is to help us to recollect and rejoice over the qualities of the Buddha – the Blessed One, the Worthy One, the perfectly Enlightened One.

Participants share their ideas and opinions during group discussion.

The second ‘jewel’ is the Dhamma – the teachings of the Buddha; while the third is the noble Sangha, consisting of men and women who are of good, upright, wise, and dutiful conduct, and who have realised the Dhamma for themselves.  We thank Sis. Paru for her Dhamma sharing.  Sadhu anumodana.