How To Practice Buddhism for Beginners and Westerners (Daily Practice)

Check out my new book "Daily Buddhism Practice Guide": alanpeto.com/books/daily-budd...
Starting a daily practice can be confusing and frustrating, especially if you don't have a Buddhist temple nearby, or if you don't know how to start. This video will get you started with a basic daily Buddhist practice rooted in the Buddhist teachings without being specific to any one particular tradition.
Video Chapters/Bookmarks:
0:00 Welcome
1:52 Tips and Techniques
3:27 Three Refuges
5:00 Five Precepts
6:31 Five Remembrances
6:35 Meditation/Chanting
11:12 Dedication of Merits
13:40 Giving Thanks
My article and poster (which includes easy-to-follow steps and instructions) guide you through starting a daily practice that is aligned with the Buddhist teachings and various traditions! Check them out here: alanpeto.com/buddhism/daily-b...
🙏 Please subscribe for more Buddhism videos!
You can optionally get my letter-sized daily practice poster (high-quality PDF for printing) that is part of my Buddhism Graphics Super Pack: gum.co/BuddhismGraphics (over twenty graphics for a small donation).
Do you already have a daily practice? Let me know in the comments!
Contact Alan: alanpeto.com/contact
Video Disclaimer: alanpeto.com/legal/video-disc...

[@Seyva209]

I was born in a Buddhist family since a new born baby. and every words you said are truthful about Buddhism 🙏🧘🏽‍♂️ sadhu

[@AlanPeto]

Thank you Tyzi! 🙏

[@straightouttacomicbook]

Went through a lot of suffering a year ago. On a rainy night I was walking and drinking on a path of rage when I stumbled upon a Buddhist temple in my neighborhood. A man was closing and I think maybe he saw I was angry asked me if I wanted to come in. I was very skeptical at first. He offered me some tea and we had a very nice conversation. He enlightened me and not only that but he was very kind and he just listened to me. Thank you for teaching me as well I’ve been practicing for over a year in a half.

[@AlanPeto]

Thanks for sharing your story!

[@ginamarciano]

I love this ❤️

[@sukita9902]

This is such a good ,direct basic course for real Buddhist beginner.! (From a Theravada monk, Thailand)

[@AlanPeto]

Thank you Venerable 🙏

[@janetmiller2980]

I'm a new student of Theravada Buddhism. Thank you for teaching me how to go about daily practice.

[@anastasiagault5229]

Buddhism and your videos were (Are!) my saving grace. I was a heavy smoker, drinker and a very, very, very angry and traumatized person even as a religous clergywoman, there was no peace it seemed like. Your videos (And your podcast, I love listening to it on Spotify!) and others like them turned my life around entirely. I couldn't be more thankful for that 🙏🙏🙏

[@jyungsam]

As Tibetan lay Buddhist practitioner below are my daily practices : 1. Wake up 5:30 am 2. Offer water to Buddha while also chanting Emptiness Mantra. 3. Chant more sutras on mind until 8:30 4. Leave for work 5. Apply my practices in daily life. 6. Come home and reflect & light meditate 7. Go out meet friends, have fun. 8. Occasionally visit Monasteries on weekends and donate

[@AlanPeto]

Thank you for sharing your practice!

[@Shyguy71588]

Thank you. Whoever reads this I hope you are having a bright day and wish you peace. 🙏 Sadhu Sadhu Sadhuuuu!

[@eladsinger9215]

Thank you for your kind words.

[@RaeRae182]

I read the book siddhartha in 9th grade, i found it an intriguing book, it was very descriptive and helped a lot to learn more on Buddhism, we had to finish sentences of what Buddha has said for homework and I thought it was fun

[@AlanPeto]

That's great, thanks for sharing Tomi!

[@irisdominguez3996]

I started studying and growing into buddhism a few months ago, but with time I lost the "interest". Thanks to your video I'm realizing that I need to incorporate it as an habit, as a daily thing, to keep learning and growing. Thank you a lot, I just subscribed, and I'll be watching all your videos ^_^

[@AlanPeto]

Great to hear Iris! :)

[@spiritofzen7022]

Remember it’s a walk, not a marathon. Take joy in your daily practice, stop and smell the flowers and soak up the beauty of the mantras and the Buddha images etc, keep it simple. I think if what your doing doesn’t bring joy to your life then you’re going about it all wrong. I wish you luck on your beautiful journey 🙏🏽😊

[@veaudeuxcas4828]

For now months, I've been really interested in Buddhism but I had no idea of where to start this journey. Today I discovered your channel and you helped me a lot understanding Buddhism. Thank you a lot for your help! 🙏🧘‍♀️✨

[@AlanPeto]

Thank you! 🙏 I'm glad it helped you 🙂 If you want some free resources, check out my website (alanpeto.com) and I also have two free eBooks here to help you with a daily practice: alanpeto.gumroad.com/

[@glitzandgratitude1170]

I have been following this daily. When I get to the part about doing a meditation I switch over to a 10 min Vipasana or anapana meditation and then return for the the merits and to give thanks. I feel good about how this is helping my days Unfold. We can find peace through the darmha and through these videos being available it is up to us to stay dedicated. Thank you to the Buddha our teacher ❤❤❤

[@AlanPeto]

Great! Thank you for sharing your practice.

[@glitzandgratitude1170]

KZbin has a very positive side. ❤

[@reddappabodidavedu5397]

This teacher is very very good and teaches in perfect English.

[@elipilch268]

I picked up Buddhism a year ago but Thanks to you I am finally properly practicing

[@AlanPeto]

That's great to hear! Have you found a temple or group nearby? Wishing you the best on your journey!

[@elipilch268]

@@AlanPeto not yet but I’ll be looking

[@johnnyggh1397]

thank you for decluttering my mind and aiming my focus on the daily steps to take. this is not taken for granted.

[@spiritofzen7022]

I do daily meditation Ma dedication ceremony, water incense and candle offerings and a dedicated puja which is centred around a particular Buddha or bodhisattva I wish to work with, then on subsequent days I switch between the five tathagatas and finish with Shakyamuni, and then I repeat until the full moon when I change my shrine and dedicate to a new deity or Buddha I’m drawn to work with, this gives me a nice rounded practice I feel 🙏🏽blessings and much metta to you all 😊❤️❤️

[@AlanPeto]

Very nice!

[@Angela-1974]

I've been interested in Buddhism for a few years now and done a bit of meditation over the years, but I've never known how to develop a spiritual practice or where to even begin. This video is perfect, thank you for sharing ❤️🙏

[@littlebighead4482]

I've been following along with this practice for the past week. Thank you so much for this, it's very much appreciated.

[@AlanPeto]

Thank you! 🙏

[@daltonstriedel6431]

This is wonderful! Thank you 🙏

[@mr.meditator6087]

Thank You this is very helpful!

[@michaelm9300]

Thank you for sharing this as well as the podcast, I feel like I'm learning alot and enjoying what you are sharing. I've read some books in the past and keep coming back to Buddhism so this all has been a great introduction so far!

[@genericcucumber6327]

This video was super helpful! Thank you so much for making this great content.

[@AlanPeto]

Welcome! Glad it helped :)

[@katiabiavatti5544]

Thanks for your help and guidance!

[@AlanPeto]

Anytime, Katia! Let me know if you have any questions 😊

[@rakdeechannel1194]

Thanks for very good guidance.

[@thehermit196]

clear and concise , very helpful as an introduction

[@ColeCash]

This is excellent! Today I meditate first thing upon waking, then pay homage to Amitabha throughout the day. I think I’ll make a binder though and be more systematic like you suggest. Thank you so much! 🙏

[@AlanPeto]

That’s great Cole! Let me know how it turns out.

[@cindybriden372]

Thank you so much!!

[@Jason_Greer_Art]

Thank you!

[@TaviaJay001]

Thx so much I've been doing some of these things already without realizing it. Now I finally have an answer to why. 💎👑

[@AlanPeto]

Fantastic! 😊

[@litonGod]

Dude, great vid!

[@VanilleTendre]

That was extremely helpful, thank you 😊🌺

[@AlanPeto]

Great to hear :)

[@cpvertigo4903]

Keep the good work. Thanks 🙏

[@AlanPeto]

Thank you!

[@miquel2423]

Great vid, I've learned a lot thank you! I've suffered for a quite a while, I was scared that people (my friends, family etc) would find out about something that I have and that they will give negative opinions about me and leave me etc, I got a lot of (social) anxiety from it.. I started meditating back in February and started studying Buddhism a few months ago. I have learned a lot and my sufferings has eased a lot more. I'm striving for a wise mind and to be free of my struggles which I am still going through. I am going to try these practices and really commit to Buddhism. Buddhism has brought me so much more peace in my life so far. I just know that Buddhism is the right path to take in life! Also, if you have tips for easing my sufferings, feel free to leave a comment! I would love to see what you've got to say! :) Again, thanks for the video !

[@AlanPeto]

Great to hear! If possible, in your location, get involved with your local Buddhist temple. Going to classes, services, etc., will help in your path. Suffering (Dukkha) is due to our belief in an unchanging, independent, everlasting 'self'. So, Buddhist practice is about breaking down that belief (imagine cleaning a dirty window so you can see outside) so you can see your true nature: Nirvana. That's the heart of the Buddha's path and teachings! kzbin.info/www/bejne/fYrSgZiMocqqj6s

[@miquel2423]

@@AlanPeto Thanks so much for responding! I will take your advice under serious consideration :)

[@AlanPeto]

Welcome! Just a note that Buddhism is focusing on a few specific things (which can, of course, spill over into other things we are experiencing). So, don't hesitate to look for guidance and help *outside* of Buddhism :) That's perfectly OK to do! There are wonderful books, videos, teachers, therapists, etc., out there that talk about anxiety, struggle, etc.

[@miquel2423]

​@@AlanPeto Yes, will do! I know that my suffering has to do with my craving of "not wanting" certain outcomes and "wanting" to avoid those outcomes. Letting the grip of "(not) wanting" go and accepting the fact that some things are just not under my control is something that I learned in 3 months with Buddhism. Realizing, accepting and letting go has brought me so much more peace in my life. My social anxiety is a lot less as of right now just because I stopped "(not) wanting" which let to hatred, fear and worry (my main problems). Training my mind and realizing that my problems came from craving (wanting) took a pretty long time, but it was well worth it since I suffered from fearing and worrying of "other people's opinion and people leaving me if they found out what I had... and that it would ruin my life" for almost 2 years. I haven't felt this much at peace since 2 years, but I still have much MUCH to learn. I am now training myself to approach any outcome with a peaceful and quiet mind. I learned that the outcomes that I "did not want" will not ruin my life. I can now think of those outcomes with peace in my mind and not with worry and fear and the feeling of being paralyzed. That's huge improvement for me. I don't think that a therapist can learn you something like that, that's why I have so much faith in Buddhism, because I have learned so much in the past 3 months that no one else could've taught me but MYSELF with the help of Buddhism ofc. I think I can get so much more wisdom from Buddhism and reading a lot of books and making notes. If you read all of that, you're champ. Thank you

[@smariegalski3641]

Very helpful! Thank you!

[@AlanPeto]

Welcome! Let me know if you have any questions.

[@keircampbell9374]

I’m a catholic and I remain a catholic. But I am struggling in my life with attachments to many things and behaviours and have trouble ordering myself well. Buddhism doesn’t necessarily agree with my belief in what the world is, or whether or not God exists, but I still think I want to try using some of the practices to help myself find a sense of centeredness and order

[@centralcommittee4458]

I'm also looking forward to learning more about Buddhism from this channel. If you want to look into similar practices in Catholicism, check out Centering Prayer (there's a nice little app with that name), Contemplative Prayer, Fr Thomas Keating (late Trappist monk, has a whole series of lectures on centering prayer and the spiritual journey on youtube), and Fr Martin Laird (Augustinian monk who has a series of great books on contemplation/meditation, starting with the book "Into the Silent Land). I'm currently doing that type of meditation for 25 minutes a day.

[@muffinland]

There are some who believe Jesus was exposed to Buddhist teaching as a young man while in exile in Egypt (there is a known Buddhist monastery in Alexandria) and that Buddhist thought had some influence on His teachings. There is a fair amount of overlap between what Buddha taught and what Christ taught as well.

[@thusitharathnayaka7305]

You don't become the Buddhist but you can study Buddhism for the understanding about the truth of life namo buddhaya

[@crd7876]

Thank you Alan for this, it is very instructive on how to begin the practice, you are a great teacher. Namaste

[@AlanPeto]

Welcome! 🙏

[@breathe1122]

Hey Alan- Thanks for being available to us! I’ve just started a very basic practice. Simplicity is key for me. I am located in a fairly isolated location so finding a master is taking some time. Again thank you for your efforts.

[@AlanPeto]

That is great to hear, thanks Forrest! If you don't have a temple or monastics nearby, sometimes finding one somewhere - then visiting them (class, ceremony, etc.) to establish a connection - would be good. If they have an online presence, you can continue practicing with them that way, and attend physically when you can (such as during a weekend or vacation).

[@sheriesprada]

Just purchased the EBook and extra graphics. Thank you so very much for your time in putting all of this together. ❤️ 🙏

[@AlanPeto]

Thank you! I hope they are helpful!

[@margaretek5350]

Thank you Alan, enjoy your podcast but also this KZbin channel! As well as your calming voice! 🙏🙏🙏🪷🪷🪷

[@AlanPeto]

Thanks, Margarete!

[@grandeurofgandhara6407]

Beautifully explained

[@AlanPeto]

Thank you so much 🙂

[@rajchamar8641]

🙏 thanks

[@tedpreston4155]

Thank you Alan! After driving past the Colorado Forest Monastery for a decade, wondering what goes on inside, I decided to satisfy my curiosity. Their website invited lay people to join them for chanting and meditation every evening. I enjoy meditation, so I warmed up my voice, stretched my sitting muscles and drove over. I wandered into their sanctuary like a water buffalo that had wandered in from the forest. I'm sure they were entertained by the enormous cowboy who showed up that evening. Three monks and three nuns welcomed me in their monastery. I was the only lay person. I could tell that I did not understand their customs, and I came to youtube tonight to learn how to fit in better. Next time, I will understand how to greet the Buddha at his shrine properly. Next time I will understand how to greet the Sangha. Next time I will keep my garden produce at home when I go to chant in the evening, and take it to them the next morning, cooked, and join them for lunch. With the help of Ajahn Sam, and the book he gave me, next time I will have some idea of the meaning of the Pali chanting. It was suffering, and not simple curiosity that brought me to visit my neighbors at the monastery. I learned to meditate as a way to relieve depression. After ten years of practicing with nothing but youtube as my guide, I look forward to some human instruction from the Sangha!

[@AlanPeto]

Wonderful to hear you found a place to practice! 🙏

[@buutich1]

Alan, your video is a wonderful teaching on how to practice for lay people. I am a Bhikshuni in the Mahayana tradition.

[@AlanPeto]

Thank you, Venerable! 🙏

[@stevebelzer4758]

Alan this is SO helpful ! I am exploring Western Pure Land Amitaba Buddha

[@AlanPeto]

Wonderful! 🙏

[@laurafahey542]

The u great video

[@rosanin7068]

Thank you

[@AlanPeto]

Thanks Rosa!

[@freefrommatrix8597]

Thnx

[@Desertfox18]

I'm a Buddhist by birth. I distanced from Buddhism in 2018 when I was 12 mainly because how disgusting some robesmen/women(ordained people who are not qualified to be venerated) act in my country. Few days ago I started to rediscover Buddhism because Buddhism is not at fault for the cause which I left Buddhism.

[@kirtanrathod6947]

Are you from which country?

[@enio9477]

I just bought your Graphics Super Pack and feel sorry that I couldn't donate more... 😟 So I just wanted to let you know that it's super helpful, thank you very much for your work!!

[@AlanPeto]

Thank you! 🙏 I have more graphics and resources in the pipeline (which you will get - keep an eye on email updates). Also, here is another of my free resources that can help you with practicing. It was developed during the pandemic but works just fine regardless! gumroad.com/l/BuddhistPlannerCOVID

[@enio9477]

@@AlanPeto That's amazing, thank you! :)

[@philmcdonald6088]

✨be here now do no harm help others be still close eyes listen to your breathing rest in present awareness✨

[@user-mb2sm5hr6k]

南無阿弥陀仏🙏

[@RupakBarua]

Sadhu Sadhu Sadhu

[@ellierpt2792]

I really appreciate this video! Thanks for your amazing work! I have a question. I live in a rather small city in Germany and I couldn’t find any temple/classes near me. Is there any other way to find people that practice Buddhism I could learn from?

[@AlanPeto]

Hi Ellie! Yes, absolutely. First, you might find our eBook we created during the COVID-19 pandemic that helps you practice which includes several virtual practice sessions. This ranges from informal groups, to actual weekly services at Buddhist temples. It can be by monastics, or laypersons, so it can vary. Some may no longer be doing it, but we have a section in the book broken up by the different Buddhist traditions so you can pick the one that you follow: alanpeto.gumroad.com/l/BuddhistPlannerCOVID While it can be very difficult to do right now since most temples are still closed, the practice of taking a "retreat" as a temple by laypersons is very popular. For instance, at my temple they have one day, weekend, week long, and even as long as a month retreats. It gives laypersons a taste of the monastic life and refreshes your spiritual journey. People from all around the world (before the temple had to close for the pandemic) used to come there just for this. So that might be an option. So, there might be one in some of the larger cities in Berlin that can be an option. During this time, you also connect with other Buddhist practitioners (we call them "Dharma Friends") who you can create a friendship with and that can help you as well. Online it can be a bit difficult...video meetings are not as personal and perhaps never will be, but they have helped a lot during the pandemic. There are also websites, message boards, apps, etc., but that will all be virtual...and typically just in "text" rather than talking or video. (If interested, let me know and I can give a few suggestions). So, in-person is usually the best way to make the connections even if you can't go every week, month, or even for months. You also get to connect with monastics and be able to ask questions which may or may not always be possible remotely. You'll at least have a "Dharma Home". If you need any suggestions for temples/groups, let me know. If travelling in Western Europe is an option for you (in the future), they also have a number of Buddhist temples/groups in France for instance. If you'd like to take some classes, the temple/Buddhist order I'm in is having some online classes! They are worldwide (Fo Guan Shan) and are in Europe also. This is for North America (so it will be in English), but I don't believe there would be any restriction for you in attending. Here is a link if interested: sites.google.com/ibps.org/fgs-north-america-humanistic-b/home

[@pockychu887]

Same here, live in Germany too

[@sadaann17]

This is an excellent way of practicing Buddhism. Thank you for the clear concise teaching. You do an incredible job. I'm disabled and there's no temple near me but I'd like to study more. Do you have a list of references we can study from?

[@AlanPeto]

Hi Alyssa! Thankfully, you can often find some temples offering services and such online. I often do that with my own temple since it's not near me. It really will boil down to which tradition you are practicing in, though. Let me give you some resources: 1) Intro to Buddhism (our new eBook - free): alanpeto.gumroad.com/l/Buddhism10Steps 2) Daily Buddhist Practice During COVID-19 (while dated now, it can help you with a guided daily practice): alanpeto.gumroad.com/l/BuddhistPlannerCOVID 3) My Daily Practice book I mention in the video: alanpeto.gumroad.com/l/BuddhismGraphics 4) Read my article on a daily practice: alanpeto.com/buddhism/daily-buddhist-practice/ There are also some wonderful Buddhist monks and nuns who share their teachings and practice on social media you can follow (and depending on who it is, might even have live sessions). Let me know if I can help answer any questions!

[@mariaeduvigesslayug6856]

I practice Buddhism when i am a kid. But now....... Try to do my best.

[@AlanPeto]

Any efforts on the path is wholesome Maria! :)

[@ballslover324]

This video was so helpful 💃🏽🚶🏽‍♀️🧚🏽‍♂️😩😩

[@AlanPeto]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Master_Blackthorne]

Please tell me the name of the dharma teacher you are using. The subtitles said "venereal" and that can't be right.

[@AlanPeto]

I think you may be referring to the slide with the quote? It is from Venerable Master Hsing Yun, who si the founder of Fo Guang Shan (FGS). The subtitles are automatically generated by KZbin, so it doesn't always generate the right text.

[@berlindacardenas1711]

Hello allan im full of gratitude to have found u. What u were reading how can i obtain that. How do i follow this course

[@AlanPeto]

Hi Berlinda, you can find it on my website: alanpeto.com/buddhism/daily-buddhist-practice/ or if you are looking for the actual book contents, that can be found as part of my Buddhist graphics & resources pack: alanpeto.gumroad.com

[@Traveler1965]

After I get up in the morning and have my coffee, I would like to start doing this, but worried if I meditate that early that I will fall asleep ☺️

[@AlanPeto]

Hi Mike! You can engage in your daily Buddhist practice at any time, so it does not need to be only in the morning (or evening). Some find that either early in the morning, or at night, is when they are less consumed with the rigors of everyday life and can devote some time to their practice. If you find that you are having any challenges with starting your daily practice, you can split up these parts. For example, maybe you just want to recite the Triple Gem after you wake up. It is fast, but meaningful (builds faith and resolve). And you can then include other parts throughout the day. As you continue, you may become more comfortable and can start combining these steps into one (or two) sittings. You could have sitting meditation in the evening. Most Buddhist laypersons practice chanting as their primary practice, and that is a form of meditative concentration (it is also why it is so popular, because it blends in nicely with the busy life of a layperson).

[@Traveler1965]

One request for a video, how did you come to find Buddhism and become a Buddhist?

[@AlanPeto]

I have added that to the list! :)

[@wojak5308]

🙏🙏🙏☸️☸️☸️

[@jillmak2595]

Due to nasal problems I find it difficult to hold a breath through my nose can I breath through my mouth? Thank you.

[@AlanPeto]

Hi Jill, good question! Sitting meditation isn't the primary practice of most Buddhist laypersons, so you can find quite a bit of other practices you can do. Everything from chanting, recitation, etc. You may find my five minute practice video helpful: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i2SXpmdqiJ6Xgdk More to your question, yes, you can do whatever is applicable to your situation. Breathing through the nose is part of an entire practice where you are, with one part, calming the mind. Breathing is so natural to us, we really don't focus on it. So, focusing on the breath is a challenge for us! And our mind loves to wander off. So, when breathing through the nose, we focus on just observing the process, not controlling it. You could do the same with your mouth if that's an issue. You mentioned holding your breath, and that's not necessary. You are breathing as you normally would through your nose (if you can) in whatever fashion your breathing is. There is no judgement on your breath, but the observation of the process. But, overall, don't do anything that causes any issues with medical problems or concerns. Meditation and Buddhist practice is never meant to be detrimental or to hinder your health. Another avenue to explore is talking with a Buddhist monastic/teacher (if you have one nearby) for some personal guidance. And you might want to discuss with your physician next time that you want to take up meditation and see their thoughts. While meditation gets a very secular view (which is good in this context because your physician may be generally aware of it), Buddhist meditation of course has a deeper purpose.

[@alivenwell14]

I’m interested in creating a meditation station using a Buddha. Is it “mandatory” to have the Buddha facing East? Thank you.

[@AlanPeto]

Hi, Gilbert. Not necessarily. While facing the east is perhaps one of the most popular directions, each 'compass' direction have a different meaning for where the Buddha faces. Generally speaking, unless the tradition/culture you are practicing in specifies how to set up your altar, there is nothing mandating a particular direction.

[@alivenwell14]

@@AlanPeto Thank you 🙏

[@raiypat385]

Thank you! Which culture/type of practice is this from?

[@AlanPeto]

Hi Raiy, it's not specific to any tradition. You'll find a mix here. When you find a tradition, you should follow their liturgy and daily practice. Hope that helps!

[@ygzfrost8376]

I have a question, I'm interested in learning more about buddah and I recently seen a statue can not be in a bedroom. is that accurate? I do have a home with my family and my room is the most peaceful place to meditate, I do not want to continue to keep my statue there if this is disrespectful. I just don't really have any other place to have quiet

[@AlanPeto]

Each tradition has different requirements regarding altars. In general, they should be located in a place that is respectful for them, and often, in the highest part in a room (or at least so it's not disturbed). Think of it this way, your altar is where the most important thing in your entire home is located - your respected teacher who is trying to free you! So, yes, my view is have your altar wherever you can. We don't all have the luxury of a dedicated room, so as long as we treat it with respect as part of our practice, you should be good. Some traditions also feature having their altar/materials/statue in a cabinet so it's not disturbed and protected when not in use. This might be an option also.

[@Loubell_83]

I am new to buddhism and i am attending SGI meeting's. Are the principles of the practices the same?

[@AlanPeto]

SGI is a little different, and more than a comment reply can hope to explain. It’s a lay-organization essentially that doesn’t have any monastics (so, no triple gem, which other Buddhist traditions have had for over 2,600 years but SGI does not). They broke off from traditional Nichiren Buddhism which has a monastic order. Traditional Nichiren doesn’t consider SGI to be authentic, from what I understand. But you will typically follow the same/similar chanting (the structure and the lotus sutra, etc, should be the same for Nichiren Buddhism). So, depends on what you’re looking for.

[@user-th1uj4le5h]

What was the app he spoke of called?

[@AlanPeto]

Not sure which one you’re asking about, but maybe I was speaking about Insight Timer for meditation.

[@playoneidea]

When do you think one should take refuge and find a guru for committing to the learning and practice of Buddhism? How do you find a trustful guru you should commit with?

[@AlanPeto]

A guru is mostly something more emphasized in Tibetan Buddhism. Beyond that, most schools emphasize monastics/teachers. For Buddhism overall, it’s perfectly fine to take your time and explore. Learn, listen, practice. You’ll know when you’re ready. And there’s no repercussions if you change your mind.

[@luigiprovencher8888]

Do you have this in Pali? I'm an American English speaking but want to learn how to do this in Pali.

[@AlanPeto]

Hi Luigi! No, I don't have this in Pali, sorry. But if you're following a particular tradition, they can likely give you their liturgy in the appropriate language. This can be seen as a 'bridge' until you find your tradition. Something to consider is that your intention in practice is more important than what language we speak it in. So, it's OK to speak in English, but you'll find chanting and reciting in the language of your tradition easier at times.

[@luigiprovencher8888]

@@AlanPeto Yeah, I think it's Theravada Buddism.

[@glendamancia]

Dedication of merits is something we made up. I am a beginner, so I am trying to understand Also, can you explain a little more about what kind of incensio or gift If I have like a petition or something that I need guidance or help, how do I bring in to the Buddha

[@AlanPeto]

Dedication of merits is not something new and existed in the Buddha's time. In-fact, the Buddha gave instructions for that. For your question about incense or gift, are you referring to the practice of 'offerings', or just about using/giving these to others? There are many different traditions of Buddhism, not one single 'Buddhist' religion. So, there are different ways. You can invoke the name of a Buddha or a Bodhisattva and ask for guidance or help. They are focused on your Buddhist path, not really worldly affairs, but that can be somewhat part of the response. Yet, there won't be anything were you would 'hear' from them, but help you with your own actions. I'm very much high-leveling this part of the response. let me know if you have questions!

[@sandglobe11]

Two questions: Do I have to repeat the sentence things everyday? And dies it matter what time of day I say them? Also loved the video thank you!!!

[@sandglobe11]

Oh and also can I meditate more then once a day?

[@AlanPeto]

You can meditate more than once a day, or several times per day, but consistency is the most important part. For beginners, starting off with once a day (even if it is just for a few minutes), is perfectly fine. I would recommend attending a temple that offers meditation classes when the pandemic is over. This way you can be under the guidance of a teacher (such as a monastic) which is the best way to learn. There are also retreats (can be for a day, or several days) which might also be a good option as you progress! You can find online sessions during the pandemic, which is great, but being in person does have advantages.

[@AlanPeto]

This was a very generalized practice, so it really boils down to the tradition you follow. They will typically have a set way to practice (or guidelines). That being said, let me answer your question with some suggestions. For Buddhist laypersons, they typically follow a set daily practice to help with consistency and it aids the practice in that way. For some Buddhists, yes, it can be just reciting a specific Sutra, or saying, every day or even numerous times a day. For example, in Pure Land Buddhism reciting the Nianfo/Nembutsu (a short phrase/chant related to Amida Buddha) is the foundation of the practice. It can be recited as much as possible (even while doing the dishes!). So, it can vary depending on the tradition you follow. Which sentence were you asking about specifically? Also, you might find my article helpful: alanpeto.com/buddhism/daily-buddhist-practice/

[@sandglobe11]

@@AlanPeto Thank you so much!!!!❤❤❤

[@sandglobe11]

@@AlanPeto Thank you!!! :)

[@prettyhollypolly7553]

I'm really attracted to Buddhism and want to follow the eightfold path but I still like to incorporate Christian teachings especially regarding Jesus. Is this possible? Can someone provide insight in this?

[@AlanPeto]

Thanks for the question! You might enjoy the book by Paul Knitter "Without Buddha I Couldn't Be Christian" (amzn.to/3QQ4Opo). He gives some personal insight and advice that might be what you are looking for.

[@prettyhollypolly7553]

@@AlanPeto thanks so much!

[@greypage]

do you say these out loud or to yourself?

[@AlanPeto]

Say it out loud. But if you are practicing at home and it can disturb people, you can do it quietly or to yourself.

[@kasunweerathunga3647]

Can anyone practice buddhist teachings...?? No matter what their religion..?? Or no any restrictions to practice buddhism..??

[@AlanPeto]

Hi, Kasun! Yes, anyone can practice the Buddhist teachings similar to how anyone can practice the teachings of any religion. However, if you wish to make Buddhism your religion, that's a different topic. Either way it is best to consult a religious leader or teacher in your current religion for their advice. There may be things that are incompatible or they have other direction for you. Fundamentally, Buddhism is different from the other religions because it rejects certain things they promote. So, there are parts of the teaching that you can use in a very general sense, but it becomes a bit more complicated if you are actually a practitioner/devotee of a religion because it will end up being potentially confusing/conflicting. alanpeto.com/buddhism/become-a-buddhist/

[@yzzod1]

Does nicotine count as an intoxicant

[@AlanPeto]

Great question. In the beginning, the Buddha was specifying alcohol in this precept. Many teachers and traditions have expanded upon this over the centuries to include the changing nature of our world, and substances which impact our progress on the path. Nicotine, which is considered addictive and thus impacts our mind (nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/tobacco-nicotine-e-cigarettes/nicotine-addictive) would be something to avoid or work on limiting as it can have consequences in our practice. It's important to remember that the precepts are not commandments. Precepts are what Buddhists voluntarily take on to help them progress on the path that aligns their morality and conduct as the Buddha taught. Everyone starts somewhere, so the aim is to try and align our lives and practice with the five precepts as much as possible and hopefully make continual progress.

[@user-cj9fk8un3i]

why does it say " illegal drugs" in the five precepts section of the video`? dont you refrain from any mind altering drugs?

[@user-cj9fk8un3i]

i found mostly "Refrain from intoxicants that cloud the mind" which makes more sense.

[@AlanPeto]

Hi, J! Yes, you can absolutely say to refrain from intoxicants and stimulants. I do word it that way in some other places, but not in this video. The reason it shows illegal drugs in the video is that some traditions do explain it that way to connect with also observing societal laws, to not harm others, etc. For medically approved drugs, it's up to that Buddhist and their physician to discuss the best approach. Ultimately the Five Precepts are all about us creating the right conditions to transform our morality and conduct to create the right conditions on the path.

[@racheljones9786]

Thank you for this. Really helpful on my journey ss its all so confusing and can't retain the words and meanings. Hope today is a good one for you. Sadhu 🙏

[@AlanPeto]

🙏🙏🙏

[@kiratrai]

THATS FOR THERADA BUDDHIST

[@alexlambson8273]

Do you have to speak out loud, kind of takes me out of it when I realize my christian parents can hear me?

[@AlanPeto]

While Buddhists do chant out loud, reciting (such as the name of a Buddha) can be done silently. While not always ideal, there are times this is done. For example, Buddhists who live with other family members and work a different shift, often recite/chant softly or quietly so they do not distrurb others.

[@deborahruthtrotter2154]

No intentions of following Buddhism. Just came on here to better understand Buddhism's influence on the culture in which I live. Didn't know avoiding intoxication was part of it. Seems most Japanese salary men are NOT following that aspect of Buddhism... Actually, alcohol is pretty common here and people are surprised when an adult does NOT drink at all. To be fair though, most Japanese people are either not practising or not fully practising. Also, there are multiple different sects here and some are cults... kind of like how Mormonism and Jehovah's Witnesses are not real Christianity, but have taken the scriptures and twisted them into something different. Of course, the matter of avoiding sexual misconduct is also not something readily adhered to here either... That applies in Thailand as well though with the massive human trafficking/sex industry.

[@CCTH-86]

Thank you so much!!!

[@AlanPeto]

You're welcome!

[@practisingthelawofnature2705]

Sadhu Sadhu Sadhu

[@AlanPeto]

🙏