In this presentation, Venerable Robina Courtin explores the Buddhist perspective on life, highlighting the importance of following Buddhist principles and reflecting on them thoughtfully.
She explains the key distinctions among Buddhist, materialist, and Christian beliefs, recommending a thorough exploration of the Buddhist viewpoint, especially focusing on its teachings of wisdom.
Robina explains that karma, a core Buddhist concept, hinges on understanding the mind, which is non-physical and originates from previous moments of consciousness.
Robina highlights the development of samadi, or single-pointed concentration, as essential for accessing subtle levels of consciousness and perceiving subtle phenomena.
She emphasizes that happiness and suffering stem from the mind, advocating for cultivating positive mental states and avoiding negative actions.
Living in vows, or committing to ethical behavior, is presented as a method to generate positive karma and prevent harm to oneself and others.
Robina also discusses the importance of taking responsibility for one’s actions and making amends for harm caused.
She shares personal anecdotes and stories to illustrate these concepts, underscoring the Buddhist belief that we create our reality through our thoughts, words, and deeds, and that ethical living and mindfulness are key to a happier, more enlightened life.
