A Deeper Understanding of the Three Gems of Buddhism

In "Being Peace", Vietnamese peace activist, author, and poet, Thich Nhat Hanh, explains how we all can become Buddha, an enlightened being. In learning of the Three Gems, we discover Buddhism guides a person on their own journey into enlightenment. On his path to becoming the Buddha, Siddhartha, found the middle path worked best, though he first tried the way of asceticism while meditating. The first gem, then is achieving Buddhahood, or enlightened mind. The second gem, Dharma, is how we live as an enlightened being in our everyday life. Smile! Walk peacefully and act with understanding and love in all situations. Sangha is the community of like minded beings within which you experience and express your Buddha nature. This third gem may seem a challenge to find - even Buddha faced this one! The bodhi tree and the buffalo boy became his meditation community when his companions felt he was 'on the wrong track' by having some milk and rice. While stories help illustrate the journey, it's important to remember that Buddha is a conscience state, not an individual. Join Pa'Ris'Ha and the international cohosts of the Quantum Leap Book Club as they continue to examine the path to enlightenment and "Being Peace"