For one to live a successful religious life, and for one to be competent enough to impart one’s own spiritual experience to others is the most rewarding thing in life – it is continuous personal learning and self-discovery. Subsequently this self-discovery also is developed alongside discovery of external things, people, ideas, and concepts. The historical Buddha offered a guideline for a full education: that was, 1/3 ethical education, 1/3 meditative education, and 1/3 education in the science of the Dharma. That’s actually sufficiently relevant even for the modern world. However, allow me to present a slightly more “modernised” approach that attempts to encompass aspects that apply to all religions in contemporary society.
These are in sequence. The first part is Canonical Training; that is, training in the fundamentals and doctrines of the religious school. This is the most basic of education and imperative to a solid understanding of the religious calling. Then comes Liberal Education. Liberal Education is a unique addition in this respect because it is especially useful for any religion, not just Buddhism. Liberal education ensures a solid grasp of mathematics, the sciences, literature, politics, other arts and humanities, and a competent grasp of a unified, holistic approach to learning that is used to further one’s understanding and faith in his or her religion.
The third stage is Dharmic Meditation. It has Buddhist connotations to it, but in fact can be applied to any thoughtful contemplation, reflection and evaluation of one’s progress on the path thus far. This should be regarded as an essential daily activity in active engagement with one’s mind.
The fourth aspect is Selfless Commission – the final stage of a religious life successfully lived. This is not just missionary work – indeed, missionary work plays only a very small part. Selfless Commission is exactly what it sounds like, a commitment to participate in the wider community and society for the benefit of sentient beings. The means and methods are manifold, but the intention remains the same.
