In the Buddha’s time, many religions demanded strict adherence to canons and laws only a select few claimed understanding to.
The Buddha was opposed to such blind transmissions of knowledge. What he called for instead was solidarity of awakened common people. To achieve this, he proposed a self-reliant way of life in which we advance on the path of our choice with a firm, independent character. He also stressed a contributive way of life in which we set our fundamental goal in life toward the realization of happiness for ourselves and others, casting aside arrogance and self-satisfaction to respect and benefit others.
May we each in our own unique way honor these ideals.
Peace and Love, Jim
