Buddhism

Ihave begun to translate my own spiritual beliefs into designs that I hope others will enjoy also. I have been on my own personal spiritual journey that has intensified in the last few years. Two of the spiritual/religious teachings I'm studying right now are Paganism and Buddhism. Let me say this though, I do NOT believe there is ONE path. All of our paths are different, whether we practice the same religion or spiritual philosophy or not. I am not a fan of the organized religions that say they are the one and only true path. I respect all of the religions even though I don't follow their practice. As long as you don't hurt other humans, animals and the earth then feel free to feel what and how you wish! Every human is different so it's no surprise that their spiritual paths are different. There are hundreds, thousand and millions of faithful followers of the different "big" religions, but that doesn't mean the person down the street from you isn't just as worthy and spiritual as you even though they don't have the same religious beliefs.

I do think there is a universal truth and as humans we all strive to discover what that universal truth is and what it means to us. And I think as time goes by an we experience more out beliefs change. I was raised in a Christian Open Bible church but no longer am I a Christian, I haven't been for 20 years. That doesn't mean that a person or millions of people can't find their happiness and joy with a religion like Christianity, I'm only saying it's not right for me. If it's right for you, if it feels good to you and within you..that's great! I think that's awesome and I am happy for you! I respect you and your religion and in return I ask the same. Respect me and my spiritual beliefs.



But that's the hard part about some religions...and it's something I've had to deal with in the past. When your religion tells you that the way you believe is the one and only way to salvation or enlightenment, it can be hard to be respectful of another persons religion. I know, I once thought like that! Now, years later I look back and think how could I have been so arrogant that I would know what is better for another person? There are good and bad things about every religion..to some degree I think. But I'm not going to dwell on that, we could sit here all day talking about the history of this religion and that religion! For me, it all comes down to love and compassion basically regardless of how you label yourself.

Whatever you believe, as long as it rings true to you and you harm no other living thing..than be happy and rejoice!

So with this lens I am sharing graphic designs that have a deep meaning for me. While many are based on the Buddhism Way, I will be adding different designs relating to other spiritual thoughts as I do them. Yes, I am promoting my designs. Yes I will discuss my own spiritual thoughts. But if this lens serves no other purpose than to get you thinking about your own personal beliefs than I will consider it a success. I'm not here nor will I ever try to convert someone to my belief system. I'm not saying any religion is better than the next or the last. I am no more enlightened than the next person. That is an individual choice, for each of us to decide. My current study is Pagan and Buddhist and later in the lens I will give my own opinions on what I have learned about and from each.

I truly hope you enjoy this lens and as an individual, I hope you have discovered what is true for you. Live your life with love and compassion for all, including yourself!

Siddhartha Gautama was the son of a wealthy Indian warrior king who lived approximately 563 BCE to 483 BCE. Although Siddhartha enjoyed all of the we lath and privileges it did not bring him contentment. Siddhartha felt that material wealth was not the ultimate goal of life. Siddhartha's father made every effort to shield Siddhartha the suffering of the world. On various trips to meet his subjects he encountered a diseased man, a decaying corpse, and an ascetic. Depressed by these sights, he sought to overcome old age, illness, and death by living the life of an ascetic.

Siddhartha left his palace to become a mendicant, a person who takes a vow of poverty, relies exclusively on charity to survive so that they may practice and preach their way of life and serve the poor. He began his ascetic life by begging for alms in the street. Siddhartha was a student to two hermit teachers, achieved high levels of meditative consciousness and even tried to find enlightenment through near total deprivation of worldly goods, including food, practicing self-mortification.



After asceticism and concentrating on meditation, He is said to have discovered what Buddhists call the Middle Way—a path of moderation away from the extremes of self-indulgence and self-mortification. Sitting under a pipal tree in Bodh Gaya, India, he vowed never to arise until he had found the Truth. The tree now known as the Bodhi tree. His companions left believing that he had abandoned his search and become undisciplined. At 35 years old and after 49 days of meditating, he attained Enlightenment. At this point, he is believed to have realized complete awakening and insight into the nature and cause of human suffering which was ignorance, along with steps necessary to eliminate it. This was then categorized into the Four Noble Truths; the state of supreme liberation and possible for any being.

1. The Noble Truth of Suffering


2. The Noble Truth of the Origin of Suffering


3. The Noble Truth of the Cessation of Suffering


4. The Noble Truth of the Way Leading to the Cessation of Suffering

1. Right Understanding


2. Right Thought


3. Right Speech


4. Right Action


5. Right Livelihood


6. Right Effort


7. Right Mindfulness


8. Right Concentration

Siddhartha Gautama was known as the Buddha, or "Awakened One" which is also sometimes translated to "The Enlightened One" For the rest of his life he is said to have traveled, teaching his doctrine and discipline to a wide range of people.

There is an incredible amount of information regarding Buddhism and the life of Buddha on the internet. This is just a brief summary and I will continue to study not only Buddhism but other religions and spiritual philosophies as well.

This design is inspired by the Buddhist teaching of Mindfulness. A Buddha silhouette sits inside a circle: symbolizing you inner self, with a radiating floral pattern emerging. Soft colors and a relaxing feel to it. I wanted something colorful and simple. Very elegant Be Mindful text right below the design. Soothing Buddhism gifts!

Being mindful is easier said then done! Basically, being mindful is bringing your awareness into the present moment. It is the seventh element of the Noble Eightfold Path, Right Mindfulness. Mindfulness isn't something that has to be practiced during or with meditation. You can be mindful at any time.

When I get up in the morning and grab my first cup of coffee I like to head outside and take a few minutes to be mindful. I tend to have a very busy mind and I can multitask pretty well. I find starting my day off with a few minutes of mindfulness helps me not only feel better but to help concentrate throughout the day. I live on an old farm and really enjoy listening to the birds chatter to each other, walking though trees and watching the cats and dog play just to name a few things. Just sitting and being aware, feeling the breeze ..hearing the leaves rustle, the birdsong! It's so relaxing!

This is also the first time during the day I am grateful. I thank the universe for sleeping good, for getting a fair amount of work done the day before, for being healthy, for my friends and family, for the pets..for many things!

Buddhism. Let me say I'm relatively new to the teachings of Buddha. I'm not a life long, devoted follower and to learn and experience more I read, discuss and ask many questions so that I may learn. My interest in Buddhism came about as a byproduct of wanting to learn meditation techniques. I've read many discussions on whether Buddhism is considered a religion or not. Not that I can't or won't follow a certain religion, if it speaks truth to me and feels right within my soul than I would. Religion and spiritual paths are like food, most of it is nourishing but not everyone like the same food! Though out our lives we try different foods and tastes and if we like them we continue to enjoy them. If it's not something we enjoy we probably won't try it again. Odd comparison but seems truthful!

For me, the concept of Buddhism doesn't fit my typical definition of religion. It seems Buddhism is more about a transformational goal and enlightenment rather than worshiping a god. It's more about being in the present moment and being mindful. Many religions seem to want the follower lead a certain life and at the end of that life be rewarded. I've always thought that life was about the journey, not the destination. Why should I wait until the end of my life to be rewarded? Awarded for what? lol For living a true and just life? Shouldn't I be doing that already? And who defines what a true and just life is? Why not live everyday and experience the love and compassion, the beauty and the joys of this life... in the Here and Now? These are the kind of questions that started my spiritual journey years ago.

Unfortunately, as with everything in life there is the equal side of the good, the loving and wisdom. Hatred, greed, delusion and suffering among other things exist. In Buddhism, greed, hatred and delusion are known as the Three Poisons. Buddhism teaches that we are the cause of our own suffering. By realizing The Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path we can end suffering. There is a lot of great information on the web and in books. I won't ramble on but I will say a lot of the Buddha's wisdom rings true within me. But there are other spiritual paths that also ring true within me. I look forward to learning more. I am no scholar, and there is a lot to learn and experience. I am just a simple man eager to learn more about my spirituality. I keep an open mind and heart.

Continue reading below to learn what draws me to Buddhism

There are several things that draw me to study Buddhism. The most powerful thing I've learned about Buddhism so far is its message of compassion. A Buddhist makes an effort that their thoughts, actions and speech are wholesome to ensure others are not hurt by them. The most important thing in Buddhism is how one conduct themselves. Buddhism isn't about worshipping a central god and it's not about going to hell if you haven't done what you should have done according to your religions guidelines..

Buddhism isn't going to force anything upon me. I could make it part of my personal truth or I could walk away from it and continue on my path. Happiness is in our own hands. I like Buddhism for helping people seek inner wisdom and enlightenment. I like Buddhism teaches one person can reach nirvana..or touch the divine, without having to go through a church or clergy.

Buddhism doesn't rely on the belief of an external god but on the mastery of oneself. This isn't a pledge for Buddhism, just observations on what I find match several of my own already solid personal philosophy.

There are positive attributes to most religions. As individuals we all have the choice to pursue what feels right for us. Another area I am studying at the moment is Paganism. Much of it also rings true to me, so at the time of writing this I'd have to say I follow a Pagan-Buddhist path.

I wanted to create a lens not only promoting my designs but voicing my thoughts on both Buddhism and Paganism. Since this lens covers Buddhism and related Buddhism t-shirts and gifts, I think I will will make another lens devoted to my thoughts on Paganism.

Symbols are a common way for religions to communicate ideas. Symbols can quickly identify a religion or a locations purpose. I came across an article about the symbology of Koi Fish. The Koi Fish is symbolic in the Buddhist Religion, representing courage. Humans 'swim' through the 'ocean of suffering' without fear, just like a fish swims through water.

According to Japanese legend if a koi succeeded in climbing the falls at a point called Dragon Gate on the Yellow River it would be transformed into a dragon. Based on that legend, it became a symbol of worldly aspiration and advancement.

More generally, the Japanese associate koi (also known as carp) with perseverance in adversity and strength of purpose. Because of its strength and determination to overcome obstacles, it stands for courage and the ability to attain high goals.

I know Koi fish are popular in tattoo designs which led me to Kanji letters. Kanji means Chinese letter or character and are ideographs meaning that the whole character conveys a meaning rather than just a sound. While I haven't came across anything stating that Kanji letters are considered meaningful in a religious or spiritual sense, I had an idea of combing the Kanji letter and Koi fish. I like the fact that Kanji are more than just a sound, but a meaning. Combining Kanji with a pair of Koi Fish, which is symbolized in religions makes for a unique and meaningful design!

These are some of the other Buddha designs available on shirts and gifts. Buddha is My Om Boy adds a little humor to a serious subject and the Buddha mudra designs are highly detailed and full of color! Free Tibet Monk, Buddhist and Look Within, Thou Art the Buddha graphic designs among others. Check the shop for more additions!.

Iwas surprised and honored to receive a Zazzle Today's Best Winner for the following design, Buddha in Flowers! This design ended up being kinda' trippy in an old hippie sort of way, but I never intended it to! But I really like it and am very happy with how it turned out. Both the Buddha shape and Buddha text are black and filled with very colorful flowers. Buddha is showing the Karana mudra and the background has multi colored floral wisps and large red and green flower under the BUDDHA text. I think it's charged with energy with the brightly colored flowers and yet very peaceful at the same time.

The Karana mudra is the mudra which disposes of demons and is also used to remove illness and negative thoughts. I wanted to accomplish a feeling of peace and happiness with the final design and I feel it turned out wonderful! Thanks Zazzle for the TBA!