Living the Dharma

Boudha stupa

5 years ago, I began planned a trip to China. Along the path of planning, somehow visiting Nepal became the main purpose of my trip, and visiting China became of much lesser importance. With little to no prior exposure to Buddhism, I decided to begin my trip with a one month Lam Rim course (introduction to the Buddha Dharma) at Kopan Monestary in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal.

Young monks in front of the gompa at Kopan Monestary (meditation hall)

My stay there has had a profound impact on the course my life has taken, and yet at the time I decided that I took Buddhism "too seriously" to take refuge in the Buddha Dharma and to call myself a Buddhist. I did not want to make a commitment that I could not (or would not) keep. Since then the question of my spirituality faded into the background as I began my study of Chinese Medicine, which is deeply rooted in Daoism (as is Buddhism).

The view from Kopan Monestary

Now that my formal education in Chinese Medicine has ended, I have the time to contemplate the whole picture of my life. My practice of Chinese Medicine remains most important, I am constantly studying ways to better serve my patients (this is the Bodhisattva practice of Buddhism). But more and more I feel the draw to commit to a formal spiritual practice rather than just dabbling in this or that.

Boudha stupa watching over the city

I've begun re-examining Buddhism, which has again been playing a stronger role in my life this past year. Should I take Refuge? Am I Buddhist? By being Buddhist, am I refuting all the other spiritual paths that I believe to be true? I've always strongly held the belief that all the paths are just different ways up the same mountain (or as a kind gentleman phrased today, all are corners of the same bar of chocolate).

Monks hanging out at Kopan monestary

Daily Nepali life is immersed in a type of spiritualism that I have not seen in the US, or many other modern countries. Buddhism and Hinduism are fluid practices between each other, and I've even met Nepali Christians and Muslims! They truly practice, taking time out of their day to go to temple--and not at a prescribed time like Sunday Church. With that example, I find myself examining my daily life. As I am more familiar with Buddhism, I look to that example.

Butter lamps being lit as light offerings

In my understanding of Buddhism, to take Refuge in the Buddha Dharma (to "be" Buddhist) takes 3 vows: to take refuge in the Dharma, the Sangha, and Buddha. I feel the main purpose in this lifetime (and all my other lifetimes) is for spiritual development, which I do through serving my patients and studying from great spiritual teachers; this is the Dharma (Buddhist or otherwise). The Sangha are my Dharma brothers and sisters; other people who are seeking a deeper purpose to life. I already find myself seeking companions and advice from these like-minded people, though they may be from all different walks of life. Buddha is a name for the higher self; mine and that of all sentient beings. The universal consciousness and oneness.

Prayer flags flying in the breeze off of the stupa

And so, I have discovered that it doesn't matter if I "am" Buddhist or not, but what I am is a practitioner of the Dharma. I let go of my attachment to that particular label, and am just allowing myself to be as I am.