Indiana Buddhist Temple is a meditation learning center located in Fort Wayne vicinity, Indiana. In June 28, 2003, the temple was founded by Venerable Thalangama Devananda (Bhante Devananda). Bhante always emphasizes that the temple is open to all religious beliefs, cultures and backgrounds. Bhante Devananda is the Abbot of Indiana Buddhist Temple.
The temple is designated as a spiritual place to find peace, contentment, loving kindness, and compassion. Learning Buddhism to us is a path of self-discovery and education on life on how to live mindfully. Living mindfully is profound knowledge that comes by gradual trainings, gradual practices & gradual progresses. Improving oneself first, will eventually improve everything else, but it requires a great deal of patience, self-discipline, loving-kindness, compassion, and facing the insight that will inevitably surface. Discussing about practical matters, the Dhamma (Dharma = the teaching of the Buddha) mentioned strategies of living mindfully. The first is diligence, focused efforts in everything you undertake. Most goals are achievable by consistent efforts, such as going to school and doing well. Rewards are to those who persevere. Everyone should make the best effort in everything one undertakes. The most important part is to be kind with yourself regardless of the results.
The second is common senses financial management. With limited resources, we need to mindfully manage our assets built with our efforts by practicing intelligent financial management. Providing a financial safety net for the future is important for peaceful mind now and later. What you earn with efforts should be dispensed mindfully. This encompasses concepts of living within one's means and saving part of earnings for a rainy day. With wealth acquired in harmless ways, one divides such wealth: the first portion is used for one's needs. The second portion is spent on business needs. The third portion is also spent on advancing proper livelihood. The fourth portion goes into savings for times of need.
The third is sustainment of good companionships and avoidance of negative relationships. A dear companion is one who sees all matters in terms of safeguarding your best interests. It is one who gives what is hard to give. One does what is hard to do. One endures what is hard to endure. One reveals their secrets to you. One keeps your secrets. When misfortunes strike, one stays by your side and is driven by compassion and loving kindness, watching over you unwearyingly. When you're down, one gives you courage. A companion endowed with these seven qualities is worth companionship.
So Buddhism is not all focusing exclusively on nirvana and transcendence, but a prescription for living mindfully. The fundamental aim of Buddhism is to build a knowledgeable, intelligent and compassionate society while keeping your own personal beliefs. Above all, see all beings consistently with the eyes of loving kindness and compassion. An individual is a vital contributor to well-being of the entire world. The choice is always ours. Let us all be good human beings; let us be kind and respectful to our elders, parents, teachers, and to all beings. There are many who would profit from our kindness and compassion.
The Indiana Buddhist Temple welcomes everyone to practice guided meditation every Monday and Thursday at 06:30 pm. Our meditation classes, workshops and retreats are conducted in English. We have Yoga and Tai Chi classes. Please check our website for events: http://www.indianabuddhistvihara.org. For more questions, you may kindly email: indianabuddhistvihara@gmail.com.
