Daily Practice
Buddha taught that happiness comes from inner peace, rather than external conditions. If we integrate Buddha’s teachings into our daily life, we will be able to solve all our inner problems and attain a truly peaceful mind. Without inner peace, outer peace is impossible. If we first establish peace within our minds by training in spiritual paths, outer peace will come naturally; but if we do not, world peace will never be achieved, no matter how many people campaign for it.
To progress along the spiritual path to attaining inner peace and eventually full enlightenment, Buddhists engage in regular practices both in meditation and in our daily activities.
The main practice of Kadampa Buddhism is that of Lamrim, or the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment. Lamrim is a special set of instructions that includes all the essential teachings of Buddha Shakyamuni arranged in such a way that all his Hinayana and Mahayana teachings can be put into practice in a single meditation session. By contemplating and meditating on the Lamrim regularly, we can subdue our negative minds and cultivate positive, peaceful minds. For a practical handbook on Lamrim meditation, check out the New Meditation Handbook.
We practice Lamrim meditation everyday during Wishfulfilling Jewel, a special prayer practice that increases our wisdom and other virtuous qualities. More commentary to this practice can be found in Heart Jewel.
