Resumo de Opening The Lotus

     If you began studying Buddhism but got even more confused by the different types of Buddhism, the types of meditation, the Five Precepts, the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, this book will enlighten you with simple descriptions and summaries of what you need to know to begin the dharma path.
       The Buddhism guide to daily living, as discussed by Boucher, are the Five Precepts, which are: 1) Do not kill 2) Do not steal 3) Do not lie 4) Avoid sexual misconduct 5) No intoxicants.   Boucher goes on to explain that though it might be easy to say that you won't kill, the Buddhism philosophy means that you won't kill anything - even ants, bugs, spiders. No stealing means you will not take even a cookie that wasn't given to you or meant for you.  No lying means that you will not lie, including "white lies". Sexual misconduct is sex that causes confusion, discomfort or pain to anyone involved, including yourself. No intoxicants is pretty clear.
       Boucher discusses the history of women in Buddhism, the teachings of Buddhism from a woman's perspective, and introduces many women Buddhist teachers.
       She explains that Mindfulness is the most important element in Buddhism and to become Mindful, the practice of meditation is necessary as well as compassion for one's self. She describes different types of meditation practice, including metta meditation, which is a "lovingkindness meditation". It is the sending of loving kindness, free of anger, grief, longing & sorrows and wishes for happiness to the following, in this order: your self, a loved one, a person you have neutral feelings for, a difficult person, someone you have wronged, someone who has wronged you, your town, your country, the Universe, then your self again.
        The teachings of Buddha have to do with suffering. We suffer because of change. We want stability. We live in the past and the future. We cling to the past and crave certain things for the future. The Four Noble Truths have to do with suffering. The first is to turn your attention to suffering. The second is to realize that the origin of suffering is clinging and craving. The third is that we can end suffering. The fourth is the Path to end suffering, which is outlined in the Eightfold Path, which follows these three concepts: wisdom, morality and meditation.
         This book is an excellent summary, outlining the basic concepts of Buddhism enabling a novice to understand that the goal of the dharma path is to attain detachment; that is, total attention to the moment, without clinging to the past or craving more for the future.  This is Mindfulness, and the way to end suffering.

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