Lay Buddhism: Practicing in the Modern World

Lay Buddhism

Buddhism does not require abandoning daily life. Millions of Buddhists are laypeople.

Lay Practice

Laypeople can take refuge, observe precepts, practice meditation, study sutras, attend ceremonies.

Lay Ethics

Ethics focuses on no killing, no stealing, responsible sexual conduct, honesty, no intoxication.

Lay Meditation

Meditation can be daily, weekly, in retreats.

Dharma in the Workplace

Dharma can be applied at work.

Buddhism and Family

Buddhism respects family life.

Buddhism and Society

Modern Buddhists participate in ecology, peace, education, art.

Sources

• The Dalai Lama: The Way to Freedom
• Thich Nhat Hanh: The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching
• The Princeton Dictionary of Buddhism