Buddhism

Buddhism is an evolving mythic tapestry that weaves many different (often opposing) thoughts, practices, people, and insights together. Its rich history has kept practices and insights alive for thousands of years, and it includes a lot of very helpful tools and concepts; however, some of its teachings are a bit outdated at best and riddled with shadows and misperceptions at worst.

Some of its core philosophies – everything being Buddha Nature, practicing for the benefit of all beings, the importance of contemplative practice, cultivating openness and acceptance, mindful awareness, the combination of rationalism and mysticism – describe some of the deepest truths of the nature of the Universe.

I have experienced a deepening of some of these qualities, and the outcome is a more refined inclusion of embodiment and the soul realm. I believe that this is also happening on a collective level, and science and culture will come to have a much deeper understanding of what reality is, including how the mystical is an innate part of experience and the Universe.

When the mystical is integrated into the understanding of the world, it’s possible to notice how a fundamental part of experience is the way that the collective story is evolving and the metaphors and concepts that people use to relate to experience are changing alongside this. This also relates to Buddhism itself.

With this in mind, here is an updated understanding of some classic Buddhist tools and concepts – a modern and inclusive update to some of the deepest metaphors for experience, life, and practice.