by Amogharatna

On entering Buddhistisches Tor Berlin one meets an effective vehicle for radical transformation and self-development based upon the teachings of the Buddha, a vibrant, modern and effective means for engaging with the Buddha’s teaching, which reflects Sangharakshita’s vision for the FWBO.

On entering Buddhistisches Tor Berlin one meets the Three Jewels:

1. one encounters the Buddha, the historical founder of Buddhism who rediscovered the path leading to Enlightenment. At the same time one meets one’s own potential for full and perfect Enlightenment, which is shared by all beings everywhere;

2. one discovers the Dharma, the universal Truth, the content of the Buddha’s Enlightenment experience. One meets some of the many different formulations of the Path to Enlightenment contained in the Buddha’s teachings as presented by different traditions;

3. one meets the Sangha, consisting of individuals at different stages of personal development and united in a common striving to fulfil their potential to grow and develop towards Buddhahood. One meets the Friends of the Western Buddhist Order – one facet of the Maha-Sangha of all Buddhist practitioners everywhere.

On entering Buddhistisches Tor Berlin one is invited to participate in whatever way one can:

1. to come together on the basis of our highest values and to strive to develop the Buddha-qualities of wisdom and compassion;

2. to practice together and transform ourselves and our world in accordance with the teachings of the Buddha, following the threefold Path of Ethics, Meditation and Wisdom, deepening our understanding of the universal truths realised by the Buddha;

3. to meet together in a spirit of friendship, open communication and trust, in an atmosphere of mutual support, encouragement, inspiration and challenge. By participating in the project of Buddhistisches Tor Berlin in whatever ways we can, we collectively unfold and discover our highest inner potential.

By participating in our common project, we express our commitment to common ideals. Recognising the value of the Buddha’s teaching, we support the centre and its activities in whatever way we can. By helping to make the Dharma more widely available, we help others, as well as ourselves, to progress on the path towards Buddhahood.