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Buddha's Teachings

The three levels of teachings given by Buddha Shakyamuni to all his various types of students  2500 years ago which answered all their various needs are still the authentic source of all Buddhist schools today. 

Buddha explained the rule of cause and effect to all those who wanted to avoid suffering – this collection of teachings is known as the Small Way (in Sanskrit Hinayana). To those with larger potential he gave teachings about compassion and  wisdom, known nowadays as a the Great Way (in Sanskrit Mahayana). To those who spontaneously trusted  their own Buddha nature he gave Diamond Way teachings (in Sanskrit Vajrayana).

The Small Way  – Hinayana
These teachings point out the impermanence of thoughts, feelings and our own body, and as such the illusory nature of our own personal identity.  These teachings say that the existence of a real “me” or “self” is an illusion. They describe the actions which bring suffering and the means to avoid it. They also teach how to meditate in order to achieve inner peace and distance. Liberation is the ultimate goal of this path.

The Great Way – Mahayana
These teachings show the way to increase compassion to such a level that we can understand other people’s situation, while at the same time allow us to develop our mind's wisdom. When we start seeing what is really happening, without fear and expectation, we shall be able to help others with an open and  impersonal attitude. The goal of this path is reaching enlightemment for the benefit of all beings.

Diamentowa Droga – Wadżrajana
This collection of teachings is based on the view that everything is perfect by its own nature, and that all beings have the same highest potential. At this level all the Buddha's teachings on the view and meditation lead students to the discovery that mind in its own nature is free of all limitations.  The basic qualities of mind – its awareness, power and ability to experience inspiration – are the doors through which the practitioner will recognize his own mind. From this state of recognition of the fact that mind's nature is space and that it is indestructible,  joy and active compassion appear spontaneously and are expressed by useful actions. These actions inspire others, while the openness of such exchange evokes confidence in others that they can also realize this level. We can reach the best and the most versatile contact with our own Buddha nature by meditating on our teacher, who represents the Buddha and his teachings. Diamond Way is an extremely quick path of development due to the fact that it uses all the abilities of body speech and mind. Only this path transforms the wishes and dreams of beings into steps on the way to enlightenment. The wish to develop ourselves for the benefit of all beings is the  basis, while the goal is to reach enlightenment in order to be able to help others.