On our quest for personal development, we must not just hope or believe that we are good; we must actually do good. Modern science confirms that behavioral modification is a necessary requisite to actualizing the positive changes we seek — the basis of cognitive behavioral therapy, currently a popular approach in mind-body health. But long before Western psychology discovered the priority of behavioral modification, Siddhartha Gautama advocated the same strategy.
At the Center for Pragmatic Buddhism, like all Buddhist traditions, practice (action) is central. Please read through the practice guides on this site, and contact us if you have questions along the way. CPB adopts a view of Buddhist education and practice that values contemporary relevance, historical analysis, personal development, and social virtuosity.
It is our view that Buddhist practice is relevant when it can be applied to one’s daily life. Our primary motivation is to offer an approach that carries practical application and benefit for the contemporary lifestyle. We perceive a qualified Buddhist education as one that includes a proper survey of Buddhism’s historical and cultural milieu, and embraces both informal and formal study.
The ability of our participants to embrace their practice while maintaining a normal lifestyle out in the world is the preferred example of personally relevant and socially engaged Buddhism. Our weekly practices and online communication are intended to provide the practical tools necessary to apply what our members and guests value in the Buddhist approach to their own lives, to benefit self and other.