This discussion describes an approach to Buddhism - an "approach" both in terms of a way of looking at and an "approach" in terms of moving towards it. It looks to describe some basic principles or foundations of Buddhism and how they are expressed in our mind, our thoughts, our actions and our behaviours. It also looks to show the interconnectedness of these principles and of our behaviours. The approach considers the mind as the centre of our experience and relates how Buddhism describes: • The state and behaviours of a base, slumbering and reactive mind; • The state and behaviours of a higher, awakening, creative mind. • A way to develop the reactive mind towards the creative mind. • The concept of a fully awakened or enlightened mind Normally we are driven by conditions and the basic nature of life, we swing somewhere between these first two states of mind and the two sets of behaviours expressed by these minds. We can however, develop our minds from slumbering to awakening, from reactive to creative and ultimately to being fully awakened or “enlightened.” The techniques for developing the mind from the reactive to the creative are, at the same time, both the easiest and hardest efforts we can make: easiest because of their simplicity; hardest because of the resistance put up by our reactive mind, bogged down by the conditions it operates in. The transition to a fully awakened or enlightened mind is something that can only be experienced, not described, but there are hints to what that is, and its relation to other Buddhist principles. This approach also leans on a story within the Buddhist Pail Cannon, called the Āyācana Sutta. Soon after his Enlightenment the Buddha had a vision in which he saw the human race as a bed of lotus flowers. Some of the lotuses were still in the mud, others were just emerging from it, and others again were on the point of blooming. In other words, all people had the ability to unfold their potential and some needed just a little help to do so. So the Buddha decided to teach, and all of the teachings of Buddhism may be seen as the fulfilment this vision to help people grow towards Enlightenment.