...............................................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................................................
A. Simple Definition: "Buddhism is a family of beliefs and practices, considered by many to be a religion." These practices are rooted the desire and practice of leading the Middle Way, which is to neither be too rich or too poor, to neither be too selfish nor to give everything away. Buddhism is based on a set of principles which establishes the practice of this middle way, but which also tries to bring about the spirit of God which is in all of humanity, for, as the teaching goes, a lamp shade covers God's light within us, and we must remove to realize our true potential and connection to God. The two of Buddhism, however, define God's role a bit differently.
Buddhism became officially established during the life of Siddhārtha Gautama (563 BCE to 483 BCE), the supreme Buddha of our time. Gautama came to his fame and support when, after being troubled with the meaning of life, meditated under a tree for 48 hours before becoming "awakened," leading to his philosophy of the middle way and other principles. While he did not claim to be God, or even necessarily have a closer relationship with God than others, he spent his life teaching the Buddhist principles. "Buddha," therefore, means "awakened one." All people can become Buddhas, for "Buddha" is not a term for God. Becoming a Buddha is what all should strive to be, according to Gautama and his followers. In fact, when he was asked, "Are you a heavenly being? A God? An angel?" Buddha responded, "No, I am awake." His movement remains strong today and his principles carry on mainly in Asia. Of all people in the world, 92% are theistic and at least 6% remain Buddhist.
Theravāda Buddhism is most closely associated with traditional Buddhism. While it is not as popular today as other forms of Buddhism, it remains the stereotypical image in most minds outside Asia. When we think of Theravāda Buddhism, we think of monks in temples, vows of silence, and the relinquishment of possessions. These are the main practices of the more solitary Buddhist tradition. Theravāda Buddhism is not associated with God so much as it associated finding inner light and spirituality. Chanting and receptive, concentrated, and insight meditation are common among these Buddhists, and this practice remains strong in Asia, particularly in Burma and Sri Lanka. Mahayana Buddhism is the more commonly practiced form of Buddhism in Asia today, particularly in China, Korea, Vietnam, and Japan. This type of Buddhism, like the Theravāda, is very focused on bringing out the "Buddha Nature" in humanity. It also requires the journey of removing the lampshade off the light of God in our hearts, a concept shared by Christianity and most other major world religions. This school of Buddhism, however, is more direct with its meditative purposes to bring about a personal harmony with God. It also, as is true with Hinduism, is centered around escaping the cycle of reincarnation, the process of Moksha to reach Nirvana. In both schools of Buddhism, the same meditative and life principles are emphasized, yet Mahāyāna Buddhism is more direct with its relationship to God and spirituality. Vajrayāna Buddhism is practiced generally in the same areas where the Mahāyāna school of thought is prevalent, also in Tibet. This school of Buddhism places the highest focus of meditation, yoga, and the visualization of deities to soothe and elevate the spirit. It also emphasizes that each person needs to find his or her Buddha Nature to therefore become awake as Gautama was awakened through such meditation. This school also places importance on the acquisition of esoteric knowledge, usually taught through Gurus. The arcane teachings are said to increase spirituality and reveal one's Buddha Nature, which will lead to the Middle Way.
Statues and Paintings of Buddha
D. The Noble Eight-Fold Path: 1) Right Knowledge 2) Right Aspiration 3) Right Speech 4) Right Behavior 5) Right Livelihood 6) Right Effort 7) Right Mindfulness 8) Right Concentration E. Four Noble Truths: 1) All life is suffering, pain, and misery, or dukkha. 2) This suffering has a cause, tanha, or selfish craving and personal desire. 3) This selfish craving can be overcome. 4) The way to overcome this misery is through the Noble Eightfold Path.
The purpose of Buddhism is to understand the Four Noble Truths and to live the Noble Eightfold path in order to become awake. When one becomes awake, life can be lived in purity and in the right spirit as it was meant to be lived. Although Buddhism does not offer the prevention of all pain, it offers a way to cope and to be released from much of the misery that is caused through human action and thought. Buddhism's goal is to help one escape the cycle of reincarnation and to achieve Nirvana, if that is one's wish. One can also be reincarnated again and again to return to the world in order to further assist others in their path to salvation, or Nirvana. It promotes a personal relationship with God and puts an emphasis on each individual's actions in order to better humanity as a whole.
While Buddhism remains understood in the areas where it is practiced, much of the West misunderstands Buddhism and its principles. Through my studies I have come to realize the numerous benefits to this religion and its ideas. It emphasizes the key concepts of all major religions: a personal relationship with God, love for others, right spirit and mind, and right direction in life. Buddhism's priority is to transcend desire and human limitations in order for its followers to lead the best possible life. Buddha, Siddhārtha Gautama, did not claim to be God or even anyone divine, as many westerns might misconceive, but he merely claimed to follow many principles that led him to be awakened from the mortal world, which thereafter drew many followers. I feel that Buddhism offers a window to God and to the true loving spirit of humanity, one which we should respect, value, and practice. Perhaps Buddhism does not require attending temples and going into isolation as many stereotype it to demand, but it does involve living a life of love, honor, respect, and closeness to God and to nature. ...............................................................................................................................................................................
| Atheism | Evolution | Theistic Evolution | Creationism | Christianity | | Judaism | Islam | Buddhism | Hinduism | Coexist | References | |