Buddhism

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Buddhism

Illusions

In life, too many things are taken for granted. We take for granted the most valuable things in our life; the love from our families and friends, the roof over our heads, and even the air we breathe. Unfortunately, most people don’t appreciate what they have until it’s gone. So many people have become victims of depression, aggression, loneliness and selfishness. All around the world, especially in America, people are suffering. Thanks to the nightly news we are constantly reminded of all the insanity and corruption that surrounds us. Kids killing classmates and teachers at school, husbands beating their wife and kids, famous role models to millions convicted of drug charges and murder, mothers neglecting her children, and we even sometimes hear about mothers leaving her new born in a field or dumpster. If we could only appreciate what we have and start loving and caring for one another then we can start enjoying life completely happy. Dharma, the teaching of Buddhism, is just that. The Dharma is a living knowledge that is neither a collection of discourses, nor just a system of belief. It is a way of living in peace and happiness. Tan Chade Meng, who teaches Vipassana Meditation, refers to Dharma as, “The code to life”. I prefer to say The Key to Happiness. In this essay, I plan to show the many advantages of Buddhism and how these views differ from Christianity.

Throughout history people have wondered about the universe in which we live in and have looked for a purpose of our existence. Many Western philosophers believe that an individual is a separate entity from every other individual and nature. In the Buddhist belief however, there is no separation between you and any other person or animal. This is where the idea of no soul or no self came from. Buddhist drops all pride because we live on others. Because we are all connected to each other, by helping another you help yourself and by hurting others you hurt yourself. The goal of living and dying is to eventually be enlightened by seeing the world as it actually is instead of the illusion that we see with our senses. This state of enlightenment is known as Nirvana. To reach Nirvana it is necessary to give up all attachments to the things of this world, see the interconnectedness of everything, and have a clear empty mind so that you can see things the way they truly are.

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