Self-Emancipation: Buddha's Philosophy on Self-Reliance

710 Words2 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: Philosophical concept of self reliance

‘One is one’s own refuge, who else could be the refuge?’ said Buddha. This section in the article of Buddhist Attitude of Mind explains Buddhas stand point about what does taking refuge really mean, and where and in whom people have to find their shelter. Based on this section, Buddha admonished his disciples to ‘be and find refuge only in themselves’, and never to seek refuge in or help from anybody else. He encouraged and stimulated each person to develop himself and work out his own emancipation. According to Buddha, only a person has the power to liberate himself from all bondage through his personal effort and intelligence. The Buddha says: ‘You should do your work, for the Tathagatas only teach the way.’ The Buddha is called a ‘saviour’, …show more content…

Both Buddha and Gyatso have a common conception that there are many ways of taking refuge. Gyatso gives several examples, such as: taking refuge in our parents, in peer group, and in individuals. For instance, I am still taking refuge in my parents. I am totally relied on my mom. Maybe, because first of all she is my mom, and second I am finding in her that support that I cannot find in somebody else. I do not know how to call this connection… My mom is my greatest supporter, biggest fan, and my best friend. However, I know that one day I will not have that kind of support anymore. Gyatso says that as people grew older, they found that their parents cannot longer remove their sense of loneliness, and that they are seem to be agents of our suffering. I am not agree with this point because not all grown people have misunderstandings with their parents. On the contrary, some of grown children even more concerned about their moms and dads. They show more love, care, and respectfulness now, than they did it when they were young. Also, it is not true that our parents are causes of all sufferings, misfortunes, and problems. In my opinion, we make ourselves to suffer, sophisticate and complicate our lives. Gyatso says that when people get older they start having a

Show More
Related

  • Buddhism: Annotated Bibliography

    921 Words  | 2 Pages

    In the comparison with other class of Chinese faith , the study of Chinese Buddhism benefits. First, the International range of Buddhism allows for fruitful comparison with developments in other neighboring finish such as India and japan and the contemporary identicalness of Buddhism as a missionary. Buddhism is a way of breakthrough repose within oneself. It is a organized religion that helps us to find the happiness and contentment we seek. Buddhist develop inner peace, kindness and wisdom through their daily practice; and then share their experience with others delivery real number benefit to this humankind .They try not to injury others and to live

    Read More

  • Buddhism Dbq Essay

    816 Words  | 2 Pages

    Buddhism originated in India in the sixth century BCE and spread throughout China starting from about the first century CE. Buddhist ideologies appealed to a majority of the lower-class in china, as it served to embody a much more pleasant life, rather than the lack of opportunities for them in China’s political society. However, the social elites and government authorities saw Buddhism as a threat to their previous decrees and traditions, and may consequently result in a loss of their political power. As a result, they sought to undermine the impact of Buddhism on their societies by discrediting it’s teachings.

    Read More

  • Self-discovery in Siddhartha

    1113 Words  | 3 Pages

    elders, and he was right.  He chose to follow another path in life, a path

    Read More

  • The Four Noble Truths of Buddhism

    775 Words  | 2 Pages

     Dukkha is the first of the four noble truths of Buddhism. The word means suffering, but just

    Read More

  • Hinduism Vs. Buddhism: Different Characteristics Of Hinduism And Buddhism

    1333 Words  | 3 Pages

    Hinduism and Buddhism are undoubtedly different than any other religion that we have studied. Some might even dispute whether or not they are a religion, or rather a way of life or philosophy. I will use the Merriam Webster definitions of religion to depict whether or not Hinduism and Buddhism should be understood as a religion. The There is one commonality between Buddhism and Hinduism is not a central feature of the other major religions: Reincarnation.

    Read More

  • Buddhism and meditation in the Novel Being Peace by Thich Nhat Hanh

    1275 Words  | 3 Pages

    Hanh says that those who sit still and smile have the ability to save the world because they have the ability to meditate and create peace. Therefore, a way to make the world better is to be a Buddha. “Buddha” means to wake-up, to understand, and to love and anybody to practices this is considered to be a Buddha. Thus, if we are to practice Buddhism we can work towards the betterment of society. In Buddhism, there are three gems: Buddha (the awakened one), Dharma (the way of understanding and loving), and Sangha (the community that lives in harmony and awareness). By incorporating all three gems of Buddhism into our daily lives we all can awaken within ourselves, be more understanding and loving of ...

    Read More

  • Buddhism And Theravada Buddhism

    714 Words  | 2 Pages

    Buddhism is unique. Not in the way that religion in general is unique either because all religions are unique. Buddhism varies vastly from the many religions studied in class, yet it still grasps all the aspects required of a religion. Looking into a singular form of Buddhism, Theravada Buddhism, one can find everything that a religion needs to incorporate to be a religion. I chose to stick with mainly Theravada Buddhism as it stays closer to the original more orthodox teachings of Buddhism.

    Read More

  • The Temptation of St. Pigsy, final paper

    902 Words  | 2 Pages

    Buddhism is one of the prominent and influential religions and philosophies of the world. A basic tenet of Buddhism is that worldly desires and possessions cause all suffering. To absolve one’s self of necessities beyond basic human survival is one of the many plateaus that Buddhists strive to achieve. Furthermore, Buddhists free themselves from temptation via seclusion from society and attempt to allow nature to support them. They believe that Nirvana, the ascension to heaven, can be achieved by freeing oneself of earthly desires.

    Read More

  • The Dharma of Mahayana Buddhism

    1067 Words  | 3 Pages

    In our society today, Buddhism, especially Mahayana Buddhism, has become a cure to the duhkha that we are facing today. The Dharma of Mahayana Buddhism is very helpful in resolving many, even all the problems humans are facing today. Mahayana Buddhism believes in the Path of Bodhisattva, which is the path to become awakened by achieving one’s own enlightenment and more importantly, to help others to achieve enlightenment. What is the Path of Bodhisattva is too complicated, but the first step in the Path of Bodhisattva is very simple: teach others the dharma and help others. The relevant point to the modern world is that people, today, need to understand that by helping others you are helping yourself.

    Read More

  • Taking a Look at Buddhism and Hinduism

    726 Words  | 2 Pages

    Buddhism and Hinduism are two of the most well known religions around the world. Along with Christianity, Islam and Sikhism; Buddhism and Hinduism are among the top five religions worldwide. Buddhism is based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha), who was born a Hindu. He attained Nirvana at thirty six years of age and was no longer a Hindu follower. Hinduism's is believed to of begun around 4000 BCE, a religion combined of few other religions combined with many laws and ways of living. While Buddhism and Hinduism teach similar principles, the path they use to teach these principles are different.

    Read More

  • Self Reliance

    692 Words  | 2 Pages

    The essay “Self-Reliance”, by Ralph Waldo Emerson, is a persuasive essay promoting the ways of transcendentalism. He uses this paper to advance a major point using a structure that helps his argument. In the paper, Emerson begins his concluding thoughts with a statement that greater self-reliance will bring a revolution. He then applies this idea to society and all of its aspects, including religion, education, and art. This brings Emerson to a new, more precise focus on how society never advance, rather it recedes on one side as fast as it gains on the other. This shocking, yet intriguing, idea is supported and augmented using tone, metaphor, example, and the consequence of ignoring his opinion. The final result is a conglomeration of ideas into the major points that, “Nothing can bring you peace but yourself. Nothing can bring you peace but the triumph of principles.” With the major points and devices used by Emerson defined, it is now possible to examine in greater detail how he persuades the reader, starting with the use of tone.

    Read More

  • Siddhartha Life Essay

    1926 Words  | 4 Pages

    From the moment we are born we have the tendency of craving the worldly desires that we are exposed to. Its part of human nature to want an ideal life where you are either wealthy, powerful, happy or all of the above without any suffering involved. Although that ideal sounds phenomenal, it is the thought of limitation that drives many people to seek for something more than just worldly pleasures. As some stay within the lines of an insatiable life, others come to the realization that living a life with nothing but worldly pleasures and goals are ultimately not everlasting. This is the point where people go on to pursue something bigger than themselves, something that gives them a purpose and infinite joy or as most would call it, a religion. One of the most fascinating major world religions that many have chosen to follow for centuries is Buddhism. A very complex, yet intriguing religion that seeks for a way of life that ultimately releases a person from suffering and leads them to inner peace and joy.

    Read More

  • Buddhism and No-Self

    1950 Words  | 4 Pages

    The Buddhist concept of "no-self" is an essential element on the path to spiritual freedom presented by the Buddha Gautama Siddhartha Sakyamuni. It is claimed by many Buddhists that at the age of thirty-five Siddhatta achieved samyaksambodhi, a state of supreme enlightenment, while meditating under a tree. He had been born into excess and protected from life, and then chose to live as an aesthetic. He found that the former stifled to spirit and the latter stifled the mind – the only answer was a middle path of moderation. Siddhatta then lived and taught his way for another forty-five ...

    Read More

  • The Traditions of Hinduism and Buddhism

    811 Words  | 2 Pages

    Two religions’ that stood out the most I would have to say is Hinduism and Buddhism These two religions have been around for centuries. In Hinduism it means a way of Life, traditionally is followed by Indian descent. We learned in class that Hinduism is called “Sanatan Dharma meaning External Religion. In India majority of people that reside there are identified as Hindus. Predominantly, Hinduism is of India region. There are many names that are followed by Hinduism which to name a few are Sanatan Dharma which was stated above, Vedic religion, Agama Hindu Dharma just to name a few of many. (Dorma pg. 16) To mankind Hinduism is one of the oldest religions, which has a dated that goes far back as 2500 B.C., which has been argumentative. Their are many forms ritual’s that are passed on and done through Hinduism for example like piercing of child ears, ritual when child is being taken out of his or her house, also in the third month called Pusavana. Fourth month and fifth month of pregnancy ritual is performed which is called Simanatonayana. There is a marriage ritual done called Vivaha. (Dogma p. 26-29) In this religion important and interesting beliefs that carried out are as follows: Salvation, Reincarnation, Karma. (Dogma pg. 7-13) In Salvation our souls go through continuous suffering and will even exiting to change bodies. Next we go into reincarnation we all have Supreme soul it can be relieve by changing clothes and going into another body, transformation. In Hinduism, basically doing good deed is the right thing to do. We are reincarnated and the soul does not die, it just passes on depending on how good we were in previous life. Hinduism requires meditation in the form of Yoga, offering for temple. (Dogma Pgs. 7-13) Mos...

    Read More

  • World Religion: Buddhism

    649 Words  | 2 Pages

    Buddhism is one of the most popular religions in the world, it originates in Nepal, where the “enlightened one” Saddartha Gotama was born. The word Buddhism originates from the word “Buddhi” meaning to awaken. Buddhism is a nontheistic religion, meaning that they do not have any gods in their faith. Buddha is seen as one of the enlightened ones, rather than a God. One interesting fact about Buddhism, Saddartha Gotama acknowledges Jesus Christ as a very good man and a prophet, however does not acknowledge him as the Messiah.

    Read More

More about Self-Emancipation: Buddha's Philosophy on Self-Reliance

Open Document