Buddhism as Freedom from Negativity
The title of this paper is posed as a question so that one can explore
and investigate if Buddhism and meditation can bring the mind freedom
from negativity. One of the most important things I have learned thus
far, is that anger and hatred are based on projections and
exaggeration, not on objectivity or wisdom. This stikes me as very
important in my search for how to release negativity. If we can
accept that things feelings do not come from wisdom, that it may be
possible to realize that they are fundamentally incorrect.
Within Buddhism there are different sects and meditation practices
that look at life and practices in differing ways. Each of these
diverse forms of Buddhism present answers for dealing with negativity,
anger and suffering, all of which affect us in our lives constantly.
My search is to find which of these teachings can provide the most
help and guidance to subduing and transforming negativity. In
searching I also wish to discover the connections between the mind,
our thoughts and feelings and how these aspects are affected through
meditation.
Through the Four Noble Truths in Buddhism, we are guided on how to see
the world and ourselves within it. However, it sometimes becomes
difficult to see the world outside ourselves, and conversely, to see
the world and include ourselves within it. The Four Noble Truths
address these feelings of confusion and sometimes suffering and offer
almost a kind of plan of attack for overcoming the obstacles that can
be faced while making these connections. The first and most important
part of the Four Noble Truths is identifying the c...
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...ise now?
Wanting to get rid of one and grab the other
is merely realizing a scene of stupidity.
Even if you speak of the wonder of it all,
how do you deal with each thing changing?
-Ryokan-
In concluding with this poem by Ryokan, we can understand that he is
saying that there is no escape from anger and negativity. As humans,
we experience a range of different emotions, and anger is one of
them. To this we must understand that while we can “free” ourselves
from anger, we can never rid our minds of it. We can however, as all
of the meditation practices suggest, refuse to make attachments to
these feelings. We may feel them, and we may identify that we are
feeling anger, but by refusing to allow the thought and feeling to
stay within your mind, maybe it is possible to let it go, as if it
never existed.
Christianity believes in one God, which exists in three person; the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Mankind was created to have relationship with God. Faith and believe in Jesus can save individual from happening sin and eternal death. Buddhism is a religion that does not include the idea of worshipping a creator god. Buddhism believes in path of practice and spiritual development direct to insight into the actual nature of reality. According to Buddhism nothing is eternal, every action have results and change is possible. Practicing meditation helps change in individual life and develops qualities of awareness, kindness and wisdom.
Buddhism saw its initial, but slow rise under the Han Dynasty, which lasted from 206 BCE to 220 CE; however, the religion spread rapidly towards the end of the Han amidst political chaos and hesitance in Confucian principles. During the postclassical era, Buddhism’s spread in China was caused by the prospect of Nirvana, while it also gave way to both negative and positive responses.
This video lecture course is about Buddhism and how it is valid in the terms of modern psychology, hence the name Buddhism and Modern Psychology. In this essay, I will answer two questions pertaining to the topic of how Buddhism in the eyes of psychology is valid. The questions have been chosen out of a list and they are the ones that I felt were most relevant to the topic.
and pleasure, the body changes into a relaxed state. When an individual is angry different
When angry, it is hard for a person to see the damage they are doing. Concepts of revenge, murder, jealousy, greed, selfishness, rage, resentment, and hatred are all offspring to what anger can become if allowed to grow (Potter-Efron, 2). In some cases, anger is the result of feelings of helplessness and a desire to regain power in life (Glick and Steven, 103). Anger is not completely evil, but there are dire consequences if we let ourselves be corrupted by its influence. Loss of life, or losing the love of someone close to you can instantly make you regret your actions while angry.
Analysis of Buddhism Plain and Simple by Steve Hagen The book Buddhism Plain and Simple, by Steve Hagen, caught my attention and became more interesting to me than I thought. I have always heard of the religion Buddhism, but I never knew what it was all about. I never thought that Buddhism was as huge as it is. I knew that it existed in other countries, but I never knew what exact countries. Many of the views in this book surprised me and the book taught me a lot about morals and better ways to live your life.
Siddhartha Gautama is famously known as Gautama Buddha and was the founder of the idea of Buddhism. The Buddha was known to possess supernatural powers and abilities. He was born in the holy land of Nepal and his journey began in India when he decided to travel and teach himself about life. In the midst of his journey, he discovered Buddhism after he experienced a profound realization of the nature of life, death and existence. Buddhism became a religion based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama and since then Buddhism has been popular throughout many civilizations. Buddhism is now one of the most ancient religions in the world, where people follow Buddha, which stand for “awakened one,” and Buddhism which has gained popularity because of the teachings of the Buddha.
Buddhism, like most other religions, originated in a particular place at a particular time, and its roots are in forms and ideas that were part of the environment in which it developed. The most important of these areas at the time of the Buddha was the valley of the Ganges river which flows from west to east across most of northern India. It was here that the great religions of India first arose and flourished. Only later did they spread to the south. In the time of the Buddha, about 500 B.C.E., this area was undergoing a period of vigorous religious development.
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.
Apostle Paul said, “Be content with such things as you have as He has said He will never leave nor forsake you so that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper”. Be aware that the hurt you feel about the past is not in the present and no matter what happened in the past, your present memory of it is what gives life to it. So heal yourself of past pains, focus your attention on the present, the less attention you give to the past memory, the less life and power it has. Focus on your feelings right now. Memories are only thoughts and they have no power until you ponder on them, so the more you ponder on the present, the less of the past you will think about, taking your interest off those things that do not benefit you.
‘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’,
But don't get angry on anything and everything. When you get angry, choose to let it off, take a few breaths, or countdown to ten, or analyse why you are upset. Realizing that you are caught with anger is the right way to begin to deal with it. All your anger is about something what has happened in the past or will happen in the future and not what is happening in the present moment. So if you can be in the present moment you cannot hold on to anger for long. So be in the present moment to avoid holding on to anger. Physical exercises can relieve your
Anger is, perhaps, the most notorious of all human emotions. It has the ability to spring up when we least expect it, an almost natural and inherent response to an offense or frustration. Humanity’s natural tendency to engage in a primal “fight or flight” response to challenges has unavoidably led to anger being a primary response for many. Still for others, anger is a longer lasting thing, taking root and burning into ashes of bitterness or misgiving. It is obvious that anger is unhealthy – it almost defies intuition to say anything further. However, it remains a complex human emotion. Sure, everyone feels it at some point or another. But where does it come from? How does it manifest? And, most importantly, how can it be taken under control? a detailed examination of the nature of anger and, in response, how it may be managed, may give further insight into this human emotion.
The past is over, let it go. Forgive and then forget. Allow the power of God to heal your heart and soul by trusting in Him and feeling His pure love for you. You are a cherished daughter of a loving Heavenly Father who only wants the very best for you. You are divinely watched over and guided continually—trust in Him.