Therefore all such statements are equally uncertain. Furthermore, in the same text the Buddha says that each of these propositions about the soul is “not acceptable” (Embree 104). Even if one could say something definite about the soul, speculation on its nature would still be useless because in ... ... middle of paper ... ...a, there is no acceptable definition or description of what the soul actually is. There is debate and constant questioning over the issue. Also, since the nature of the soul has no bearing on the goal of Buddhism, the question of the soul is ultimately irrelevant to the Buddhist.
These are merely, “delusions” until one garners the understanding and, “realization”, or form to construct the proper platform for life according to Zen (Genjo-Koan, 41[83]). The only way to break free of a dualistic mind and understand the quintessential concept of Zen, emptiness, is by breaking free of attachment. Through the embodiment of emptiness, one can finally see into true reality and understand the oneness of the universe. Through realization of this wholeness, one can expel the profound level of suffering experienced in life, by ordinary people. According to Zen, these sufferings are terribly misconceived, only when one lets go completely will the, “the fullness of life” be seen, and the individual be brought out of this fake sense of reality.
Hopeless and Absurd - Existentialism and Buddhism Perhaps the most telling symptom of existentialist philosophers is their ever-divergent theories on the fundamental characteristics of human life and their steadfast refusal to assign an explicit meaning or reason to our existence at all. Contrary to criticism which therefore labels the movement cynically nihilistic, existentialism justifies life with reasoning similar to that of Zen Buddhism. Specifically, the notions of hopelessness and absurdity can be gleaned from Buddhism in a manner helpful to the understanding of existentialist viewpoints on the same. Though these two perspectives elicit no fewer contrasts than comparisons, their juxtaposition highlights the workings of the futile human quest for meaning. One key factor in the existentialist framework is the acceptance of hopelessness.
Both of these forms are significantly different from the other and the following essay will attempt to compare and contrast Buddhism in India and China. Theravada Buddhism is the old, conservative school, also called Hinayana by its detractors. Prevalent in India, Cambodia, Laos, Sri Lanka and Thailand, it emphasizes the ideal of the arhat – one who, as a monk, achieves enlightenment by his own efforts. In Theravada the Buddha is r... ... middle of paper ... ... does not realize it. The aim of meditation is to achieve the realization that our true nature is nothing less than the Buddha nature.
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Impermanence, Selflessness, and Dissatisfaction Buddhism is neither a religion nor a philosophy, but rather a way of life. This does not imply that Buddhism is nothing more than an ethical code: it is a way of moral, spiritual and intellectual training leading to complete freedom of the mind. (DeSilva, 1991:p 5). Of the many Buddhist sects, Zen Buddhism places particular emphasis on living ‘the right' life, and does not revolve around rite and ritual. Buddhism outlines the three characteristics of existence, which aids one in achieving enlightenment.
As Dr. Madhu Bazaz Wangu, founder of Mindful Writers Group indicates and professor of religions in India, indicates, Buddhism is a path to spiritual discovery (8). Being that Buddhism is a non-theistic religion; its disciples follow the monotheistic doctrine demonstrating that they believe in only one deity. Siddhartha Gautama, mostly acknowledged as Buddha––the enlightened––, is the one deity Buddhists believe in. As Dr. Wangu writes, Siddhartha practiced severe self-denial and meditation before he could accomplish Nirvana (state of mind that ends the path of suffering) (8). Siddhartha came to the conclusion that to reach Nirvana one should be capable of eliminating desire by doing right and thinking right.
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