Buddhism is one of the Eastern Hemisphere’s most prominent religions, and has been practiced across Asia for over 2,000 years. Recently, with the emergence of yoga and more spiritual mindfulness, it has begun to make more frequent appearances in the Western world. But there is more to Buddhism than meditation, incense and morning yoga sessions. Rather, the religion is centered around the human mind and seeks to better those who learn from Buddha’s teachings.
Three core beliefs that guide Buddhism are the goals to lead a moral life, to be mindful and aware of your own actions, and to develop wisdom and understanding. Though your body will die, Buddhists believe that your mind will live on; all of the things you’ve learned, felt, experienced, and have come to accept as truth will continue to exist. This forms the basis of the idea that we should combat materialism, as wealth is not permanent (but happiness is).
One of the underlying principles that Buddhism is founded upon is the notion that suffering guides your behavior; your actions are caused by wants, and they result in pain or further unhappiness. The primary goal is to overcome suffering, and it can be attained through what is known as the Four Noble Truths.
The first is to realize the presence of suffering, and to make the distinction between being realistic and being pessimistic. Buddhists need to realize that life is suffering, but that should not be viewed from a defeatist perspective. Rather, it is simply stating a truism, but one that can be overcome. You cannot solve a problem without identifying it first.
The second is to ascertain the cause of suffering. Since it is widely accepted that suffering is caused by cravings and desires, the second Noble Truth typically means taking a step back and simply recognizing just exactly what it is that you (consciously or subconsciously) want, and just how that desire is impacting your behavior.
The third is awareness that there can be an end to your suffering, and that when you have overcome it, you have reached Nirvana. In a nutshell, reaching Nirvana signifies your personal spirit, mind, or emotion overcoming its cycle of death and rebirth of sin. It means that you have reached a point where you’ve risen above it.
This is where meditation plays a large role. Its main role is to organize the mind, and identify the more poisonous aspects. By weeding out the injurious thoughts, it strengthens the positive mentalities and helps advance you in your odyssey to Nirvana.
The fourth, and most detailed Noble Truth is the method of ending suffering, also known as the Eightfold Path. This includes: Right Understanding, Right Thought, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Concentration. By understanding and achieving all of these paths, you have the potential to overcome suffering and achieve internal (rather than external) happiness.
Although one of the foundations of Buddhism is the notion of Karma, its meaning is slightly removed from the Western conception of people having a predetermined fate. Rather, it is about those who have positive energy and positive mindsets choosing their own destiny in which that positivity is reflected back to them. What goes around, comes around.
Buddhism is practiced all over the world, but the emphasized aspects of it can vary based on where you are and what your culture values. It is malleable, and is very tolerant and accepting of other religions. It has recently become more commonly observed with the rise of globalization, commercialism and materialism; since Buddhism can help to find people’s individual paths to happiness, those who are dissatisfied with the acquisitive way of life that is perpetuated in popular culture feel drawn to practicing it.
Every individual has a different connotation with religion, and should feel that their faith and views are respected. Buddhism helps me to understand the rationalization behind many things that happen in the world while still maintaining a positive outlook. It helps explain many forms of philosophical and literal phenomena that I encounter.
Although we all believe in different things and practice different religions, my faith has taught me that everyone reserves their right to find their own spiritual path to happiness, whatever configuration it may manifest itself in.
