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Buddhism
There is much information, and many website’s that provide information about Buddhism. The aim of this short piece is not to provide extensive information regarding Buddhism, or aim to promote it above any other belief or philosophy; but merely to provide an introduction to the philosophy.
For further information regarding Buddhism, links are provided throughout this site, and also on the links page. Here is only a brief outline on this subject. I feel that, without the inclusion of this great philosophy, the aim of this website would be wholly incomplete.
It is written that Siddhartha Gautama sat beneath the Bodhi tree, [date tree], at the place in India called Bodhgaya, and that it is here that he found enlightenment and awakening to become the Buddha. In his meditations he awakened to the human condition and the troubles of the mind that cause grief and suffering, as well as the revelation and awareness of the positive attributes and potential of his own mind. He discovered the potential to overcome the obstacles of his own troubled mind, and go yet even farther beyond the scope of imagination, and transcend the physical awareness and connection with the body.
Buddhism offers a deep understanding to the conditions and process of the mind and it’s thoughts. By exploring one’s own inner mind with careful watchfulness, and discipline, one can become the controller of the mind, and not be controlled by it. Modern psychology has recognised the potential of Buddhism, both in theory and in practice, and much understanding and many of it’s techniques are yet to be fully realised in solving the illnesses and disorders associated with the mind. The healing potential of Buddhist practices is beyond question, yet the practice is not an easy path to follow. To embark upon the Buddhist way, is a noble enterprise, that may well shake the foundations of any pre-conceived faith or religion. But who said it would, or should be easy?
Although Buddhism may be classed as a religion, and it’s practices followed with religious devotion - It is more precisely a philosophy. There is no worship of divinity, of God. It’s foundation is in non-theism, and it’s exploration of the causes of the suffering of the mind, places the responsibility for actions squarely with the individual; therefore indicating the healing and answers to one’s problems lie within ourselves, within each of us. By recognising this responsibility we have to ourselves and to others, in our thoughts and actions, the philosophy guides to a life of inner peace and happiness. The idea that practising the Buddha nature leads to good "Karma", and sows the seeds of future happiness.
Buddhism is therefore a dualism philosophy, whereupon the idea’s of cause and effect are a foundation, such as similar to be found in the "Tao Te Ching". Indeed, early transmigration of Buddhism from India to China, and the inherent problems associated with language and translations, lead to an association between Buddhism and the way of the Tao. Yet these are very different philosophies, and Buddhism weighs more heavily on the idea of freewill, and the potential to govern one’s own destiny through the awareness of one’s thoughts and actions. To be unaffected, un-swayed in the goal of seeking "Nirvana".
Rather than encourage the followers of blind faith and devotion, the Buddha was the first to dissuade such devotees. His philosophy commanded that his followers test his teachings using logic and reason, and to use them in practice, and experience the results for themselves. He encouraged his followers to scrutinise his teachings for truth and understanding, and to ask many questions when unsure about the meaning. Such is the confidence the Buddha had with his teachings from his own experience.
Therefore we can see that Buddhism is a very open and objective philosophy. It has nothing to fear from contradiction, and has no metaphysical or supernatural doctrines to propose or protect. It is for this reason that the Buddha, and Buddhism is often attacked for it’s lack of theology. However, it is interesting to note that there has never been any war or conflict held in the name of Buddha, and this must hold as the real test of the meaning and pursuit of peace.
It can be argued that Buddhism, [as well as other ancient philosophies ], has been totally under-estimated in it’s potential to solve, not only individual suffering, but also the problems inherent in societies of the modern age. More than this, it may yet prove to be a guiding way for ‘clear light’ understanding to the potential of mankind, and may yet possibly be his future step ladder to evolve into a new age of inner strength and understanding, of himself. A way of peace and happiness for all?
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