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Introduction
Oftentimes, the religion or philosophy that a person follows for spiritual purposes defines the individuals social and cultural life. As a result, ones religion defines values, morals, and lifestyle on multiple levels. Buddhism is one of the worlds most extensive philosophical branches originating in India and having distinct teachings, goals, and concepts encompassed in the oral and written traditions of the religion. The overall focus of the teaching, which is overcoming suffering, is illustrated as the primary path toward Nirvana. Moreover, the non-conventional journey one must take to achieve this state and the truths that help understand reality are the notions that the philosophy is based on. In this paper, Buddhism will be examined from the perspective of the crucial concepts within the philosophy, namely the Four Noble Truths, the wheel of birth and death, karma, and Nirvana.
The Four Noble Truths
The Four Noble Truths are the concepts that are to be understood and experienced for followers to achieve liberation. Namely, the truths exemplify that suffering is inevitable, the origin of suffering is having cravings, cravings are to be renounced, and liberation is achieved through letting go of said desires (Fisher and Rinehart 142). Thus, the truths explain pain, its origins, how to cope with it, and the outcomes of following this path. As mentioned prior, suffering is inevitable and is to be embraced based on Buddhist philosophy. Furthermore, the teachings illustrate how some of the pain that people are trying to escape is accompanied by happiness. An example would have a good friend before losing that person. Thus, happiness refers to the experience one has with a person who is close and dear to hard. However, losing that person is suffering that cannot be overcome and is certain. Buddhism teaches that certain things shall not cause pain since an individual has no control over them, especially when it comes to the circle of life, health conditions, and similar concepts. However, when the source of pain is cravings, desire, and ignorance, they can be mitigated through a persons aim to avoid such emotions. An example would be suffering caused by the desire to be immortal and the inability to accept life as it is. The desire for immortality is an ignorant and selfish aim, and since attaining it is impossible, suffering is inevitable. The same concept can be exemplified through ones material goals to acquire vast fortune and fame, fulfill the need for constant pleasure, or reach a point at which dissatisfaction is abolished. Such aspects of life cause pain since one is dissatisfied with their life instead, and instead of addressing the cause of pain, they cause themselves more harm.
One of the truths illustrates how such pain can be avoided. While the overall concept of suffering is to be embraced, people can denounce the strive to reach material goods and fulfill cravings to avoid disappointment. A reflection on the topic may refer to ones desire to acquire a certain social status. Thus, not only does the path cause suffering through disappointment, but also the fulfillment does not bring true happiness since the individual will most likely find new unattainable material goals to strive for. As a result, Buddhism teaches that being in control when it comes to cravings liberates, which is not only spiritually valid but also a logical approach to everyday problems. To my understanding, if a challenge does not have a solution, the approach is to embrace the experience and learn from it rather than avoid it.
Birth and Death
Multiple religions exemplify death as a pathway to another land with no suffering and sorrow. In Buddhism, life and death are two interconnected notions that coexist due to the concepts of karma and reincarnation. Karma and the continuation of life are linked through good or bad deeds. Thus, the persons experience in the present is not only influencing his current existence but also affecting the forms of life the individual is to take after the body dies (Fisher and Rinehart 146). As a result, the soul exists in a different form until a person is liberated through the following of the four truths exemplified prior. Furthermore, human life is an endless cycle that ultimately creates a symbiotic world, and the only way to truly stop suffering is to stop the cycle by extinguishing cravings. Karma is a widely used notion that people often use to explain why good deeds correlate with positive outcomes and vice versa. In my understanding, the concept relates to the fact that a person striving to make the world a better place starts with himself. For example, treating others with respect, being welcoming and generous, and showing compassion make people return the favors. Since individuals are not motivated to harm someone who treats them with respect, being kind to others pays off not only on a spiritual level but also on a casual one. Helping a person in need will most likely create circumstances in which the individual will be grateful and want to do the same. Thus, the circle of good deeds continues, and ones karma impacts others to become better themselves.
Nirvana
Religions are usually based on a set of teachings that, if followed, are to lead to the ultimate goal. While the goal is usually a place such as Heaven where there is no pain and death, Buddhism refers to a state. The state of Nirvana is the ultimate accomplishment that occurs if a person manages to tame cravings, live selflessly, and clear the mind of desires (Fisher and Rinehart 145). Reflecting on the topic, it is certain that Buddhism teaches about the importance of individual effort when it comes to reaching the ultimate goal. Thus, in order for the state of Nirvana to be achieved, a person is to engage in self-reflection, manage throughs and behaviors, and be mindful in regard to cravings. Since Buddhism does not imply the presence of an omnipotent entity in charge of natural processes and humans, it is ones own journey to achieve total clearness of heart while following the four truths. Moreover, it is fascinating that instead of reaching a palpable and existing fulfillment, the teachings imply that ultimate happiness is exemplified through a clear state of mind. Nirvana being an experience and a feeling rather than a place, illustrates that each individual can be pleased without needing the perfect environment but a mindful soul. The approach is somewhat objective, yet it implies the subjective actions of each individual to reach the goal. This may be exemplified as a psychological effort in terms of avoiding stress or anxiety by constructing an imaginary safe place. Since a person experiencing severe anxiety does not necessarily have to find a quiet place to calm down but may have the same effect through using imagination, breathing techniques, and focus on mindfulness, the external environment becomes redundant. In terms of my personal experience, I can make a parallel between the concept of Nirvana and meditation. Meditation helped me when I was anxious and I tried to relax by being mindful and clearing my mind. Despite not leaving the place where I felt stressed in the first place, the mental relaxation has alleviated the symptoms. Such a concept is particularly effective when it comes to giving people a tool to deal with outside triggers when not being able to escape them physically. Since an escape can be mental rather than psychical, the notion directly correlates with that of Nirvana.
Conclusion
Buddhism is a philosophy with well-defined concepts such as the state of Nirvana, reincarnation, Karma, and the Four Noble Teachings. The central notion that suffering is inevitable, yet mindfulness clears the mind from pain, is at the core of this religion. Moreover, the distinctive element within Buddhism is the idea that an individual is to reach spiritual awakening while solely relying on personal efforts and the aim to diminish the influence of cravings such as material gains, lust, and pleasure. Thus, the overall goal is to be conscious and selfless through self-control, conscious behavior, and humility. From this perspective, Buddhism highlights the importance of liberation that does not depend on an environment or an outside force but is in the hand of the individual aiming for Nirvana. As a result, Buddhism encourages people to be in control of their lives and experience life as a connection between deeds and the future.
Works Cited
Fisher, Mary Pat, and Robin Rinehart. Living Religions. 10th ed., Pearson Publications, 2017.
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