Buddhism Research Paper
Grace Greenspon
Ms. Skalkottas
English 3-4 CP
October 13, 2011
Buddhism
The main focus of Buddhism is that the faith centers on correct understanding of human nature and ultimate reality, The Buddha was also called the Enlightened One, he taught that the way to eliminate suffering begins with understanding the true nature of the world. He rejected speculation about such matters as God, the nature of the universe, and the afyterlife, urging his folloers to focus instead on the Four Noble Truths by which they can free themselves from suffering. “We do not believe that this world is created and ruled by God.” The disbelief in God does not make Buddhism an atheistic religion. The Buddha rejected the concept of the atman, or soul. In Buddhism, the purpose of life is to end suffering, the Buddha taught that Humans suffer because we continually strive after things that do not give lasting happiness. The Buddha said of death, “Life is a journey. Death is a return to earth…” (“Buddhist Beliefs”)
The word Buddhism comes from ‘budhi’, ‘to awaken.’ Its origins about 2,500 years ago when Siddhartha Gotama, known as the Buddha, was himself awakened, or enlightened, at the age of 35. Buddhism goes beyond religion and is more of a philosophy or ‘way of life’, it is a philosophy because philosophy means love of wisdom and the Buddhist path can be summed up as to lead a moral life, to be mindful and aware of thoughts and actions, and to develop wisdom and understanding. Buddhism explains a purpose of life, it explains apparent injustice and inequality around the world, an dit provides a code of practice or way of life that leads to true happiness. Buddhism gives answers to many of the problems in modern materialistic societies, it also provides a deep understanding of the human mind. Siddhartha Gotama was born into a royal family in Lumbini in 563 BC. When he was 29 he realized that wealth and luxury did not guarantee happiness, he explored the different teachings
Ms. Skalkottas
English 3-4 CP
October 13, 2011
Buddhism
The main focus of Buddhism is that the faith centers on correct understanding of human nature and ultimate reality, The Buddha was also called the Enlightened One, he taught that the way to eliminate suffering begins with understanding the true nature of the world. He rejected speculation about such matters as God, the nature of the universe, and the afyterlife, urging his folloers to focus instead on the Four Noble Truths by which they can free themselves from suffering. “We do not believe that this world is created and ruled by God.” The disbelief in God does not make Buddhism an atheistic religion. The Buddha rejected the concept of the atman, or soul. In Buddhism, the purpose of life is to end suffering, the Buddha taught that Humans suffer because we continually strive after things that do not give lasting happiness. The Buddha said of death, “Life is a journey. Death is a return to earth…” (“Buddhist Beliefs”)
The word Buddhism comes from ‘budhi’, ‘to awaken.’ Its origins about 2,500 years ago when Siddhartha Gotama, known as the Buddha, was himself awakened, or enlightened, at the age of 35. Buddhism goes beyond religion and is more of a philosophy or ‘way of life’, it is a philosophy because philosophy means love of wisdom and the Buddhist path can be summed up as to lead a moral life, to be mindful and aware of thoughts and actions, and to develop wisdom and understanding. Buddhism explains a purpose of life, it explains apparent injustice and inequality around the world, an dit provides a code of practice or way of life that leads to true happiness. Buddhism gives answers to many of the problems in modern materialistic societies, it also provides a deep understanding of the human mind. Siddhartha Gotama was born into a royal family in Lumbini in 563 BC. When he was 29 he realized that wealth and luxury did not guarantee happiness, he explored the different teachings
Cited: “Buddhist Beliefs.” Religion Facts. 2010. October 6, 2011. http://www.religionfacts.com/buddhism/beliefs.htm Brian White. “Basic Buddhism.” Buddhist Studies. 2011. October 6, 2011. http://www.buddhanet/e-learning/5minbud.htm “Buddhism: An Introduction.” PBS. October 6, 2011. http://www.pbs.org/edens/tailand/buddhism.htm