Why Is Buddhism Important To The Adherent

All religions seek to simplify an individual’s life by giving them specific guidelines to follow. This is extremely important to the adherent because when investing themselves in a religion they want to be able to feel a sense of happiness and not the pressure of over complicated guidelines. Buddhism is a religion with simplistic guidelines which rely on a life free of suffering and material possessions to be happy. It has adapted to the context as times change, keeping it a dynamic religion that is easily accessible to everyone. Adherents as well as the Buddhist community continue to be significantly influenced by Buddha’s simplistic ethical teachings, specifically the Five Precepts, beliefs, such as the Eightfold Path and practices that are
These guidelines are still relevant in a modern context and are easy to follow meaning anyone can do it. The Five Precepts aid adherents in living peacefully and happily. Buddha’s Dharma, recorded in the Dhammapada and Sutta Pitaka, show adherents how to live in accordance to Buddha and teach them to abstain from harming living things, stealing, sexual misconduct, lying and intoxication. This encourages people to be good human beings and helps them overcome issues in order to reach Nirvana. The Five Precepts provide simple guidelines for Buddhists to follow and helps them better understand what is expected of them, there is also no pressure to follow complicated guidelines. Buddhism’s simplicity also means that the Dharma is not affected by changes in time context, thus keeping Buddhism a dynamic religion. The Five Precepts in Buddhism significantly influence the individual as well as the Buddhist community s they provide Buddhists with simplistic guidelines on how to live happily in accordance to Buddha’s
Meditation helps the adherent have control over their thoughts and learn to concentrate, which is vital to successfully follow the Noble Truths and reaching Nirvana. It can be done both individually in the home but also in a temple with other Buddhists, it is also a practice that has remained relevant in a modern context thus keeping Buddhism a dynamic religion. However there is the possibility that meditation may not work for the adherent, resulting in frustration which is counterproductive to the practice. Meditation gives adherents a sense of calmness and awareness of the mind, it involves the resting and clearing of the mind to cleanse oneself of egotistic thoughts and comprehend the fundamentals of Buddhism. Meditation helps adherents feel peaceful and happy through promoting wisdom, kindness, clarity, calmness; an ideal state of mind. In order to reach Nirvana adherents must have full control over their thoughts so as not to think wrongly and get bad karma or give in to desire. Meditation helps train the Buddhist’s mind to control these thoughts. The practice of Meditation is an attractive concept because it can be done individually in the home but also in a temple with the Buddhist community thus fulfilling one of the Three Jewels in strengthening the Sangha ‘I take refuge in the sangha’. Mediation is simplistic enough