World Religions: Buddhism

Introduction

The Buddha was not a God, but a historical person, an enlightened teacher. Over 2,500 years ago He explained the origin of the universe, without the help of a supernatural force, an explanation which corresponds very closely to today's scientific theory (The Big Bang). He believed that the God-idea has its origin in fear, when he said: “Gripped by fear men go to sacred mountains, sacred groves, sacred trees and shrines”. Even today people tend to become more religious during crises.

“Put an end to evil, fulfill all good, and purify the mind” is Lord Buddha's advice, and it is still so universal and timeless, that anyone can benefit from it, whether you are Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Taoist, or Buddhist. It is worth to note that through times Buddhism has never had a religious war. Two thousand five hundred and fifty years ago, the historical Buddha enjoyed unique circumstances for passing on his teachings. Born into a highly developed culture, he was surrounded by exceedingly gifted people. After reaching enlightenment, he shared his methods for discovering the mind for a full forty-five years. It is for this reason that his teachings, called the Dharma, are so vast. The Kanjur, Buddha´s own words, consists of 108 volumes containing 84,000 helpful teachings. Later commentaries on these, the Tenjur, amount to another 254 equally thick books. This makes Buddha´s final evaluation of his life understandable: "I can die happily. I did not hold one single teaching in a closed hand. Everything that may benefit you I have already given." His very last statement sets Buddhism apart from what is otherwise called religion: "Now, don´t believe my words because a Buddha told you, but examine them well. Be a light onto yourselves." The Buddha, based on his own experience, realized that each one of us has the capacity to purify the mind, develop infinite love and compassion and perfect understanding, and through meditation find solutions to all our problems. Buddhism does not force preset ideas on you, and furthermore all other religions are tolerated. By showing respect for another person's religion, a Buddhist demonstrates the confidence he has in the strength of his own religion. As a Buddhist you are not dominated by an all-knowing, almighty, judging power. And you are definitely not expected to blindly believe in the things you read or study about Buddhism. Lord Buddha often asked people to go out themselves and find out if what he taught was correct. For a Buddhist there is no god he can ask for forgiveness and thereafter carry on with his life as usual. He must learn to stand on his own two feet, and will pay for his mistake in either this life or the next. That fact might make it easier for you to understand, why seemingly innocent people are hit by tragedies in their lives apparently without reason. Mihintale Buddha, Sri Lanka (Photograph courtesy of www.sacredsites.com and Martin Gray) The ultimate goal of a Buddhist is to reach Nibbana (Sanskrit: Nirvana), meaning literally “extinction”, freedom from desire and thus suffering. Effectively it is an end not only to suffering and action, but also to the cycle of rebirths. This permanent, causeless, effectless, and non-compound state can be reached through mental and moral self-purification, while a person is still alive, thus making his physical death the last one. To reach Nibbana one has to fully comprehend and absorb the so-called “Four Noble Truths”.