“The mind’s like water.” It’s difficult for people to see clearly when the storm is raging. It’s easier to see things when there is calm. These words from Siddhartha Gatama are a great way to understand the teachings of this man. Many of us are so focused on finding pure happiness and a solution that we struggle with. Our uncontrolled mind is responsible for many of our problems. However, if we practice dharma, our mind can be calmed and controlled and we can find pure happiness. Chapter one of “Roots of Wisdom”, asks what makes you happy. I found Buddhism to be the most positive, encouraging, and self-loving chapter.
It is easy to grasp the idea that compassion, kindness and positive choices are possible and that we can learn skills through practice. Buddhism is considered a philosophy, a way, and not a religion by many. Meditation is a practice of Buddhism that allows one to experience a state of calm, understanding, concentration and tranquility. These meditations are a way to better understand oneself, others, life, and ourselves. Buddha suggests that we can never be truly happy with any person or thing. It is either our happiness or nothing at all. It is possible to get rid of the fear and anxiety associated with death, aging, and sickness by learning to accept that money, pleasure, and power don’t bring you lasting joy. Buddhism appeals to my sense of curiosity and simplicity. It is easy for people to make bad decisions and get trapped in the stresses of living. However, we cannot change the past. Buddha tells us to let it go and not hold on to things we cannot change. We are prone to make excuses for bad behavior or to blame past experiences for our actions. However, it can be very easy to justifiably justify these negative past experiences. The central belief of Buddhism encourages us to release any past traumas and to spread love and positivity. The Four Noble Truths form the basis of Buddhism. These Four Truths refer to the existence, cause, and end of suffering. Buddhism recognizes that all suffer. He suggested that to end suffering, we must stop living in gluttony or ignorance and live more naturally and peacefully. Anger is a result of egocentric desire. We can reduce suffering by changing how we perceive the world and think differently. The mind has tremendous potential. However, if it isn’t trained properly, it can become wild and difficult to manage. It’s easy to lose control of your mind and have anxious thoughts and fears. Buddhism teaches you to control your thoughts, to stop worrying and to meditate in order to relax. After being raised Catholic, I’m able to see the similarities as well as differences between Buddhism and Catholicism. Both religions have core values that I believe are very similar. Five Precepts of Buddhism can be compared with the Ten Commandments in Christianity. The Five Precepts of Buddhism can be compared with the Ten Commandments because they prohibit killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, lying, and intoxicants. Both religions teach us how to pray and meditate, be peaceful, not cause harm, and be compassionate. While these similarities are great, there is also a lot of difference that challenges my Catholicism. My main challenge was the fact that Buddhism does not have a God. Christians view God as the father of Jesus Christ and the figurative leader for the Christian family. He is our symbol and the perfunctory father. Buddhists believe that after one’s death, one will experience samsara. This means that one can reincarnate into any other form of life depending on what they did during that time. Christianity is challenged by this belief. Christians believe that one will be reunited with God and his loved ones when they die. Christians also believe there is hell, where sinners suffer, similar to Karma believed by Buddhists. Buddhism is open to all races, sexuality, gender, and nationalities. Traditional Catholic Church judgments those who do not follow the church’s teachings. The Buddha spoke to give suggestions on how to live life more painlessly. In Buddhism, there are no rules of living that are set by a higher being, unlike religions like Islam, Christianity, or Judaism. These religious systems require obedience and punish disobedience.
There are many things I want to do with Buddhism. It’s easy for me to wake up each morning and be overwhelmed by the tasks ahead. It’s easy to get swept away with negative thoughts, even though we don’t realize it. I don’t have to wake up every morning with negative thoughts. Instead, I can make my day more positive. My way to a happier me is by starting each day more productively and peacefully. Instead of spending time scrolling through the internet or watching TV, I could devote more time to meditation and prayer. Meditation has many advantages. Deep breathing has many positive effects. It helps to calm our mind and distract us from distractions. Deep happiness and contentment can be found within when our minds are still. A happier and healthier person would be one who can accept my past and accept what is impossible to change. Karma, another important part of Buddhism, is something I can apply in my everyday life. It’s the idea that all actions are subject to laws and therefore have a cause-and-effect relationship. You do what you want to others by doing the same thing to yourself. This precept can be a crucial element in extending kindness and fostering a spirit of generosity that will benefit all. You would never intentionally cause harm to others, even if it meant that you would ultimately be doing harm to yourself. Instead of expressing anger at someone and absorbing all of the negative energy that comes with it, let go of the negativity and let karma be the judge of justice.
I am enlightened by Buddhism every time I read it. I didn’t know much about Buddhism until I read Chapter One of the “Roots of Wisdom”. Buddhism’s teachings can be used to help people find inner peace and happiness. While many religions are built upon abstract foundations, their followers believe them to be true. It was refreshing to see that Buddhism does not discuss theories. Instead, it recognizes that all religions are based on the same source: living in a positive manner. Buddhism is all about awakening the individual, restoring their kindness and wisdom, and allowing them to live without suffering. Buddhism can be used in every day life and is beneficial for many people. This religion can be understood by almost anyone. So many people are searching for true happiness but don’t know how. If more people applied the principles and practices of Buddhism to their lives and took the time to learn what it takes, the world could be a more peaceful place. Practice positivity, encouragement and self-love will lead to calm minds and compassionate people.
