Now imagine we would meet The Buddha somewhere on the road.
Nowadays, what would we say to him?
I’d surely ask if he could offer some comment on the state of us humans and the state of the world. And if he maybe would have some advise for us how to tackle all those big challenges like wars and terrorism and hate-speech and discrimination and racism and the raise of right wing politicians and hair-raising temperatures, overpopulation and mass migration, micro-plastics, hate crimes and facebook and X and all the rest.
(I hope i did not forget something)
What do you think Buddha would say?
Well, my guess is:
Probably he would simply say nothing. Not a word!
Just look at us with his serene gaze, his outer-worldly compassion and smile his slight, seemingly all-knowing smile.
Or possibly, he would actually say something like:
“Don’t worry, it will all change anyway. Like everything, even that will change.
You’ll see.”
Surely this would blow my mind ; )
Or – maybe – he would be stern with us.
Just the Buddhist Teacher we’d expect.
More Zen than compassion, he’d say:
“Haven’t you read your Buddhist text books amigos?
There it is clearly written that life is suffering. And there is no way around it in the outer world. You come, you live, you enjoy what you can, you suffer, then you die.
And repeat.
Until …..
Well, i am not really a Buddhist but i must say I like this guy! Always liked his story and his teachings.
Who is this Buddha, anyway?
Siddhartha Gautama, who later became known as the Buddha, was born around 563 BC in Lumbini, present-day Nepal. He was the son of King Suddhodana and Queen Maya. According to legend, his birth was accompanied by auspicious signs, and a seer predicted that he would become either a great king or a holy man.
In an effort to protect Siddhartha from the suffering and hardships of the world, his father the King provided him with a luxurious and sheltered upbringing. In the palace Siddhartha was shielded from the realities of aging, sickness, and death.
Despite his privileged lifestyle, Siddhartha’s curiosity led him to sneak out of the palace. On four separate occasions, he encountered an old man, a sick person, a corpse, and finally, a wandering ascetic. These sights deeply affected him, prompting him to contemplate the nature of the suffering he saw and the impermanence of life.
Disturbed by the realities he had witnessed, Siddhartha made the decision to renounce his princely life in search of a solution to human suffering. At the age of 29, he left the palace, saying farewell to his wife Yasodhara and infant son Rahula.
Siddhartha joined a group of ascetics and engaged in severe austerities and extreme self-mortification for six years. However, he found that such practices did not lead to the understanding he sought and left him weakened and emaciated.
He decided to abandon extreme asceticism and began practicing mindfulness meditation under a Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya (which is now in the the Northern Indian state of Bihar).
On the night of the full moon in May, he attained enlightenment, realizing the Four Noble Truths and gaining profound insights into the nature of suffering, its causes, and the path to liberation.
With his newfound understanding, Siddhartha became the Buddha, which means “the awakened one” or “the enlightened one.” For the next 45 years, he traveled across northern India, teaching his insights and establishing a community of followers known as the Sangha.
The Buddha spent the remainder of his life teaching and guiding followers. At the age of 80, he passed away in Kushinagar, near the border with Nepal.
But really, i don’t actually think he would be so unkind and judge us for our ignorance.
It’s not for nothing that he spent 45 years on the road, sharing his understandings about life and enlightenment / liberation from suffering.
[ Surely everything i will be writing here can be found in countless books about Buddhist Philosophy and Spirituality.
But i will try to share a summary of what makes sense to me, what i have found useable and what serves me as practical guardrails in the impermanence of life ]
Obviously the teachings primarily focus on personal transformation, on the nature of suffering, and the path to enlightenment.
While Buddha would probably not specifically address contemporary global issues, his teachings can offer insights and guidance on how we mere mortals can approach the problems in a constructive manner. Consciously respond to a problem that we face, rather than unconsciously reacting to it.
Some principles from the teachings can be relevant in any situation and can be applied to any challenge we encounter:
Compassion: Buddha emphasized compassion for all living beings. In the face of global problems, fostering a sense of compassion and empathy can be a powerful force for positive change. Understanding the interconnectedness of all life can inspire us to work towards the well-being of others.
Mindfulness: He taught the importance of being present in the moment and cultivating mindfulness. When addressing current issues, we can strive to approach problems with clear awareness, understanding the root causes, and responding skillfully rather than reacting impulsively.
Non-Attachment: Buddha taught the concept of non-attachment, emphasizing the idea that clinging to desires and attachments leads to suffering. Applying this principle to our contemporary issues, we might seek to engage with problems and challenges with a sense of responsibility and commitment, while also maintaining a certain level of detachment from personal desires and ego.
Right Action: The Eightfold Path, a central aspect of Buddhist teachings, includes the principle of “Right Action.” This involves acting in ways that are ethical, responsible, and conducive to the well-being of oneself and others. Applying the principles of right action to global issues encourages us to make choices that promote justice, equality, and environmental sustainability.
Mindful Consumption: Buddha encouraged mindful consumption and moderation. In the context of today’s global challenges, we as individuals can be mindful of our consumption patterns, making choices that are environmentally sustainable and contribute to the well-being of society and the world as a whole.
I feel that those principles are so common sense that they could be useful for any person of good will, even without any deeper “spiritual” ambitions.
And this change of attitude would already transform the world around us in many ways.
Not to mention ….. we ourselves are transformed when seriously applying such core principles.
But for Buddha, i guess this would just be the beginning of answering to the fundamental questions of human life.
His teachings can be seen as philosophical but they are actually also very practical, very connected to life as we experience it.
Immediately after his “enlightenment” he formulated his understandings in The Four Noble Truths, his core teaching.
The Four Noble Truths provide a framework for understanding the nature of human existence and the path to liberation from suffering.
The Truth of Suffering: This truth acknowledges the existence of suffering in life. Suffering is a universal experience that includes physical and mental and emotional pain, dissatisfaction, and the impermanence of all things.
The recognition of suffering is the starting point of the Buddha’s teachings.
The Truth of the Cause of Suffering: The second truth identifies the origin or cause of suffering, which is often referred to as craving or attachment.
It is the desire for pleasure, existence, and non-existence that leads to clinging and grasping, ultimately resulting in suffering.
The Truth of the Cessation of Suffering: This truth suggests that there is an end to suffering. By eliminating the causes of suffering, specifically craving and attachment, it is possible to attain a state of liberation where suffering ceases and the real life begins.
The Truth of the Path to the Cessation of Suffering: The fourth truth outlines the Eightfold Path as the means to end suffering.
The Eightfold Path consists of ethical and mental guidelines that lead to right understanding, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration.
The Four Noble Truths provide a comprehensive framework for understanding the nature of existence and the path to liberation from suffering. The Buddha emphasized that by recognizing the reality of suffering, understanding its causes, realizing its cessation, and following the Eightfold Path, individuals can attain enlightenment and break free from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.
If this sounds philosophical or even technical to you ….. hold on a moment!
Just observe life, observe yourself, go beyond the distraction of life to find out what’s actually going on here, underneath the surface ; )
Now, dear Buddha – you could say – why are you so hung up with suffering all the time?
There is also quite a lot of enjoyment here to be had, right? And exciting experiences too!
The concept of the Truth of Suffering (Dukkha) is fundamental to Buddha’s teachings. The Sanskrit language term “Dukkha” is often translated as “suffering” or “unsatisfactoriness,” but it encompasses also a broader range of human experiences that are marked by impermanence, dissatisfaction, and the inherent challenges of existence.
Physical Suffering: This aspect refers to the pain and discomfort inherent in the human condition. Physical suffering includes experiences such as illness, aging, and the inevitable decay of the body. The recognition of physical suffering is a starting point for understanding the broader nature of Suffering.
Mental or Psychological Suffering: Suffering also encompasses mental or psychological suffering, which includes feelings of stress, anxiety, sadness, and dissatisfaction. The mind’s constant craving, aversion, and restlessness contribute to this form of suffering. Even in moments of pleasure, there is an awareness of the impermanence of such experiences, leading to a sense of unsatisfactoriness.
Existential Suffering: Beyond immediate physical and mental discomfort, Suffering includes a deeper existential dimension. This aspect recognizes the fundamental unsatisfactoriness of worldly existence, marked by the constant cycle of birth, aging, sickness, and death. The inability to find lasting happiness or fulfillment in the conditioned world is an essential aspect of existential suffering.
Impermanence: Central to the understanding of Suffering is the concept of impermanence. The Buddha taught that all things are in a state of constant flux and change. Nothing in the world, including our experiences and relationships, is permanent. The failure to recognize and accept impermanence leads to attachment, craving, and, ultimately, suffering.
Attachment and Craving: The Buddha identified attachment and craving as the root causes of suffering. Craving for pleasure, existence, and non-existence creates a cycle of desire and clinging that perpetuates the unsatisfactory nature of existence. Breaking free from these attachments is crucial for overcoming Suffering.
The Wheel of Samsara: The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, known as Samsara, is a central aspect of the Truth of Suffering. According to Buddha’s teachings, individuals are trapped in this cycle due to ignorance, craving, and clinging. Breaking free from Samsara is a key goal in the pursuit of liberation from suffering.
Well, the way i nowadays understand it, the “Truth of Suffering in Buddhism” is actually not a pessimistic dark view of life but rather a realistic recognition of the varied forms of suffering inherent in human existence.
When we look at the news or read works of the world’s literature it is obvious that things are not always as well as we make we often want to make them.
The suffering underneath the surface includes physical, mental, and existential dimensions, and The Truth of Suffering emphasizes the impermanence of all things and the role of attachment and craving in perpetuating suffering.
Acknowledging the Truth of Suffering is the first step on the path to enlightenment, leading to a deeper understanding of the nature of existence and the means to overcome suffering.
But, but ….. Buddha!, I say, impermanence and constant change, unpredictability and the circle of life and death are just the facts of nature.
Animals kill, trees die, galaxies collide, this is nature’s way.
Pain is natural.
And we humans are part of nature.
Where then does the suffering come from that we people experience?
You are right, says the Buddha. Pain is not suffering, impermanence is not really a problem in itself.
It is how we humans respond to it, that makes us suffer.
Simply speaking, suffering arises from craving or thirst for somethig else than what is, it is rooted in a dissatisfaction with the current state of existence.
According to the teaching, this craving takes three forms: craving of the senses, craving for existence, and craving for non-existence.
The Truth of the Cause of Suffering is the second of the Four Noble Truths in Buddhism. It addresses the origin or source of suffering, providing insight into the underlying conditions that lead to the cycle of dissatisfaction, pain, and mental distress.
Craving : The central cause of suffering, according to the Buddha, is craving or thirst.
Craving arises from a fundamental dissatisfaction with the way things are. It is the desire for sensual pleasures, existence, or non-existence.
Craving can manifest in various forms, such as craving for pleasure, wealth, power, or even spiritual attainment.
The Buddha categorized craving into three main forms:
Sensual Craving: The desire for sensory pleasures, including those related to sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell. This form of craving is often associated with attachment to pleasurable experiences.
Craving for Existence: The desire for continued existence, whether in this life or future lives. It involves attachment to the idea of a lasting and meaningful self or identity.
Craving for Non-Existence: The desire to escape or avoid certain experiences, leading to the wish for annihilation or non-existence. This form of craving can arise from a desire to escape suffering or the fear of facing challenging situations.
Dependent Origination: The Buddha presented the concept of Dependent Origination to explain how suffering arises. It describes a chain of twelve interrelated links, beginning with ignorance and leading to birth, aging, and death. Craving is a crucial link in this chain, connecting feeling, clinging, becoming, and other factors that contribute to the perpetuation of suffering.
[ Since i don’t fully understand this concept, i will leave it up to you dear reader to research it further ]
Ignorance: At the root of craving is ignorance, specifically ignorance of the true nature of reality. Ignorance involves misunderstanding the impermanence, unsatisfactoriness, and non-self nature of phenomena. This ignorance leads to craving, which, in turn, perpetuates the cycle of birth, suffering, and death.
Cessation of Craving: The Buddha taught that the cessation of suffering is possible through the cessation of craving. By understanding and eliminating craving, individuals can break the cycle of dependent origination and achieve liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
Nibbana – Nirvana – the ultimate goal in Buddhism is a state of liberation from suffering.
Nirvana is characterized by the cessation of craving, ignorance, and the extinguishing of the fires of greed, hatred, and delusion.
Nirvana is actually not a state away from life, but a enlightened state to be fully alive with open eyes, no illusions, no ignorance.
Fully here and now
It is hard to explain, paradox, actually.
Thanks and – honestly dear Buddha – forgive me but i am getting a little antsy with your long explanations. ; )
Can we skip the Third Truth for now and jump to the practical solution for our suffering-dilemma please?
Ok – Buddha laughs out loud – shortcuts you want!
Well, your choice but it will haunt you one day, you’ll see!
[ I confess my impatience here! But i think this is where Buddha’s Teaching become real practical, real juicy. Things we can do that will make a difference ; ) ]
The Truth of the Path to the Cessation of Suffering is the fourth of the Four Noble Truths in Buddhism.
It outlines the Eightfold Path, which is the practical guide to achieving the cessation , the ending of of suffering.
The Eightfold Path represents a comprehensive framework for ethical and mental development, leading to the cultivation of wisdom, ethical conduct, and mental discipline.
Right Understanding: The first factor of the Eightfold Path is Right Understanding. It involves a clear comprehension of the Four Noble Truths, the nature of suffering, its causes, its cessation, and the path leading to its cessation. Right Understanding is the foundation for the entire path.
Right Intention: The second factor, Right Intention, is about cultivating wholesome and ethical intentions.
It involves the discipline to renounce harmful thoughts, cultivating goodwill, and developing an intention to free oneself and others from suffering.
Right Speech: Right Speech involves abstaining from false speech, divisive speech, harsh speech, and idle chatter.
It encourages truthful, harmonious, and beneficial communication.
Right Action: Right Action relates to ethical conduct.
It involves refraining from killing, stealing, and engaging in sexual misconduct. Right Action encourages behavior that is compassionate, honest, and respectful.
Right Livelihood: Right Livelihood addresses the ethical nature of one’s livelihood or occupation.
It encourages us to engage in work that does not harm others and is in line with principles of compassion and a general morality.
Right Effort: Right Effort involves making a diligent and sustained effort to cultivate positive qualities and eliminate negative ones.
This includes developing mindfulness, concentration, and wholesome mental states.
Right Mindfulness: Right Mindfulness is the cultivation of focused and aware attention to the present moment.
It involves being fully present in one’s thoughts, feelings, and actions, leading to a deeper understanding of the nature of existence.
Right Concentration: The eighth and final factor, Right Concentration, involves the development of focused and concentrated mental states through practices such as meditation. Right Concentration aims to cultivate a calm and unified mind, leading to insight and liberation.
The Eightfold Path is often visualized as a wheel, symbolizing the path to liberation from suffering.
The factors of the path are interconnected, and the cultivation of each factor contributes to the development of the others.
Practitioners of Buddha’s Teachings are encouraged to integrate these principles into their daily lives, recognizing that the path is not a linear progression but a holistic approach to ethical and mental development.
The Eightfold Path is a lifelong journey
of self-discovery and transformation.
Wow, dear Buddha! This all makes quite a lot of sense to me, i must say.
And if i would not be quite so satisfied by just being me, myself & I, i would probably aspire to become a follower of your path ; )
So , one more question we’d like to ask you before we let you go your ways ….
Is your teaching – which is now called Buddhism – is this actually a religion?
Again, The Buddha laughs his hearty laugh.
“Very good question!!!”
The short answer is, Buddhism is often referred to as a religion, a philosophy, and a way of life, and it can encompass aspects of all three.
Yet it lacks some characteristics commonly associated with organized religions, such as a belief in a personal god or gods or the worship of those.
Many people consider Buddhism a religion because it involves a system of beliefs, ethical guidelines, rituals (such as meditation), and a moral code.
It provides a framework for understanding the nature of existence, the purpose of life, and a path to liberation from suffering. Buddhism has various traditions, schools, and practices that can be organized into a religious structure.
Buddhism is often described as a philosophical system because it offers a comprehensive analysis of human existence, suffering, and the nature of reality.
The teachings of the Buddha, particularly the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, provide a philosophical foundation for understanding and addressing the human condition.
For some, Buddhism is more accurately described as a way of life or a practical philosophy.
It offers practical guidance on how to live a compassionate, mindful, and ethical life. Meditation practices, ethical precepts, and mindfulness are central components that individuals can incorporate into their daily lives without necessarily adhering to a specific religious structure.
Buddhism is often considered a non-theistic or atheistic tradition because it does not assume a creator god.
While some branches of Buddhism incorporate deities and celestial beings into their cosmology, the focus is typically on the individual’s path to enlightenment rather than devotion to a higher power.
Great answer! Buddha, i am a fan of you already! ; )
One thing just puzzles me, i have to say.
It is this >>>
So many statues of you nowadays, so much gold!
Isn’t that some awful idol worship?
Well …. he’s not sayin’ a word.
Not a word!
Just turns
And smiles
Going to have a rest, i guess ; )
ps:
Thanks for reading & following my journey into Buddhaland 😎
In case you are interested to read & learn more about the Mindfulness Meditation originally taught by the Buddha – Samatha and Vipassana – please follow this path >>>
Dealing with the Monkey Mind / A short & sweet primer on how to meditate
How to meditate – A little bit more serious this time
