Buddhism is a practice which teaches the path to the truth. Attaining this truth is what the Buddhists know as enlightenment or awakening. Moreover, Everyone wants to find out the truth about life. As a result, most people go through different paths just to find the truth. These paths include most especially religion and philosophy.
This is why most religious bodies drag which is superior to the other. That is to say, each religion believes that their teachings are true. As a result, they try to convert others. Most especially because they believe they are bringing them closer to salvation.
Although recently there is a rise in the number of people who are religious freethinkers. However, it is not uncommon to find that most people who are born into a religion, lives the religion and dies the religion.
As the number of freethinkers grows, more people consider the practice of Buddhism. These are mostly scholars. They are liberal and open to new ideas. Most importantly, they believe that there is more to life than just
Therefore, on this page, we are going to discuss the reasons why Buddhism is real. Also, these are Buddhist beliefs. And, you should give them appropriate thoughts. After all, the Buddha teaches that one should only accept his teachings if it agrees with his experience.
Thus, why Buddhism is real:
Buddhism Is A Practice That Leads To Self-realization
The basic teachings of Buddhism are quite simple to understand. Simply be present within yourself and show kindness to others. Moreover, being present within oneself is experiencing reality.
Buddhists achieve this level of self-awareness through their various practical activities. For example, through meditation, Buddhist rituals, and other practices. On the same note, Buddhism is more of a path to understanding one’s true nature.
As a result, Buddhism concerns mostly about the basic goodness of a human being. Never intentionally do anything to hurt another. Instead, do whatever you can to help your neighbors.
Above all, in Buddhism, there is no need to struggle against nature. Whatever you experience is clear. As a result, all you need to do is understand and adapt to your experiences.
Practicing Buddhism leads to Self-realization. And, experiencing your own true nature is a step closer to what is real. This is the basis of the practice of Buddhism.
In Buddhism, You Can Choose To Believe Anything You Wish
Buddhism is not rigid. It also does not present an already laid down rules which you must follow. Therefore, in Buddhism, you choose to accept the teachings of the Buddha. Most importantly, your acceptance depends on whether your experience conforms with the teachings.
If by chance you find any of the Buddhist teachings to be false, then the teachings will have to go through a revision. This is how flexible Buddhism can be.
Moreover, the Buddha himself made it clear that his teachings are open to doubt. So, if you doubt any of his teachings, then you should go with your doubt. And, until you find out for yourself that the teachings are real, do not accept.
All these suggest that you have the right to question all the practices of Buddhism. Experiment on them and draw your conclusions. As a result, whatever you find comes from within you. And, you know for yourself that it is your own findings. Therefore, your acceptance of Buddhism is totally your choice. And, what you believe or do not believe is in your hands.
Buddhism allows you the free will to accept things after you confirm that it is real. The practice is therefore transparent. Unlike most practices with laid down systems which you must follow without questions. As a result, Buddhism is real because it involves you fully.
No One Is Superior In Buddhism
In Buddhism, there is no leader who dictates what should be done or not. As a matter of fact, Buddhists see leadership as service. That is to say, serving others is the best form of leadership.
It is only the selfish and proud ones that try to lead without service. This does not apply to Buddhism. However, Buddhists will grin at any Buddhist teacher who shows a sign of pride. Of course, he will do well to change his actions.
Hence, the Buddhist teachers are the most humble and down to earth. They try as much as they can to guide you through the practice of Buddhism. This is especially when you are new to Buddhism. And, you are making inquiries.
This is the reason why Buddhists tends to develop a strong sense of community. As the monks and nuns are important, so also the lay community. That is to say, everyone has a role to play in Buddhism.
Thus, Buddhism makes you important. Since you have a role in the community. Therefore, you are not just a follower. But, also a participant. Nothing sounds more real than this.
Buddhists Do Not Have A God They Worship
Buddhism is a non-theistic system of practice. This means that Buddhists do not buy the idea of an all-powerful being that controls everything. Or, that decides what happens or not. This is where most freethinkers drift from other theistic religions.
The followers of the Buddha do not see him as a god either. Moreover, Buddha is a name for one who attained enlightenment. As a result, anyone can equally be a Buddha.
Gautama (Buddha) sought the means to end human sufferings. After he found the truth through awakening he shared his findings. And, he is as much a human being as every one of us. Further, his path is what any human who wishes can follow. For this reason, the Buddha is not worshipped.
However, the Buddhists revere him. Therefore, when they bow to his image, they only do it in respect. It is a sign of appreciation for the path he provided.
Above all, the Buddha’s path to end suffering is no divine path. Instead, it is a clear path existing even before the Buddha. Although he discovered it. Consequently, even without the Buddha, the path of Buddhism will still be.
It All Lies In Your Hands
Buddhism teaches that we face the reality of life equally. That is to say, no savior is coming for anyone. And, there is no hiding under anyone’s saving grace. However, we have all it takes to fight through for ourselves.
As a result, whatever you do to draw closer to awakening, you have to do only you. This means that the Buddha even in his sanctity cannot save you. Or, even help you with your journey.
On the same note, if the Buddha who is a human can do it alone, then you can do it as well. This will motivate you to take charge of your life. Instead of waiting for a savior to decide on your life.
There is a feeling of comfort when you know that you are in full charge of your salvation. More comfort when you know that it is possible to do it all by yourself. However, you can always get help from the teachers of Buddhism. These are persons who are likely to have gone further in the path. Moreover, the Buddha’s teachings are there for everyone.
Suffering Is The Enemy
The major goal of Buddhism is how to quench human suffering. And, when we achieve this, we will be able to enter into unending happiness. As a result, there is a need to understand the truth about human sufferings.
The truth of human sufferings lies in the Buddhist four noble truth. And, these include:
The First Noble Truth: Life abounds in suffering. That is to say, once you exist in life you will always suffer. This can be in the forms of sickness, diseases, pain, or death. On the other hand, it could be internal in the forms of fear, anger, disappointment, or frustration.
The Second Noble Truth: The Buddha
The Third Noble Truth: There is a possible end to human sufferings. And, when our sufferings end, we will attain happiness. Most of all, we can achieve this by letting go of desires that are not beneficial. That is to say, do not live in the lost past or desired future. However, live in the present as it unveils.
The Fourth Noble Truth: The path to end human suffering is the Noble Eightfold Path. This where the Buddha introduced the practical means to attain absolute happiness.
The four noble truth is just the summary of the Buddha’s findings on human sufferings. Most importantly, the Buddha did not just give us hope that sufferings will end on its own. Instead, he provided a practical solution for us. As a result, we can confidently work towards the end of our personal sufferings.
Buddhists Do Not Solicit For Followers
Buddhism gives room for everyone to participate. The teachings of the Buddha is clear and available to all. So, if you develop an interest at any time, you can always try it out. This is how most people who practice Buddhism today started out.
Moreover, this is why many freethinkers develop an interest in Buddhism. It allows everyone to come by on his own. And, there is no campaign for followers.
Therefore, at any time you decide to practice Buddhism, it is at your own free will. Above all, the teachings of the Buddha reminds us of the need for our understanding. That is to say, you have to understand before accepting the teachings. This understanding comes from your experiences. Consequently, there is no blind followership in Buddhism.
Buddhism Does Not Pass Judgment On “Nonbelievers”
For a Buddhist everyone is already suffering. This suffering comes from human desires and cravings. And, they deprive us of our happiness.
What more punishment is greater than lack of happiness. So, there is no going to hell to suffer for your wrongdoings. Instead, one should work hard to defeat suffering. The end result of this is everlasting happiness. Once you attain awakening, you will get to this point. And, Buddhists call this point nirvana.
A Buddhist would rather focus on his path to awakening. And, also supports others who need help whether on the same path or not. By doing so, he is promoting his inner peace.
Buddhism Is Not Escaping From Reality
While people may think that Buddhism is a means to escape the world. It is very far from that. As a Buddhist, you have to perform all duties expected of you in society. To clarify, the Buddha made it clear that we are all part of our environment.
As a result, we have to treat our surroundings as part of us. So, while you practice Buddhism, try to contribute positively in any way you can to society.
Do good to everyone. However, as you do all these, do not get attached to it. This is because attachment can bring about suffering.
Summarily, as a Buddhist, you have to live actively in the society. But, do not lose your identity. Nor, live in superiority to others.
Buddhists Do Not Consider Themselves The “True Practice”
In Buddhism, there is no better path to salvation than the other. As a result, Buddhists do not see themselves as superior or inferior to any other practice. Instead, they focus on personal kindness and compassion.
After all, other practices are also paths to salvation. And, they teach a lot of good things. The most important thing is that they mean well for you and your neighbors.
Whether you follow a religion or you are atheistic, Buddhists do not regard that. For as long as it concerns Buddhism, everyone is equal. Hence, the teachings focus on basic human kindness. And, the need not to deliberately hurt others.
In conclusion
We may have seen why the practice Buddhism is real. However, this is not in comparison to other practices and belief systems. This page just contains the reasons why freethinkers are likely to consider Buddhism.
In Buddhism, there is no
In summary, what Buddhism wants is for everyone to attain true happiness. And, also experience inner peace.
