Why Buddhism
Hello, to welcome the new blog and your feedback about it, I want to recap on “why Buddhism”?
I grew up as a Christian, got baptised and went to the confirmation, e.g. became a full member of the church. Why? Because that is what we used to do. My parents and grand parents have done it and it was a natural part for me. Over time I noticed that I agree with the values but that most of the church activities are not fitting into my life. I started questioning what role “God” could play for me. So I became an atheist.
Can you really become an atheist? Are we all born atheists? I am not sure, but church wasn’t “cool” anymore and I went to the USA for an exchange year. Now, church had to be “in” again as I was living the Mid-West. No way I could have not gone to church every Sunday. However, I only prayed if I felt lonely or was scared. I thought to myself, that is not why I am a Christian.
So lets put it behind us I thought, I think the 10 commandments are great and I believe in the Christian principles, the Christian way of life but for me, I don’t need to go to church to practise to be a good kid, do I?
I came across various religions but Buddhism had a fascination for me. It was a way of life, a way of a moral life and develop a wisdom and understanding of “what’s out there”. It is about being mindful, aware of your thoughts and actions. Wow, that is what I was looking for. This is the idea I had, my personal development plan to be aware of what I do, how I do it and why I am doing it. I had a reason for things now, and if I didn’t, I had to find one.
Buddhism helped me to find a purpose in life and made me understand the purpose of every living being. It gives me guidance to pure happiness, teaches me patience and makes me happy on the way. I care less about my “luxury and my material values” but more about myself, my partner, my other living beings that surround me. Particularly with my first child to be born this year. Happiness for him, my family is priority number one.
Buddhism is placed around 4 noble truths:
1) life is suffering – Buddhism teaches you how to avoid it.
2) suffering is caused by craving and aversion – Buddhism helps you!
3) suffering can be overcome and happiness can be attained
4) There is a Noble 8-fold path that leads to the end of suffering. Being moral, focusing the mind on being aware of your thoughts and actions, developing wisdom by understanding the 5 noble truths and developing compassion for others.
Also Buddha suggested 5 precepts:
1) not to take the life of anything living
2) not to take anything not freely given
3) to abstain from sexual misconduct an sensual overindulgence
4) refrain from untrue speech
5) avoid intoxication (losing mindfulness)
That sums up my moral thoughts and my personal development – Buddhism helps me to combine my utterly drive to help others, to eliminate mine and other suffering plus my drive for personal development and happiness. Living by the above helps me to become who I am set out to be.
You find a lot of studies and questions answered on the “Buddhanet” .
