Original Buddhism

Today's Philosophy lecture was about Buddhism, and it was actually pretty amazing. When most people think Buddhism and Buddha, they think another religion. What they don't know, is they are thinking of the (somewhat) modernized religion made from the original belief system of Buddhism.You see, Buddhism was originally a belief system (not religion really) pushing against Hinduism. In fact, according to Buddha, religion (prayer, gods, and everything involved with it) got in the way and was therefore found as a hindrance.

One of the really cool parts of Buddhism though, is the Four Noble Truths:

1. This is Suffering - The Knowledge of Suffering 
(And guess what - there are three types of suffering!)

a. Suffering of suffering: this refers to the most obvious aspects like pain, fear and mental distress. 
b. Suffering of change: refers to the problems that change brings, like joy disappears, nothing stays, decay and death. 
c. All-pervasive suffering: this is the most difficult to understand aspect, it refers to the fact that we always have the potential to suffer or can get into problematic situations. Even death is not a solution in Buddhist philosophy, as we will simply find ourselves being reborn in a different body, which will also experience problems.

2. The Causes of Suffering - Why we have it

The reason that we experience suffering comes ultimately from our mind. According to Buddhism, our main mental problems or root delusions are: attachment, anger and ignorance. Because of these delusions, we engage in actions that cause problems to ourselves and others. With every negative action (karma) we do, we create a potential for negative experiences.

3. Suffering Can End - Nirvana is Peace

This is the most positive message of Buddhism: although suffering is always present in cyclic existence, we can end this cycle of problems and pain, and enter Nirvana, which is a state beyond all suffering.

The reasoning behind this Third Noble Truth is the fact that suffering and the causes of suffering are dependent on the state of our own mind, so if we can change our own mind, we can also eliminate suffering. The reasons we do actions that cause ourselves and others harm come from our delusions. When we possess the proper wisdom (conventional and ultimate), we can rid ourselves of delusions, and thus of all our problems and suffering. When this process is complete, we can leave cyclic existence and enjoy the state of Nirvana, free of problems.

4. The True Path or The Eight-Fold Noble Path

The Buddha summarized the correct attitude and actions in the Eight-fold Noble Path:

(The first 3 are avoiding the 10 non-virtues of mind, speech and body:)

1. Correct thought: avoiding covetousness, the wish to harm others and wrong views (like thinking: actions have no consequences, I never have any problems, there are no ways to end suffering etc.)
2. Correct speech: avoid lying, divisive and harsh speech and idle gossip.
3. Correct actions: avoid killing, stealing and sexual misconduct
4. Correct livelihood: try to make a living with the above attitude of thought, speech and actions.
5. Correct understanding: developing genuine wisdom.
   (The last three aspects refer mainly to the practice of meditation)
6. Correct effort: after the first real step we need joyful perseverance to continue.
7. Correct mindfulness: try to be aware of the "here and now", instead of dreaming in the "there and then".
8. Correct concentration: to keep a steady, calm and attentive state of mind.

So yeah - HEAVY STUFF :D But if you think about it, it's pretty cool! (at least to me it is) Another cool part? If you have found your inner peace and enlightenment, you too are considered a Buddha! There is not just one, anyone can be if they do it right! The power lies in ourselves!