Buddhism is gaining popularity, particularly in Western society today, due to its promise of bringing happiness to individuals.
This raises the question: What is Buddhism? Some say it is a religion. Others say it is a philosophy, and still others say it is a way of living. None of these interpretations is wrong because Buddhism includes versatility in its teachings, allowing people to have their own conclusions. Throughout history, its teachings have been subject to numerous understandings. While some try to uphold its conservative aspects, others are thinking outside the box by applying new knowledge from science, ethics, and psychology.
Buddhism, through its teachings, provides a framework for how to pursue a path towards contentment and fulfillment. It offers a basic structure—an ethical way to approach conclusions and interpretations. In his teachings, the Buddha had one goal in mind: to teach people about the Four Noble Truths. The Four Noble Truths (suffering, cause of suffering, reducing suffering, and path to reducing suffering) address the fundamental reality of existence and help individuals cope with the challenges they face daily. This nature of reality is undeniable, and through understanding, we can manage to deal with true nature insightfully, which is referred to as Nirvana, or wisdom.
One of the notable aspects of the Buddhist teachings is how it invites seekers to “come and see” rather than blindly follow the teachings because someone else said to follow them. In the Kalama Sutta, the Buddha challenges individuals to explore beyond what has been taught by traditions and teachers. This teaching frees people from stagnation on their path and allows them to explore freely. However, just like any kind of research or exploration, Buddhism provides a framework for how to pursue this path.
The Buddha used his teachings to uncover the truth rather than calling it a discovery. It was not something created but rather something lost and found. The Buddha’s teachings address human suffering, causality, and a path to liberation. In modern times, this is often interpreted as finding happiness. However, happiness is an overused and commercialized term in the capitalistic world, and we hope this interpretation does not overshadow the essence of the Buddhist path, which is to understand the reality of life. The end of suffering does not equate to attaining total happiness; if that is the interpretation conveyed to people, it could misrepresent the true goal. Happiness can be a by-product, but it is not the ultimate aim.
The Buddhist teachings are rooted in a psychological process to understand underlying human tendencies such as lust, love, anger, and hatred, and gain insight to deal with these processes effectively. As a result, individuals can find peace and calm within the ever-changing emotional rollercoaster of life. Modern approaches to the Buddhist teachings are influenced by science and psychology, which offers unique interpretations. Buddhism is no longer seen solely as a rigorous process requiring hours, days, and months of meditation in isolation. Instead, it offers a unique perspective to allow individuals to enjoy what brings happiness and brings insight into the reality of true nature. A person can be kinder, more compassionate, and whole, while letting go of physical attachments and emotionally engaging in life. Common sense suggests that less drama in life leads to more peace, calmness, and joy. Although the goal is not to attain ultimate happiness, a true understanding of human nature can naturally bring some level of happiness.
The practice of mindfulness, which involves scanning one's body and mind, helps individuals eliminate internal and external conflicts. It is a unique practice that can be as simple or as complex as an individual desires. While modern life is filled with daily responsibilities, these teachings guide people to take a deep breath and understand the enormity of the constant change happening around them, rather than getting stuck in the uncertainties of the future or the regrets of the past. The Buddhist path is well-suited for modern individuals because it is versatile in its teachings, aligns with new knowledge, provides a framework to follow, does not require adherence to an organization, and grants the freedom to explore according to individual preferences.
The Buddhist teachings offer a promising message for modern society. They remove the burden of being part of a large organization that enforces specific rituals or guidelines. Instead, Buddhism teaches that as long as one’s actions, words, thoughts, and reactions do not negatively affect oneself or others, there is freedom to explore beyond boundaries. It is about understanding the self in every role of life.
~ Monk San ~
