Buddhism Escapist Religion Essay

Buddhism: Escapist Religion?
Buddhism, as noted in the text, Honoring Our Neighbor’s Faith, is the major religion in most of Asia. Similar to other world religions, Buddhism is practiced in various ways which often reflect on the culture in which it is practiced. All forms of Buddhism are, however, based on the teachings of Gautama Buddha, a prince from an area around Nepal, who left home in search of the meaning behind life and suffering (Farlee, Gardner, & Schmitz, 1999, p. 14). Some people may argue that Buddha left home to escape the suffering around him, but to label Buddhism as an escapist religion is incorrect in my opinion.
Escapism is defined in the American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language as “the tendency to escape from

daily reality or routine by indulging in daydreaming, fantasy or entertainment”. Gautama Buddha had a wife and baby when he decided to go off in search of spiritual answers and he spent time studying with religious teachers before deciding he needed to go off by himself to meditate, leading to his enlightenment (Farlee et al., 1999, p.

15). Buddha taught that all people experience disappointment and suffering in life due to their attachments to people, objects, and ideas but that this suffering can be overcome by following the “Eight-Fold Path”. Although meditation is part of this path, many other aspects are required to develop spiritual understanding. Buddha’s idea that all people have a “spark of the Divine”(Farlee et al., 1999, p. 16) may cause some to believe that the religion is a form of fantasy, but on further examination of the teachings, this Buddha-nature requires putting aside personal desires in order to care more deeply for the needs of others. The steps outlined in Buddhist teaching: understanding religious teachings concerning truth and reality, striving for righteousness, behaving in a manner that is kind, compassionate and truthful, perseverance in focusing on the here and now and clearing the mind of all but goodness and truth mirror the teachings of other religions; kindness, goodness, patience, and self-control are some of the “fruit of the spirit” listed in the Bible in Galatians 5:23 as well as the commandments not to steal or lie in the Ten Commandments. It is true that all humankind undergoes stress and suffering at different times

throughout life and that dwelling on one’s own suffering can multiply the feelings of depression, anger, self pity, and loneliness. The ability to persevere and clear the mind as described in the concentration portion of the Eight-Fold Path can allow introspection that can put things in perspective. Of course the idea that all suffering can be eliminated is unrealistic, however the ability to take the focus from one’s self and take a broader look at the problems that others are dealing with can lead to the realization that someone always has it worse than you and by showing compassion to all, one can develop a deeper feeling of spiritual calm. Although I never really thought of suffering as being a result of selfish desires, I can understand the teaching. We live in a very materialistic world where it seems as though happiness for some is just one more game, car, or expensive purse. Perhaps the ability to live a simpler life and pay attention to all that we already have instead of what we do not have, would lead to ascertainment of spiritual enlightenment.
There are many people that believe that any form of religion is a form of escapism. I believe however, that faith and compassion for others does lead to a more peaceful and happier existence. The ability to set aside time to withdraw from the hustle and bustle of the world around you through meditation leads to a renewing of the spirit and sense of tranquility.