Buddhism In The Alchemist

Buddha believed that in order to live a truly satisfied life, one must follow a certain path. This idea is shown in the story The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho. In The Alchemist, a young boy, named Santiago, goes on a journey across the desert in search of his purpose in life. The religion of Buddhism states the beliefs that everyone should lead a moral life,meaning that all things are equal and the teachings of the Four Noble truths. The four noble truths consist of (are) suffering, craving, overcoming these temptations and ending all suffering. The Alchemist uses these Buddhist beliefs along with references from the Christian Bible. Although Christianity is important in(to) the story, Buddhism has the greater impact.

One reason why Buddhism is the main religion in the Alchemist, is the connection of the four noble truths. First, according to Mr.Honeycutt in World religions, the four noble truths are the path to the end of suffering (Mr.Honeycutt). The Four noble truths are the basis of the Buddhist belief. The four parts are suffering,

craving, cure to overcoming cravings, and ending all suffering by taking the eightfold path. Suffering can hold people back but there’s a simple way out of the suffering. Likewise, in The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, the Crystal Merchant desires to see Mecca but decides he would rather continue to suffer instead of ruining his dreams of what Mecca would look like. Like the second step, the Merchant continues to suffer because of the cravings he has for Mecca (54-55). The Buddhist believe in following the four noble truths to end their suffering, but the Crystal Merchant does not complete the path of the four noble truths..

Another reason buddhism relates the most to the alchemist is the belief that all living things are equal. According to B.A Robinson of Religious Tolerance, the principle of equality states that all living things are equal. The principle of equality is one part of a training called Sila. Sila is made up of two important principles, one of the two being the principle of equality(Robinson). This means that all living people are equal in their attitude of happiness and security. In the Alchemist this is known as “The Soul of the World”. Similarly in The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho,, Santiago also believes that all things are equal. Santiago notices that he and the sheep woke up at the same times and made him realize that they are connected(8). Both the Buddhist religion and the Alchemist discuss the theory of how everything is connected and all living things are created equivalent. The principle of equality and the soul of the world state that all entities are created the same.

The final reason why buddhism is the most connected is the theory that everyone has a purpose.

Basic Buddhism states that everyone should live a moral life and everyone has something to live for. This theory is a part of the buddhist path, this gives the idea that everyone should respect life and follow what they were made to do(Basic Buddhism). In the Alchemist this is also known as a “Personal Legend’. A Personal legend is a spiritual guide to your purpose in life. Comparably, in The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, Santiago sells all of his belongings to earn enough money to travel across the desert in search of his personal legend. Santiago has dreams that cause him to go on an adventure across the desert in order to complete his legend in hopes to live a moral life(8). Both The Alchemist and the buddhist believe that everyone has an ambition in life. To life a happy and fulfilled life, one must finish out their intentions in

life.

Although the impact of Christianity throughout the Alchemist is significant, the use of Buddhism is more notable. First, the four noble truths are used with the Crystal Merchant as he suffers due to his inevitable cravings. Secondly, the belief that all things are equal reoccurs as Santiago realizes he and the sheep have a connection and have learned to wake up at the same time. Finally Santiago shows his desire to complete his personal legend when he sells all of his belongings. Buddhism shows to live a successful life it is important to follow certain steps.