Buddhism: The Positive Influence Of Buddhism In The World

In the 21st century, there are a large variety of religions. Everywhere we look, there is a church for every denomination less than five miles away from each other. The religions differ based on the figure they honor and the beliefs that come with it. For example, some religions require prayer multiple times a day while other religions only require weekly mass. There are many eastern traditions that have been around more than 2,000 years. I would like to focus on the Buddhism religion. This religion has been around since the 563 BCE and originated in Nepal. Siddhartha Gautama was the founder of Buddhism. Siddhartha was also known as Buddha. Buddhists do not worship Buddha and do not have a figure whom they pray to. Buddha was born into a royal

Our society is focused on wealth. Especially in the area where we attend college, we always see Ferrari’s or Mercedes-Benz. Even when students pick their major, they focus on the major that can help them make millions and own the largest house in the neighborhood. Everything is about money. In Hollywood, we see individuals making millions of dollars, buying the most expensive jewelry in the world, but they suffer from depression. Buddhism is focused on happiness and meditation. Not many people are focused on the wealth of their soul. In other words, people are not focused on their well being, they are focused on what other people think of their well being. Buddhism could be a positive role in the 21st century if people took the time to realize what happiness is. If some realized that money brings depression and greed, people would be looking for jobs that make them happy instead of paying their Mercedes-Benz car bill. It is interesting to know that most of the countries whom practice Buddhism are very poor. This could be because they are concentrated more on their soul than

Suffering is part of life. Life includes death, sickness, misfortunes, embarrassment, and many disappointments. But if people focus on the happiness that life brings, these sorrows will not consume their life. This is similar to the euthanasia issue. Life is about suffering. Life is about letting your religious figure take over and do what they want to do with your life. I would imagine that Buddhists are pro life since they understand that life brings your troubles but you have to deal with the consequences and be happy. Taking the life of a human is considered death without the opportunity to follow Buddha and his teachings. This teaching in our society is very relevant. Especially with diseases and sicknesses, we notice that people suffer. I know in Catholicism, we believe that suffering is your way of getting into Heaven. Many of the people who have cancer and are dying, usually have a shorter time in purgatory and get into Heaven faster since they suffered on Earth. Suffering is a positive aspect on our society because it shows us that we have to suffer if we want to follow our religious leader. It is similar to the Jesus Christ’s apostles. They suffered but later found happiness while finding their savior. This is just like Buddhists who look up to Buddha. Like I said earlier, they do not worship Buddha but they look at him as a role model because he put his life on hold so he could find happiness