Compare And Contrast The Buddha And The Terrorist

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People are prisoners of circumstance, but these circumstances don’t have to define us. The story in The Buddha and the Terrorist exemplifies this, as it’s a story of personal change and forgiveness. While also sharing solutions to problems that face the world today. Angulimala is a man born into poverty in the lowest caste, it’s there where his problems and misunderstandings of the world are cultivated. As he grows up his experiences mold him into a man desperate for respect as his caste commands him none. Under the notion that his quest of murdering 100 people will bring him the respect he desires, he carries out a multitude of destructive acts harming many people along the way. It is not until the Buddha, meets and takes Agulimala under his wing showing him love and friendship that he comes to realize the error of his ways. Change soon after takes place in the heart of Angulimala, he becomes a monk championing the message of peace. Those who were wronged by his …show more content…

These people live in squalor being respected by nobody. The corruption of Aguimala is understandable as his life was terrible. Under the illusion that murder will change his life he set out. It's easy to understand why when his life was bad he allowed his motivations were purely circumstantial. When the Buddha shows him love and compassion for the first time in his life he breaks down into tears. By being shown the error in his ways and learning the teachings of Buddha, Angulimala is able to finally move on from his past. By doing this he no longer lets the circumstances of his life define him, moving forward his goals and passion for teaching the Buddha’s message motivated him. People grow and heal with time, our pasts don’t have to define us, if we do not allow it to. “I want you to find power within yourself. The inner power is greater than power over others.”(19), Augimala took this to heart through his

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