My Religion: The Path Of A Mahayana Buddhist

897 Words2 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: Buddhism as a philosophy

Nathan Grakowsky
Professor Dunagan
Phil 1311 – 007
18 February 2014
I am a Buddhist
I am a Mahayana Buddhist living in Japan. We call it “the Great Vehicle” meaning we are derived from the original Theravada Buddhists, but we are philosophical and compassionate. We are compassionate and helpful towards one another for the reason of the path of Bodhisattva, for our enlightenment for one day reaching Nirvana. What in my religion is most important to me is to be a Bodhisattva. Once we reach Nirvana, instead of ending the cycle of rebirth, we answer the prayers of those who need our help; we are compassionate even in death. The family of a deceased one must also pray for an extensive time to help the process of rebirth.
We accept the Pal Canon as our sacred scripture, but we have many additions such as the Sanskrit, and the Sutras. We may not believe we have to be monastic like our Theravada elders, so we are considered the “liberal” Buddhists. The Buddha has unselfishly delayed Nirvana in perfection to help those seek enlightenment in their life and throughout it. How my religion affects my daily life is the constant helping of those one day to reach the Pure Land, a land where you see no suffering, but you must forget all suffering of the natural world. Our scriptures and Buddha tell you what you must do and seek the inspiration as you forget of your daily despairs.
Buddha is the icon of all Buddhists, meaning he is not a God, or an incarnation of God. Buddha is just a man, a mortal being who could face suffering like we can. The Buddha is therefore, not to be worshipped, only followed as he shows his guidance, and a teacher as he shows us the path of enlightenment. We have no God, but just bliss, illusion, and absolute real...

... middle of paper ...

...n countries condemn acts of homosexuality, but western cultures like America, American Buddhists accept homosexuality. Divorce is not common in Buddhism, but is not denied either. As conventional as the religion itself, so are the roles of the spouse as the women are the caretakers and the men work to support the family.
Well, we live in a modern society, so I’ve been asked what kinds of occupations are we not allowed to work. It is quite easy as we have to make reasonable and conscious decisions to avoid leaving the path of the eightfold. Buddhists are not allowed to gamble or pornography because it damages our karma when we influence and show the world that we are not supposed to be. We cannot profession in fishing, hunting, or anything in that nature as such is not allowed in our dietary supplement. We cannot be arms dealers because we do not believe in violence.

Show More
Related

  • Analysis of Buddhism Plain and Simple by Steve Hagen

    774 Words  | 2 Pages

    Analysis of Buddhism Plain and Simple by Steve Hagen The book Buddhism Plain and Simple, by Steve Hagen, caught my attention and became more interesting to me than I thought. I have always heard of the religion Buddhism, but I never knew what it was all about. I never thought that Buddhism was as huge as it is. I knew that it existed in other countries, but I never knew what exact countries. Many of the views in this book surprised me and the book taught me a lot about morals and better ways to live your life.

    Read More

  • Buddhism In America Essay

    804 Words  | 2 Pages

    Buddhism is a religion from the East that has spread to many different countries all over the world. It has spread to the West, and has had a great influence and impact, especially in America. However, the Buddhism that is practiced in the United States is not exactly the same as the one that is practiced in Asian countries. If Buddhism differs between the different traditions of the Asian countries themselves, it is obvious that it will differ greatly in America as well. However, even though there are obvious differences, it is important to maintain the core values and fundamental principles the same. This research explores how the three different types of Buddhist practitioners have adopted Buddhism in America, and it describes some differences

    Read More

  • Compare And Contrast The Mosaic Covenant From Exodus

    1442 Words  | 3 Pages

    By understanding the concepts and terminology of religious traditions it is important to understand other people 's religious experience and expression. To begin with, both Buddhism and Judaism are two different forms of religion with some similarities. Buddhist’s believe they are reborn from a previous life until they reach nirvana, which is the extinction of all desire and release from suffering. In comparison to Judaism, they believe that they are made in the likeness of God and come into the world with the capacity to choose for good or evil. Judaism follows in practicing the Ten Commandments and find happiness in other humans. Buddhist has the same opportunity in his or her life and can find fulfillment in thinking and following in the correct path. Lastly, as Buddhists do not worship a God who created and sustains the world, this makes Buddhism a non-theistic

    Read More

  • Buddhism and Christianity in the same light

    663 Words  | 2 Pages

    While Nirvana is the ultimate spiritual attainment, most ordinary Buddhists show their commitment to the Buddha through several religious practices. The basic motives behind Buddhist practices mirror with those behind the Catholic tradition (Seay (2001,p.58). Both traditions aim to create togetherness within their community by developing a sense of communion with all present through a group activity. Some of these activities include group prayer/meditation and group singing/chanting. Another motive behind some Buddhist and Catholic practices is the principle of suffering, a significant element of religious tradition. This principle was formed on the basis of the suffering endured by Saddartha Gutama and Jesus Christ and is put into practice through traditions like achieving Nirvana and Le...

    Read More

  • Buddhism versus Bartleby the Scrivener

    1769 Words  | 4 Pages

    Buddhism is currently the fourth most popular religion in our society today, following Christianity, Islam, and Hinduism. Its major ideologies are based on the philosophies of Siddhartha Guatama, also known as “Buddha”, who began his teachings in 598 BCE at the age of 35, according to Buddhist texts. A Buddhist’s foremost aspiration is the obtainment of Bodhi, or enlightenment through meditation and Anapana-sati (awareness of the breath). Buddhism shares many ideologies with India’s Hinduism and Yoga such as non-harming, non-violence, and self-awareness. In many instances, people regard Buddhism as a way of life rather than a religion, for it has no clear belief in the idea of a God or Gods. Its structure is built upon a hierarchy much like Christianity where superior orders such as Lamas or the Dalai Lama are said to be chosen by nature through the process of reincarnation rather than by a council like Christianity’s Pope. Though these “higher level” Buddhists are rare (not everyone is a reincarnation of an ancient Buddhist “priest”), all are permitted to follow “The Middle Way” either as a Buddhist monk or the simple attendance of a weekly teaching session from time to time. Throughout the last few hundred years the Buddhist population has blossomed into a healthy 381,611,000 and over fifteen different sects including Zen, Mahayana, and Theravada.

    Read More

  • Buddhism Essay

    517 Words  | 2 Pages

    Buddhism is one of the worlds major religions with 300 million followers around the world. Buddhism has many beliefs, tradition, and practices based on teachings of Siddhartha Gautama. It is a religion that doesn't involve in having a belief in a God or Gods. many people believe Buddhism is a way of life or a philosophy. Buddhists believe that Buddha is not God and he didn't say he was God, but he was a man that taught people the path to enlightenment that he learned from his own experience. Many believe that Buddhists worship statues of the Buddha, but by bowing to the Buddha statue they are paying their respect and expressing their gratitude for his teachings. There are also different types of Buddhism because it changes from country to country do to different cultures and customs. Buddhism is believed to originate in northern India in 563 BC. It is also believed that the traditions of Buddhism was taught by Siddhartha Gautama also called the Buddha meaning the enlightened one or awakened. Siddhartha Gautama was born to a rich family in Lumbini India. When Siddhartha Gautama reac...

    Read More

  • Buddhism : Buddhism And Buddhism

    1715 Words  | 4 Pages

    In other words it is up to the person. Buddhism has practices that can be adopted in our society, like practicing mediation, they have several, choosing to change your diet, like most Buddhist, they are either vegetarians or vegans. Here in America, most people that decide to take on the Buddhist practice tend to adopt the way of life actual Buddhists do, in search of happiness, clarity and self realization. People become more aware of their surroundings, and adapt to live a more environmentally lifestyle.

    Read More

  • Key Differences Between Christianity and Buddhism

    1825 Words  | 4 Pages

    Buddhists do not believe in a Supreme Being, God or Creator, though many Buddhists today worship the Buddha - the central figure of Buddhism - and his teachings. They view him as someone with a universal spirit, an essence that can be attained by everyone rather than only a higher deity that rules over the world (Brown). Especially in Mahayana Budd...

    Read More

  • Death And Death In Hinduism

    1481 Words  | 3 Pages

    230). There are two main “types” Buddhism that are practiced around the world. The first is Theravadin, and the second is Mahayana (Smith-Stoner, 2005, p. 228). Buddhism contains a “message of salvation” that considered the “Four Noble Truths” (Leming & Dickinson, 2011 p. 134). They are, the truth of suffering, the truth of the cause of suffering, the truth of the end of suffering, and the truth of the path that leads to the end of suffering. Leming and Dickinson (2011) describe how the combination of ethics and meditation are the eightfold path to enlightenment (Leming & Dickinson, 2011 p. 136). The author believes it is important for practitioners to recognize the increasing numbers of people practicing Buddhism in the United States in order to enhance their ability to care for end of life needs in this population. Smith-Stoner (2005) states that Buddhism is one of the fastest growing religions in the United States and that Colorado is one of the main population centers (Smith-Stoner, 2005, p. 229). In Buddhism, it is extremely important to be able to tame emotions and the mind which is done through meditation. The author thinks it is pertinent to know the

    Read More

  • Buddhist Religion Experience: Personal Narrative

    1522 Words  | 4 Pages

    I was always fascinated in the Buddhist religion and this class assignment was a great opportunity for me to take advantage of my curiosity. I decided I would visit a Buddhist center. With the company of my mother, I went to the Diamond Way Buddhist Center in Miami. According to my interview with the Buddhist that instructed the meditation service, every Monday and Friday they have a meditation service for the 16th Karmapa meditation from 8:00pm to 8:30pm. This center is part of the Karma Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism (Anonymous). Upon arriving, I realized that it was in someone’s home. Many Buddhist offer their homes for Buddhist centers and are unpaid for their services. However, they do accept donations. Before entering the house, we had to remove our shoes. When we entered I could smell the scent of incense burning. As presented in World-Faiths, removing your shoes before entering a Buddhist center or temple is a form of worship. Also, incense and candles are used to represent Buddha’s enlightenment (World-Faiths).

    Read More

  • The Role of Women in Buddhism

    2968 Words  | 6 Pages

    was, and still is. sexual stereotypes present in the culture of Buddhist communities. By contrast to such bigoted practices that hinder spiritual development, Buddhism can be claimed. to be the least discriminatory in attitudes towards women. There is no doubt at all that the Buddha was the first religious teacher who gave women equal and unfettered opportunities in the field of spiritual development and development.

    Read More

  • Siddhartha Life Essay

    1926 Words  | 4 Pages

    From the moment we are born we have the tendency of craving the worldly desires that we are exposed to. Its part of human nature to want an ideal life where you are either wealthy, powerful, happy or all of the above without any suffering involved. Although that ideal sounds phenomenal, it is the thought of limitation that drives many people to seek for something more than just worldly pleasures. As some stay within the lines of an insatiable life, others come to the realization that living a life with nothing but worldly pleasures and goals are ultimately not everlasting. This is the point where people go on to pursue something bigger than themselves, something that gives them a purpose and infinite joy or as most would call it, a religion. One of the most fascinating major world religions that many have chosen to follow for centuries is Buddhism. A very complex, yet intriguing religion that seeks for a way of life that ultimately releases a person from suffering and leads them to inner peace and joy.

    Read More

  • The Life of Buddhist Monks

    2048 Words  | 5 Pages

    He set these rules to help create a peaceful atmosphere for the Buddhist community and to avoid corruption in the Buddhist community. All monks and/or nuns must not only follow these rules, but also many other rules and principles. The Eightfold Path labels all of the rights of monks and helps guide them to peace within themselves. The Eightfold Path guides monks and nuns towards Nirvana through eight simple principles. The first principle, the Right of Understanding, explains the significance of understanding situations the way they occur instead of understanding things from one’s personal experiences.

    Read More

  • Mahayana Buddhism

    1382 Words  | 3 Pages

    ...deed present at the heart of the Mahayana tradition, it has also been expanded upon in order to answer the philosophical questions that the Pali Canons ignored. Mahayana Buddhism introduces the idea of the “inner Buddhahood”, compassionate Bodhisattvas, dharma as empty, and finally may also encourage a bit of clinging to the recitation and repetition of its dharma. However, aforementioned, it still emphasizes the Buddha’s teachings outlined in the Pali Canons, the existence of dukkha and awakening as a way to overcome it, and especially the Noble Eight Fold Path. Mahayana Buddhism is simply a representation of the Buddhist faith being adapted in a way to make it more all encompassing and strives to provide all, not just the clergy, with a closer connection with the Buddha and his teachings.

    Read More

  • Buddhism Reflection Paper

    905 Words  | 2 Pages

    Buddhism is unlike any other religion I learned about throughout my time in this class. There is no god in Buddhism and Buddhist do not worship any supernatural being. Buddhism is based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama. His teachings, the Dharma, are a guide to follow to reach ultimate liberation. Understanding the four noble truths and following the noble eightfold path would lead to nirvana. As with any religion there are a few different types of Buddhism such as Theravada, Mahayana, and modern day Buddhist. Starting in Asia, Buddhism has spread to the west and all over the world. I hope to convey my thoughts on Buddhism’s past, present and future.

    Read More

More about My Religion: The Path Of A Mahayana Buddhist

Open Document