The Path To Nirvana In Buddhism

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The Path to Nirvana Buddhism is a religion with a fundamental belief in reincarnation. After death, a being’s essence remains to occupy another body in one of six realms of existence. This cycle of rebirth is called Samsara. The realm of a soul’s rebirth is based on good or bad consequences of the intentional actions, or karma, of its past lives. Buddhism teaches that all life is suffering. Liberation from this life cycle, through rebirth in the realm of man and attainment of nirvana, is a Buddhist’s ultimate goal.
Siddhārtha Gautama became the first Buddha after reaching nirvana while meditating under the Bodhi tree in Bodhgaya. The goddess Mara appeared to tempt Siddhārtha Gautama with craving and discontent. Mother earth bore witness …show more content…

Without entering a state of nirvana, no happiness achieved can last because everything is in a constant state of change. Reincarnation means death is not the end of suffering, but instead, birth marks its beginning. The only way to end suffering is to be liberated from the cycle of rebirth. In order to reach nirvana the Buddha taught that one must understand that suffering, known as duhka, is caused by desire. In order to be freed of suffering one must first let go of Taṇhā, desires for pleasure and relief from pain. In order to let go of desire, and reach a state of nirvana, one must follow the three divisions of the Eightfold Path. These divisions are wisdom, ethical conduct, and concentration. The first division, wisdom, contains the paths of right view and right intention. Wisdom does not involve having knowledge of something for a short period of time or memorizing information, but instead being in a constant state of awareness. Practicing mindfulness through learning skills or preforming activities with more thought can bring an individual closer to enlightenment. Right View allows one to see reality for what it is. This new view of the true nature of our surroundings allows an individual to choose new, realistic goals. Possessing Right View means understanding the Three Marks of …show more content…

Meditation and concentration, encourage higher thinking and awareness. It allows them to perceive reality as it is without being clouded by their emotions. Right effort occurs when a person works to the best of their abilities with the right intention in mind. Right Mindfulness is about being aware. Being aware means we are not allowing ourselves to daydream instead of living in the now. Having Right Mindfulness means being able to evaluate the important of tasks and being efficient in completing them. Lastly, Right Concentration is being able to clear one’s mind and focus on only one task or object. If you hold much suffering inside you Right Concentration will be difficult to

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