Buddhism / Christopher Hamby

What is the human condition? What is the solution to this condition? In Buddhism, the human condition is that all our suffering comes from our confusion and negativity. As human beings, we must work toward a positive condition that will lead us to true happiness and peace. The Four Noble Truths are the way to get to this nirvana. These truths include: life is suffering, suffering is caused by craving, suffering ends when craving ends and finally, reaching this final truth is by finding liberation through Buddha. Acts such as meditation, fasting and yoga can help guide people even further to nirvana or “enlightenment.” Similar to Hinduism, Buddhists believe very deeply in the inner connection between the physical state and consciousness. If one is truly wanting to follow the path of Buddha, the person must also follow the Eight-fold path. These can be achieved by practicing all of them or tackling each truth one by one as they come. 

Personally, I really enjoy the practice of Buddhism and it seems like a very realistic way of life to live. As I mentioned earlier, it is very similar to Hinduism and that is something I really enjoy about the religion. I have noticed since taking this class, that the Eastern religions are more like lifestyle traditions and I enjoy that aspect more. The concepts of reincarnation and karma sound better to me than any heaven or hell. Also, I really enjoyed the video we watched today. The 49 days after death is a lot to handle, especially knowing that you could potentially pick the wrong path! Hopefully, over time, you would find your way back to the right light and find your “enlightenment.” Many Western religions have placed a fear of death in people. This is through the ideas of hell and punishment and suffering. But in Buddhism, the suffering is NOW and that is something that we can overcome once we do die. Death is anything but suffering. When we die, we shall be happy and alive. The video tonight finished with a very lovely quote. “When you are born, you cry and the world is filled with joy. When you die, the world cries but find the great liberation.”