Buddhism / Elisabeth Vincent

What is the human condition?
According to Buddhism, the human condition is centered around suffering and the pursuit of the cessation of suffering. The goal of Buddhism is Enlightenment, and the human condition is also that we are kept from reaching Enlightenment in part by the five Skandas: materialities, sensation, perception, moods and thoughts .
We, as humans, are also intertwined with what Buddhists term the Four Noble Truths. The first of these truths is Dukkha – physical and mental suffering. This stems from the fact that in life a person does not always get what he or she desires. This, in turn, causes suffering. The second of the Four Noble Truths is Trishna – an uncontrollable craving that leads to layers of suffering. This truth basically states that any intense desire, or craving, will lead to suffering. Thirdly, Nirvana is the cessation of suffering. This is the beginning of the solution to the human condition. Marga is the fourth of the Four Noble Truths, and also fits the description of the solution to the human condition according to Buddhism. Marga outlines that the way to end cravings and in turn to end suffering is to follow the Eightfold Path.

What is the solution to this condition?
The solution to the human condition begins with a complete understanding of the Four Noble Truths. When one understands the cyclical nature that craving leads to suffering, as well as how to end this by the latter two Truths, one is able to reach Enlightenment – a peaceful mental state. In other words, the solution is to end craving and, in turn, end suffering that stems from not getting what it is a person craves.

How do we move from problem to solution?
A person moves from the problem of suffering to the solution of liberation from this suffering and craving by following the Eightfold Path. This is considered by the Buddhists to be the “ideal” way to live life. The Eightfold path consists of:
1) The Right Views: realizing that everything is interconnected, there is no Atman, the Four Noble Truths are essential to the cessation of suffering
2) The Right Intent: The “right” intent is to become Enlightened
3) The Right Speech: Don’t slander, don’t gossip, be honest, don’t cause harm verbally
4) The Right Conduct: Don’t steal, kill, lie, be unchaste, do anything that would cause harm to another
5) The Right Livelihood: Don’t have a job that directly or inadvertently causes harm to another being
6) The Right Effort: One must make a wholehearted effort to improve
7) The Right Mindfulness: Vippassana; The meantal ability to see with a clear conscience
8) The Right Concentration: Shikantaza; the reaching of Enlightenment

How to best live the solution in our own lives?
It seems that the recurring theme in the Eightfold Path is to not cause harm to other beings. This is easily put into effect. I strive not to cause harm to others, although I had not thought about avoiding this to the point of re-thinking my current livelihood—which I suppose could indirectly cause harm. It is also prudent to follow the Right Speech – no slandering, gossiping, etc. I think that the pursuit of making the Right Effort is potentially the most important to me. I have a hatred of complacency and the wholehearted effort to improve rings a clear bell to me. Also, the Buddhists practice extensive meditation, which can also be adapted to fit in our own lives.

I didn’t relate as much to Buddhism as I did to Hinduism, and I don’t have a clear answer as to why. I appreciate that the Buddhists don’t postulate about life after death, although I now see that I found some reassurance in the Hinduist’s views of reincarnation. I also really like the Buddhists’ concentration on the self, and that “success” in Buddhism relies purely on one’s mental state. What I took away the most from this study of Buddhism is the practice of meditation in which everything is dismissed as either feeling, thought, or sensation. I will try to take the time and practice this whenever I feel stressed or worried.