Buddhism - Nataly Morales

What is the human condition?

Let me start out by saying that Buddhism is a very broad religion that can be interpreted many ways. The human condition is our physical being that goes through the four noble truths. However, I understand that Buddhism centers around the notion that everything we as human beings go through is all created in the mind. Therefore, when we experience dukkha (physical and mental suffering), trishna (desire, craving), nirvana (cease), or the 8-fold path, it’s actually all made up in our minds. So, perhaps, the human condition as a living, breathing human being who is constantly in search of enlightenment is all a figment of our imagination. Therefore, you could say that the human condition for Buddhists is imaginary.

What is the solution to this condition?

The best solution I can gather from the notes is that while a person is a human being, they should try and follow the 8-fold path. It’s basically a set of rules, a core set of beliefs, of how to live a righteous and fulfilling life. Even if everything is made up in our minds and our skandas are always in flux, while on earth, one should probably try and be the best human being they can be.

How do we move from problem to solution?

Again, the best way to move from the problem of continually suffering as a human being is to follow the 8-fold path and try to disconnect from those skandas that wear a person down. It’s probably a struggle that many Buddhists have to overcome after years and years of practice to disconnect themselves from their human ways and desires, like materialities, sensations, perceptions, moods and thoughts. Since they’re always changing, it’s probably difficult to learn how to control those things and be able to meditate and conduct yourself as a true Buddhist. Even though nirvana isn’t a solution to the problem, I think it probably helps in eventually being an enlightened Buddhist.

How best to live the solution in our own lives.

Even though I don’t necessarily agree with Buddhism, I do think that there are certain aspects of the philosophies that I agree with, and there are solutions that I think I could easily apply to my life. I definitely think that at some point during our time on earth or even after we leave the earth we, our souls, or whatever it is that’s left of us reaches a certain point where we escape the everyday obstacles we run into. I guess you could say that I believe in nirvana to some extent. At some point whatever craving we have that hinders us in some way ceases to exist. I also like the 8-fold path. I think anything, like a guide or set of suggestions, that can be used to better oneself is always helpful. The 8-fold path is essentially trying to keep you from doing certain things that can have some very negative impacts on your life. I especially like the fold that mentions the ‘right effort,’ which suggests someone devote their entire lives to something (that’s how I interpreted it, anyway). I like that idea. I hope that one day I find something that speaks loudly enough to me that makes me want to devote myself to it everyday. That could even be something like devoting myself to myself--bettering myself. I could definitely live with that.