|
Assignment Links
Home
The Buddha
*Pre-Conditions*
Assisting Conversion
*Summary*
Works Cited
|
Buddhism does not seek to answer traditional metaphysical or philosophical questions, such as those regarding creation and the nature of good and evil; its primary concern is with deliverance from suffering, because the fundamental Buddhist belief is that life is suffering (Hackman 8). The Buddha grew up believing in the doctrine of metempsychosis (reincarnation), part of traditional Indian religion. The belief in metempsychosis was based on the ancient Indian belief that the soul is an indestructible unit that just inhabits one body after another through the course if reincarnation; in order to find rest, the soul must attain union with the “All-Soul”. The Buddha rejected this element of the doctrine, determining that is it not the soul that goes on living, but thirst that induces reincarnation (Hackman 11-2). The Buddha determined the cause of human suffering to be thirst, the cessation of which required individual control (Hackman 11).
Buddhist doctrine diverges from tradition in teaching that the form of the next existence depends on moral quality of actions in the present existence. Good actions elevate the next life form, while bad actions demote it, so that all forms of existence are reflective of moral quality in a previous life (excluding vegetable or mineral kingdoms) (Hackman 14). Buddhism’s eightfold path serves as a practical guideline for how to live the good life that would result in elevated status in the next life, though not all guidelines were practical for the average layman (Hackman 18). This meant that it was possible for a man to reincarnate into circumstances that would facilitate his being a monk, and thus making him able to fulfill all parts of the path to escaping suffering (Hackman 19). That said, regardless of the status of rebirth, the Buddha maintained that human existence is still suffering. Thus, the ultimate quest is to end the cycle of rebirth: according to Buddhist doctrine, overcoming thirst inhibits reincarnation, ending suffering. When release from all desire is attained, the person reaches Nirvana, the ultimate goal of Buddhism (Hackman 15).
| Next | Source of Photo |
|
