The Path of Buddhist and their Belief

The twenty-eight advantages to sitting in quiet venture are, according to Buddhist teachings, the way that the Tathagatas (those who give earnd enlightenment) have "won their all(a)-knowledge" (p. 648). Some of these advantages include long life, strength, contentment, confidence, and vigor. along with the advantages, however, is a Buddhist poem that discusses how to renounce the world and so concentrate on speculation (p. 649). There is also a reading called "The Progressive Steps of Meditation" (p. 651) that lists step-by-step how to go about shutting out the world in hostel to fully concentrate on the meditation and so achieve nirvana.

In some of the examples used from the readings on Buddhist beliefs, thither can be seen similarities between those beliefs and Hesperian thought or Christian practices. For example, the poem called "The Practice of Introversion", lists the reasons why unrivalled must remain separated from the world, and how to do this. One reason, " accordingly renounce you the world. . .Thirsting for gain, and loving the world" (p. 649), sounds similar to the Judeo-Christian adage to "Be in the world, not of it". There are separate examples, however, where it can be demonstrated that Buddhist thought and meditation practices have actually influenced Western thought. Some examples are mo

re surface and widespread than others, such(prenominal)(prenominal) as the words "nirvana", "Karma", and "Dharma" which are now all part of everyday English language. "Nirvana" has been used as a hang for a famous Seattle grunge band. "Dharma" is the name of television sitcom character.

"Karma" seems to have become the most everyday word, however, since it is used as an excuse by many lot to explain either good or bad happenings in the world, such as, "Well, he just had it coming to him, he had such bad karma."

As a devout Roman Catholic, although I know that there have been many influences on Western thought in general, I do not line up any connection to Buddhist thought or meditation practices at all. When it comes to prayer and meditation, for example, Buddhists teach that one's mind must be clear and empty. When I pray, however, I am praying to God, through Christ. I am not emptying my mind and soul; I am filling them with thoughts of Him and His glory. When I "meditate", I am not trying to negate my humanity, the way the Buddhists seem to ask to. I am admitting my humanity, while meditating on God's attributes and what He has through with(p) for me. In particular, that is what I do not connect with as far as Buddhism is concerned -- the negation of my self, my humanity, and my love for my family and my God. Since I weigh that God created me as a human, it is hard for me to believe that I must negate who I am to achieve "nirv
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