Buddhism is one of the major religions. Millions of people identify as Buddhists and this religion shapes virtually every aspect of their lives. Most of the Buddhist adherents are found in Asia. It is important to note that as is the case with most other faiths, there are various classifications of Buddhism. Differences in beliefs and practices are what set the different forms of Buddhism apart. An analysis of Buddhist practices and beliefs reveals that this faith is chiefly concerned with promoting righteousness and humanity. These practices could hold the key to ending divisions and promoting love and friendship.
One of the defining features of Buddhism is the emphasis that it places on respect. This faith has developed various protocols and practices that are aimed at challenging adherents to be respectful to religious figures and fellow man. For example, when they visit temples, adherents are required to take their shoes off (Gerner, 2008). Buddhism also mandates followers to fellowship with other believers. Another stipulation that adherents are required to comply with is that they should never “point the soles of their feet toward a statue of picture of Buddha, or toward a monk” (Gerner, 2008, p. 14). The methods of worship and routine practices are meant to promote respect for Buddha and mankind. The focus that Buddhism places on respect highlights the role that this faith plays in promoting respectful relationships. As they embrace Buddhism, individuals recognize the value of human fellowship.
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Simplicity is another aspect of Buddhism that could help the world make progress in creating strong relationships. Buddhism requires such figures and monks to reject sophistication and materialism (Eckel, 2010). They are required to embrace simpler lifestyles. This is among the features of Buddhism that makes it ideal for the world today. Materialism and consumerism are some of the greatest challenges that the world grapples with. Today, people are spending huge amounts in acquiring material possessions. One would expect that with increased expenditure on these possessions, individuals would experience higher levels of happiness. It is sad that this is not the case since misery and hopelessness are serious challenges for many. With its focus on simplicity, Buddhism could be the solution to these challenges. As they give up material possessions, individuals create opportunities for liberty and happiness. Buddhism lifts them from their misery and delivers them into a new experience where they encounter lasting joy and genuine peace. Buddhism also places immense focus on mindfulness and concentration (Bodhi, 2010). It encourages individuals to strive for balance and enlightenment. Through mindful meditation, individuals will recognize that material possessions do not offer lasting fulfilment. Consequently, they will focus most of their energies on such issues as family and community. Therefore, since it tackles some of the main challenges that communities face, Buddhism holds the potential to heal the world.
Buddhism presents a number of fundamental truths that are intended to guide the lives of adherents. That attachment to and desire for material possession are the root causes of human suffering is one of these truths. An examination of the state of the world today reveals the profound relevance of this truth. Today, such nations as the United States have very high levels of income inequality. While millions continue to wallow in abject poverty, the rich continue to grow their wealth. Melissa Kearney (2014) penned an article that probes the level of income inequality in the US. In this article, she notes that “families in the bottom 20 percent… saw their income increase by a mere 3.7 percent while those in the top five percent saw an average income gain of 57 percent” (Kearney, 2014). This situation is replicated in other parts of the world. Recently, it was established that the world’s wealthiest 1% own half of the world’s wealth (Neate, 2017). The glaring income inequalities help to explain the many social ills that society faces today. Since it calls on believers to reject materialism, Buddhism could help to address income inequality. It can challenge the wealthy to give up some of their possessions so as to reduce the income gap. Buddhism also urges followers to earn a living through means that do not cause others harm. Some of the world’s wealthiest individuals and companies continue to thrive on the effort of poor people who are too desperate to demand better treatment. For example, it is understood that American companies work with Asian firms that exploit their employees (Blanchard, 2012). Buddhism could inspire these firms to adopt more human employee management practices. When they embrace the Buddhist principles, these firms will ensure that their operations cause no harm.
Today, the world is in more need of hope than ever. The desire for hope stems from the numerous challenges that communities encounter. The challenges range from hunger and violent conflict to disease and misery. One of the fundamental truths of Buddhism offers hope. This truth holds that there is an end to all suffering (Anderson, 2013). All those who are enduring suffering should find this truth to be assuring. It guarantees that the anguish and pain that they endure has an end. It is clear that the main purpose of Buddhism is to promote inner peace and fulfilment. This faith challenges believers to understand that suffering serves a purpose and its causes can be identified. The world can turn to Buddhism for lessons regarding how to tackle different problems. Moreover, Buddhism offers insights into the nature of suffering and the remarkable capacity of humans to persevere.
The truths that Buddhism shares are not the only elements that offers lessons to the world. Buddhism also identifies a path that is composed of eight tenets. One of these regards the importance of adopting the right view. Buddhism reminds individuals that if they are to gain a proper understanding, they should adopt the right perspective (Bodhi, 2010). They need to view issues as they really are. Individuals should be careful so as to ensure that delusions do not color their vision of the world. Buddhism also asks believers to invest in self-exploration and attempt to understand others. The spread of fake news and misinformation is among the challenges that are emerging today. Accurate and true news appear to be losing the position of authority that it previously occupied. Fake news has been blamed for such ills as influencing public opinion and the voting process. Narcissistic tendencies and selfishness are other problems facing the world. Individuals are pursuing their own desires at the expense of the wellbeing of others. As they embrace Buddhist principles and beliefs, individuals will be inspired to be more considerate and selfless. The world will witness increased philanthropy, friendships and harmony.
In conclusion, Buddhism continues to influence the spiritual as well as the worldly lives of believers. This religion places focus on values and philosophies which the world can exploit to drive progress. Buddhism encourages adherents to be respectful and mindful. It also calls on them to focus their minds on enlightenment instead of material possessions. Believers are also challenged to embrace simpler lifestyles while responding to the needs of fellow man. The different values can be effective solutions for the many challenges that the world faces. Through the application of these values, the world can address problems like hunger and war. Therefore, individuals and communities need to embrace Buddhist principles.
References
Anderson, C. (2013). Pain and its Ending: The Four Noble Truths in the Theravada Buddhist Canon. London: Routledge.
Blanchard, B. (2012). China Says some Foreign Firms Exploit Workers. Retrieved April 11, 2018 from https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-npc-workers/china-says-some-foreign-firms-exploit-workers-idUSTRE8260H120120307
Bodhi, B. (2O10). The Noble Eightfold Path: The Way to the End of Suffering . Kandy, Sri Lanka: Buddhist Publication Society.
Eckel, M. D. (2010). Buddhism. New York City: The Rosen Publishing Group. Garner, K. (2008). Buddhism. Singapore: Marshall Cavendish.
Kearney, M. S. (2014). Income Inequality in the United States. Retrieved April 11, 2018 From https://www.brookings.edu/testimonies/income-inequality-in-the-united-states/
Neate, R. (2017). Richest 1% Own Half the World’s Wealth, Study Finds. Retrieved April 11, 2018 from https://www.theguardian.com/inequality/2017/nov/14/worlds-richest-wealth-credit-suisse
