THE TRANQUILITY OF BUDDHISM; A RELIGIOUS INSIGHT

"Serenity comes when you trade expectations for acceptance."

_Guatama Buddha

Religion is one of the most important aspects of human interaction in a culture. It is known to be controversial due to different spiritual beliefs about nature and its purpose of its existence in the universe. Apart from the two majorly known religions, Christianity and Islam, there are diversities of religions practiced around the world, including Judaism, Hinduism, Baha'ism, Jainism and many more.

To be honest, learning about other religions is truly fascinating and refreshing, but one out of a billion religions that stands out because of its oddity is Buddhism . It piqued my interest with what is done in the religion, from their beliefs to their daily practice and teachings, along with its main goals and objectives.

This is generally known as a spiritual tradition that emphasizes on personal spiritual growth, meaningful learning and understanding of life's true

This is generally known as a spiritual tradition that emphasizes on personal spiritual growth, meaningful learning and understanding of life's true nature, as well as meditation and application of specific principles and ideas. Because it does not make mention of a god or creator, scholars do not consider it to be religious in a western sense, but a "philosophy of impermanence. It deals with searching for the truth with a pure and concentrated mind.

The believers, addressed as Buddhists, believe that the human existence is filled with sorrow, and the only way to reach enlightenment, popularly known as "Nirvana", is through genuine medication, spiritual and physical work, along with good behavior. It is incredible to believe that the spread and growth of this strange religion began with a man that preferred to dine with the poor and seek peace rather than wallow in wealth. His name is Siddhartha Gautama, and now he is recognized as "The Buddha" across all ages.

The Buddha

Credit: DORNO

Residing in Nepal, India, Guatama had little to no suffering, for he was born with a silver spoon. His father shielded him from the world full of violence and despair. In his adult years, he ventured out the palace to see what humanity was like outside. To his shock and disarray, the conditions that humans faced was not healthy and sustainable. Leaving the palace at age 29, he sought ahead to remedy human suffering, which rewarded him with five followers. His teachings, known as the "Dharma", spread throughout Asia.

One of Buddhism's peculiarities are; The First Noble truth which recognizes the existence of human suffering. The second Noble truth recognizes the reasons of such autrosities. The third Noble truth talked about the suffering on earth and the end of suffering in the spirits. While the fourth noble truth talks about the methods for putting an end to suffering namely; Good Moral Behavior, mental growth and wisdom. It is quite a unique religion because of its teachings on self-control and self-denial, as well as the concepts of Karma and reincarnation.

Their ceremonies, also know as "Puja" are also held, which also adds to its peculiarity, It gathers Buddhists together to aid them in finding answers to suffering and achieving enlightenment. It allows them to show gratitude and respect for the teachings that the Buddha spreads across the world.

Monks celebrating with The Buddha (Credit: Shuttlestock)

Statue of Buddha Source: Gettyimages