A Short Essay on Buddhism

In a corpse the vital heat is extinguished, breathing, speech and mind also ceased. The faculties of senses are broken.  For one who has entered into nirodha (cessation of craving and suffering) during meditation, the heat exists, the faculties are clear, except respiration, speech, feeling and perception which are stilled and inactive.

By the 1^st century BC, Han Dynasty spread its power to Central Asia. The Chinese learnt about Buddhism as a result of trade and cultural ties with the peoples of these regions.

Kumarajiva arrived from India to translate the Buddhist texts into Chinese.  Another well-known translator was Anshigao  from Central Asia during the middle of the 2^nd century, and  he was also to become the  first Chinese Buddhist monk.

Xuan-zang  studied at Nalanda International University. His translations marked a new period in Buddhist Literature. By 9^th century, Buddhism in China faced persecution by a Taoist emperor.  Monks and nuns were told to renounce, and metal Buddha images were melted. Because of this, many Chinese schools of Buddhism simply vanished.

During the late 19^th century , Western scholars tried to fit Buddhist ideas into Christian concepts and were trying to tell the Buddhists : “Ha, ha, what you talk about Buddhism were already verbally recorded in our Christian religion long before the arrival of Jesus Christ, and long before the Buddha was born”.

These jealous scholars did not make it because after centuries of listening to these liars, people simply got fed up and the churches were deserted.

According to the Buddhists, the soul is only a constantly changing stream of mental energy. This energy is reborn, not the soul. However, the Hindus and other god-fearing people,  believe an eternal soul or atman that passes from one life to the next. So during the Buddha’s time, the word soul meant a permanent thing, because it was created by an almighty god. That was why the Buddha said there was no soul. They would argue that it was impossible for the soul to be temporary since it was created by their almighty god. They held on to this god and permanent soul theory tenaciously.

The Buddha was talking to Meghiya: “To him, O Meghiya, who comprehends impermance,  the comprehension of no- soul manifests itself. And to him who comprehends no-soul, the fantasy of an “I” presiding over the five aggregates is brought to destruction, and even in this present life he attains Nibbana.”

Hindu sages had vague ideas about kamma  and rebirth. The Buddha expounded them in details, fully and accurately. The Buddhists don’t believe an almighty god, but the Hindus do. In Buddhism every human is equal but the Hindus teach the caste system. Buddhists don’t believe in ritual purification, but for the Hindus, ritual purification is crucial.

Buddhism is a science because it stands up to verification. There are three main types of Buddhism today: Theravada, Mahayana & Vajrayana.  Hinayana is a sectarian term the Mahayanists used to call the Theravadians  whom  the Mahayanists think are inferior.  Hinayana signifies a smaller vehicle and therefore can carry less people to Nibbana.

What sets Buddhism apart from other religions is that in Buddhism, people have a choice because sufferings are not pre-determined. The Buddhists cannot find salvation by simply saying praises of the Buddha or by making offering to Him. Prayers, chanting, and begging to be saved do not work in Buddhism.  If we can obtain the things we want by prayers, chanting and making vows, why are there still sufferings in the world? The only way out is to remove greed, hatred and delusion. The Buddha never said that by becoming a Buddhist you are assured of a place in heaven.

Buddhism does not forbid us to believe some things and compel us to accept others. It is a rational philosophy, a comprehensive and realistic ethical code, a penetrative psychology, and effective methods of training and meditation. However, the minds and hearts must be matured enough to appreciate the Buddhist messages.

The attached photo shows the location where Sakyamuni attained enlightenment  2600 years ago. Won't you like to visit it?