Born as a Himalayan prince-a special person
decided-at the age of 29-to leave his comfort, to
explore the world for the "truth", especially in
regard to his fellow man's suffering.
Around 500 b.c.e., Siddartha Gautama realized
that his new found severe aesthetic life was not leading him
to the truth or to the Nirvana he sought after.
After many days of fasting, his
personal awakening came when he realized that the
middle way was
the key to man's enlightenment.
Although Buddhists don't believe in the concept of a
"monotheistic G-D", Buddhism believes in an
ultimate reality. A Causeless cause of all
causes, unlimited and indefinable, and
therefore non-discussionable as to the attributes of
"THAT" which is.
The Buddha used reason and observation,
over faith, to determine a path in which all people
may attain "Buddhi Enlightenment".
It seems apparant. to this author, that the
religions of Judaism and Christianity must have been deeply
inflenced by the Buddha's teachings, especially in
regards to mans' "right" conduct and moral
living standards.
As with it's sister religion, Hinduism, the concepts
of Karma, eternal soul, and reincarnation, play an
important part of this religion/philosophy.
Buddhism is the world's 4th largest religion(6%),with
a large following in the U.S.
What is the sound of one hand
clapping?
