Buddhism as a Reform Religion - Essay Example

Buddhism Introduction All over the world, there have been religions. Different types of religions that are said to connect people closer to their spiritual and supernatural being as per their belief specifications (Fowler 1). Of most important is that, religion is a subject to all those who are living in multi-racial and multi-religious countries. It is, therefore, crucial to understand the various ways in which different co-religionists regard and relate to each other in regard to the various teachings and practices (Fowler 3). Buddhism is one such religion. It is a religious practice that recognize and appreciates the reasonable teaching that emanate from every other religion (Harvey 19). Moreover, it tolerates the customs of other religions and cultural practices that might not be able to appreciate their teaching of Buddhists in return. Buddhism In essence, Buddhists are in a position to respect the views of man and appreciate other practices without harboring any religious prejudices. Buddhists, who are not able to appreciate the ways of other religious practices, maintain their silence and refrain from confrontations of any kind thus ensuring that is peaceful co-existence through sympathetic understanding (Harvey 23). Buddhism commenced as a reform group in Hinduism; India in the sixth century B.C (Eliot, 20). It was one of the ancient religions to emerge to become international having a membership of over two hundred thousand people. It was founded by Siddhartha Gautama, who was a son of the ruler of the Kshatriya caste (Eliot, 22). Gautama left his family and went out to seek enlightenment concerning the sufferings and anxiety of a decrepit man that he had witnessed in outside the royal compound. After seven weeks, he received the Enlightenment, hence became Buddha-the enlightened one. The Buddhists emphasize on practicing a religion that is honest, sincere, and truthful and that which is kind to others. They do not try to justify war under any circumstances rather they believe in solving a problem in a more considerable way while ensuring that they are not irritated or angered by people not paying attention to them (Skilton 24). In fact, they argue that, the attitude of a real religion; the Buddhism is to advice people instead of ruling or intimidating them. According to Buddha, human beings are not cruel or wicked by nature rather they make mistakes and act as cruel as people due to their ignorance. Hence the importance of guiding them in the right path, as opposed to condemning them to external suffering or religious damnation. They point out the vainness of certain religious beliefs and practices but at the same time preach religious intolerance. Needles to say, Buddhism has also been able to incorporate religious practices and customs from other religions, which have refined them in the course of their expansion (Skilton 26). Buddhism as a reform religion In relation to this, I agree to the fact that Buddhism is a reform religion. This is because Buddha who was associated with the Buddhism, lived a life that was sustainably different he considered himself as one who revolutionized the religious way of life in a more dignified manner. Although he was condemned, criticized and insulted by most noted teachers and critics, there is no doubt that Buddha reformed certain customs, duties pertaining to religion, rites, ethics and the general way of life. Essentially, his outstanding character cut across the buckets of false beliefs and practices that were present in the religion leading to the exposure of the fact that they lacked content (Harvey 27). In particular, he brought up the idea of Nibbana, the Eightfold Path and the Four Noble Truths. And even though they believes were common per say, he gave rational and realistic explanations to support his argument and initiated it as a natural law of cause and effect. Further more, he appreciated the value of the many he come across especially those that related to the Truth hand even offered an explanation of their beliefs. Never the less, he was never unnerved to speak out against pretense and dishonesty (Harvey 36). In reference to Buddha, one of the renowned reformists, an individual had to seek the understanding of his /her own mind through the profound inner wisdom or realization so as to enable the silent realization of one self. His teachings were not retrained to one race or nation but to for all as the objectives were of being selfless to service, salvation, deliverance and goodwill. The principles of Buddhists contain no reproach of allegiance to a particular person, god or prophet nor do they contain any idea that leads to them being formulated for the sake of a specific group of people in the tribe or national life. They have quality of universalism and the moral principle required to pursue it. In summary, they stand beyond space and time as they have been able to survive unchanged for over two decades with the element of clarity and nobleness that man kind would ever require (Skilton 48). Buddhism building upon existing religion beliefs and diverging from them The degree to which Buddhism is building upon existing religion beliefs especially on Hinduism is very high. In essence, Buddhism relation with Hinduism is very close, the former is returning home after a long exile (Bowker 54). It forms an intimate part of the Hinduism because Buddha was a Hindu. Moreover, it remains essentially Hindu with its religious ideals and spiritual experiences at the highest level. It is worth noting that certain intellectuals and groups of materialist secularist persuasions are overwhelmed by its come back due to the fact that it is a corrective mirror to the supernatural prejudice with regard to God and soul. Hence, continuing gives guidance on not one, but most of the other religions that care to listen (Bowker 56). However, Buddhism is a unique religion. It has been able to diverge from the rest of the religions by ensuring that their leaders set examples of sincerity and understanding. It has been able to tolerate all other religions as well as fighting hypocrisy and falsehood. To one extent it has ensured that all the issue that pertains to religion have been solved amicably, thus giving human being the freedom they need when they deal with supernatural beings (Bowker 57). Conclusion While most religions are on the ground attempting to give explanations on the nature of the universal law, there is a dire need for man to have a way for his happiness. According to universal law everything is impermanent. Hence, Buddhism as a religion is not free from impermanency. It tolerates the customs of other religions and cultural practices that might not be able to appreciate their teaching of Buddhists in return. Works cited: Bowker, John. Problems of suffering in religions of the world. Cambridge [u.a.]: Cambridge Univ. Press. 1990. Print. Eliot, Charles. Hinduism and Buddhism. Vol 1(of 3). Teddington. The Echo Library. 2007. Print. Fowler, Jeaneane, et al. World religions: an introduction for students. Brighton: Sussex Academic Press. 1997. Print. Harvey, Peter. An introduction to Buddhism: teaching, history and practices. Cambridge [u.a.]: Cambridge Univ. Press. 1992. Print. Skilton, Andrew. A concise history of Buddhism. New York: Barnes & Noble. 2000. Print. 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