Answer brief question about budhism - Essay Example

30 March, Buddhism Ans. I agree to the fact that one goes through a lot of sufferings in life, yet it is wrong to associate life with suffering. There is too much that one attains in life to call it just a means of suffering. I disagree with the claim that life means suffering. I do agree that suffering comes from attachment, and that suffering sustains as long as there is attachment. One feels suffered when one loses something. If there is nothing to loose, there is nothing to suffer from the loss of.

Although I agree that the states of nirodha and nirvana relieve one of all tensions, yet these states are only myths for individuals who are in their senses, and are thus unattainable in the real sense. Likewise, the concept of a path in which there is no suffering at all is false. Concluding, I feel that all truths are objectionable except for the second one. 2. Ans. Budda is thought of as Vishnu’s Avatar in Hinduism. Bhagavata Purana considers Buddha as the 24th avatar, and says that Buddha prefigures the last incarnation.

Likewise, many Hindus consider Buddha as the 9th avatar. I disagree with the belief that Buddha is similar to a Hindu god in figure. Affiliating the figure of Buddha with the Hindu god is a viewpoint that tries to merge Buddhism into Hinduism, whereas the two are totally different religions in reality. The teachings of the Buddha deny Veda’s authority. 3. Ans. Symbols in Buddhism are meaningful. They represent certain concepts and convey certain messages. Quite often, symbols boost the communication and enhance the conveyance of concepts.

““Mandala,” a Sanskrit word literally meaning, “a circle and surroundings,” is a universal symbol of enlightenment for both the viewer and the artist” (Webster University). Mandala is of a huge significance in the Buddhists’ worship. “Now it fits into a wide range of circles, wheels, and orbs that symbolize the spiritual interconnectedness needed to inspire global solidarity or oneness” (“The Mandala”). These symbols represent equality, collectivism and unity of all creatures.

Mandala promotes the belief that all creatures that include but are not limited to humans, plants, animals, fish, and birds all are equal because they belong to one and the same planet i.e. Earth. It is believed that all of these creatures jointly work to make the world a better place to live in. I liked the Webster University sand painting. One of the oldest forms of Tibetan ritual art is the sand painting. Construction of the mandala from colored particles of sand is an attempt to reflect the deities of Buddhism. 4. Ans.

I totally believe that actions of an individual in this world depict what circumstances would he/she be in the world hereafter, though I don’t believe in several births. I believe that man will be given immortal life after this world. And yes, if one does good in this world, one will be rewarded for that in the world hereafter. Likewise, if one does evil in this world, one will be punished for that in the world hereafter and will be sent to the hell. Thus, the concept of merit making is correct as long as it is believed that the next life is immortal and eternal.

Works Cited: “Progress Of the Building of Buddhist Sand Painting to be Carried on Web Cam.” 1 Nov. 2001. Web. 30 Mar. 2011. . “The Mandala and other Spiritual Wheels.” N.d. Web. 30 Mar. 2011. .