The Basic Teaching of Buddha - Essay Example

Therefore, happiness can be acquired by detachment from worldly things. Buddhism defined nirvana which is a blissful state free from the ego which is available only to those who follow the Noble Eightfold Path (Buddhism 213). These basic teaching of Buddha, capitulated in the Four Noble Truths or Dhamma place great importance on looking after our body. Siddharta Gautama realized the significance of maintaining the health and vitality of the body by going through extreme situations. As a wandering ascetic for six years, he had subjected himself to the most intense form of fasting.

However, he found out that denying the body of its vital requirements was not the key to spiritual enlightenment. In the same way, he also concluded that overindulgence is not good for the body as it always leads to ill health. He, therefore, proposed a "middle way" and asserted to "look on the body as if it were a wound that needed to be treated daily with appropriate medicine (Flanagan 5)." The great importance placed by the Buddhists on a healthy lifestyle is evident in their adherence to a lot of health techniques.

Buddhists are very particular in their diet as they are strictly vegetarians. The first lay precept in Buddhism strongly prohibits killing. As eating meat usually implies killing animals, Buddhist sects especially Mahayana strongly denounces the consumption of meat. Buddhists are also known for their utilization of different meditation techniques as a "great liberating force and a means of gaining enlightenment (Flanagan 7)." Meditation is usually exercised to gain a state of total relaxation and be one with one's self.

The New York Times recognized the health benefits of Buddhism practices, specifically meditation. It stated that regular meditation maximized our mental potential. Improved mental fitness is attained after a few weeks of regular meditation as individuals experience increased positivity, relaxation, and peace. These amazing benefits can be more lasting and profound if meditation is incorporated into the daily lifestyle (Is Buddhism Good for Your Health 5). As Buddhism recognizes that the body changes and is subject to suffering, diseases become inevitable.

However, Buddhists still strongly practice the teachings of Buddhism in hospitals. An American nurse caring for an ailing Buddhist should adhere to their philosophy. A good example can be seen when making bioethical decisions. Buddhists believe that life support equipment should not be used in extending a person's existence if his mind is no longer alert. The alertness of the mind and not being in "excessive pain" are the significant factors which affect the Buddhist bio-ethical decision-making process.

Death is deemed not appropriate if the mind is still alert and if the patient does not suffer from "excessive pain." Buddhists also believe that the most essential consideration is to give a natural and peaceful death to patients (Buddhist Beliefs and Practices Affecting Health Care 11). The ancient philosophy of Buddhism is still practised nowadays. It is notable that aside from its adherents, its teachings on physical health, especially on meditation, have gained wide acceptance all over the world.

This only signifies the potency of their ancient health practices.