We Are All Happy Sinners

Buddha (n.) – literally means “awakened,” “developed,” and “enlightened.” A Buddha is a fully awakened being who, as a result of training the mind through the spiritual paths, has finally reached the full potential for complete enlightenment and has eliminated all the obstructions to knowledge.

Exploring different ideas of how to live a happy and peaceful life is just a small step towards accomplishing the education of a non-western religious lifestyle. I became interested in learning about Buddhism, so, I decided to visit a temple and find out about their cultural beliefs.

Walking into the Soka Gakkai International-USA building, I found a bookstore full of Buddhist information and research. A nice man by the name of Edward began to give me a general description about the Buddhist religion. Leading me into a small sanctuary, there were about fifteen chairs, and a little worship center with bowls of fruit and candles and a lit screen with writing on it. He began to explain that the Buddhist religion is based on happiness and the well being of every individual. He said that we are all meant to be happy and successful in life, and by learning this religion and how to achieve enlightenment, our lives will thrive. “When you look in the mirror, there is Buddha. You are Buddha.” He explained to us that everyone is in equal standing, which is why every person is considered a Buddha.

Buddhism is one of the oldest religions in the world. For example, western scholars believe that Buddha was born somewhere around 563 B.C.E. in Lumbini near the present Indian-Nepal border.

This religion is based on faith, practice, and study. Basically, experience is knowledge, and without knowledge, there is no success or progress. Buddhism also stresses the importance of the individual’s equality with the environment that the person lives in, and how self-improvement and development go hand in hand for a Buddhist. They also believe in eternal life, meaning that one’s life has no real beginning or end, and that we live many lifetimes which repeat the cycle of birth and death. This religion also consists of many gods, which is very complex, but Buddhists do have superior beings to look up to. Buddhism’s ultimate purpose is to help strive for a peaceful world where all people experience happiness.

Buddhist followers believe in The Ten Worlds. These consist of states and conditions of life that we experience within all aspects of ourselves. Some may be familiar, while others are not as well known. The Ten Worlds are: Hell, Hunger, Animality (ruled by instinct), Anger, Humanity (tranquility), Heaven (rapture), Learning, Realization (seeking truth), Bodhisattva (achieve enlightenment and help others), and Buddhahood (finding true self and perfect freedom). Every person can experience these conditions of life, considering the changes in our moods from day to day. All of The Ten Worlds act as a guide to help transform our society. If it were to be in a positive light or negative, the outcome is in the individual’s hands. We chose our destiny.

Even though this is a different religious perspective to some people, for others, it is a true way of life. Phuong Pham, a junior, shared her opinions and insights on this religion in which she practices and explained, “Most of the time, we do not go to temples, but rather practice and carry beliefs around in the mind and soul. Some people pray only in temples to their deceased loved ones, but others, like my family, hang pictures of our departed family in the living room, and pray and offer fruit to them. In another perspective, some of our beliefs coincide with the Ten Commandments: don’t eat meat, don’t kill living creatures, don’t rob, don’t lie, don’t drink, and don’t have lust. Also, those who preach are similar to ministers and priests. The people who follow the teachers are called monks, and they follow and live the practices of Buddha.”

Buddhism is a very peaceful and serene religion that strives for success and happiness. By learning more about our individual self and helping our surrounding environment, we can make a lasting world peace possible. Everyone should be more accepting of different religions because learning about other lifestyles is enriching. Being able to express your individuality is very special, and religion is one way to make this true. Having the opportunity to be with so many distinctive people in society should be something everyone looks forward to being accustomed to. The Buddhist religion stresses the fact of making peace throughout society, and every single person should try and make this happen. So, as a Buddhist would say, “Smile, laugh, and make life worthwhile!”