[JD159]

Originally Posted by Porsche-O-Phile

Buddhism is less of a “religion” than a philosophy. There is no divinity, no mystical mumbo-jumbo, no hierarchy, no institution to be satisfied with tribute, none of that. It is simply a brilliant way of looking at suffering as stemming from craving and acknowledging that suffering can be ended if only one seeks to eliminate the underlying craving(s) that ultimately spawn it. I find something in studying the teachings of Buddhism that no other belief system has ever given me - a sense of truth - as in easy-to-understand, simple common sense truth without the need for obfuscated “teachings”, musty old books, fire-and-brimstone preachers or “faith” in completely intangible and impossible-to-prove principles. It’s so simple to understand and put into practice it’s almost laughable. The core beliefs (the four noble truths and the eightfold path) seem almost dumb in their simplicity.

A lot of it is about realizing and admitting ones own cravings - for material things but also things like prestige, position, power, recognition, acceptance by others, attention, etc. Only by lowering one’s expectations to nothing or nearly nothing can one really rid themselves of cravings and therefore, suffering. There’s simply no way around it. The moment you say “well, I still want X” there is craving and by extension, suffering. Where a particular person chooses to draw that line for themselves (i.e. how much suffering they’re willing to accept) is up to them. Not everyone is expected to become a Shaolin monk.

It is a fascinating belief system and way of thinking that I wish would take hold in a more mainstream way. There is simply nobody I can think of who wouldn’t benefit from giving serious consideration to what it teaches and the change in attitude / mindset it almost inevitably creates.

If people didn't want X, nothing we have today would exist. Wanting leads to progress. I welcome cravings and hope that my society does as well. Why live at all if your objective is to deny your own humanity?