BUDDHISM

   

People know Buddhism as a religion but actually it is a philosophy. Its leader is Siddhartha Gautama. He is called Buddha which means the enlightened one or the awakened. When he was born, a holy man prophesized that this boy would be a spiritual and wise leader. He lived in an opulent palace until he reached 29 and he did not experience poverty or pain; however; he was not happy. Thus, he understood that wealth and prosperity could not give happiness. Therefore, he abandoned his family and his wealth and began to search for the source of happiness. He found it when he meditated and he was enlightened. Then, he began to explain  his methods to others thus Buddhism emerged. It is a philosophy which can be understood with practice and it helps people to reach real happiness.

Buddhism is a path of practice and spiritual development. Therefore, people cannot embrace it when they just know information about Buddhism or just think about it. They should also practice meditation and they should practice with a peaceful mind because if their minds are filled with anger, fantasy or worry, they cannot focus on the practice and they cannot reach happiness. In addition, people’s happiness depends on conditions but Buddha’s happiness does  not. Therefore, it is difficult to reach Buddha’s happiness so embracing  Buddhism can take years.

People suffer from problems, obstacles or illnesses. They want  wealth, health and welfare because they think that these provide happiness but Buddha knew that this is not true. He thinks that if people end their dissatisfactions, they reach real happiness. Therefore, he aimed to teach people how to reach real happiness. He helped people to reduce pain, overcome obstacles and attain enlightenment. When he died, the Sangha community which included  his students continued to teach this.

To sum up, Buddhism is not a religion, it is a philosophy. Buddha was not God. He was a spiritual and enlightened leader who reached  real happiness thanks to meditation. He shared his experience with other people so Buddhism emerged. It helps people to find real happiness. However, it cannot be understood easily. People should practice many years to embrace it completely.

BEYZANUR YAZICI