question archive First, this week, I asked you to complete a 5-minute meditation with me
First, this week, I asked you to complete a 5-minute meditation with me
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First, this week, I asked you to complete a 5-minute meditation with me. So, I would like to hear from you how it went! Was it easy or hard? Were you able to create spaces between your thoughts when you just focused on your breath? What could be some benefits to meditation? And how do you think it helps Buddhists achieve greater awareness of the world and eventually enlightenment?
Second, last week you heard the story of Siddhartha Gautama - the prince who lived a life of complete hedonism, then renounced it all to find enlightenment. This story is central to Buddhism, but many devout Buddhists say that it's probably not "true" in a historical sense, and that whether or not the story actually happened doesn't even matter.
For them, the story is important because it teaches an important truth about how to live one's life - one shouldn't live completely for pleasure and oneself, but also one shouldn't deny themselves everything. Neither of these paths leads to enlightenment. One should follow the example of the Buddha, even if he wasn't a real historical figure.
Can a myth be important even if it's not historically true? Can you think of any other examples of stories or myths in religion or society that are probably not actually true, but are important nonetheless?
This is connected to another central idea of Buddhism, which is the rejection of blind belief. The Buddha taught that you shouldn't believe anything unless it has proven to be true for yourself. He told his disciples never to believe his teachings, but to try it out for themselves and see if it helps them find greater calm and clarity in their lives.
Is this an appropriate attitude for a religion? Or should a religious tradition include some sense of faith or trust in the tradition/teacher that they don't question EVERYTHING a religious authority figure says?
Your initial response must be at least 250 words and does NOT NEED TO include two direct quotations from the reading, because this week's discussion is more about your own ideas.
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Buddhism
It was hard to find concentration and to avoid being disrupted by things happening around. I was able to find some space, and finally, I could concentrate on my breath and meditate. Meditation helps one to focus on essential things in life and enhancing focus. It also helps in controlling anxiety and gives one clarity of purpose. Buddhists acquire clarity of purpose and can view the world from a broader perspective, which eventually translates to enlightenment on their purpose in the world. They can also enhance their concentration; therefore, acquiring an understanding of particular subject matter is enhanced.
A myth can be necessary even if it cannot be accounted for historically; this can teach specific values and responsibilities in society. An African story of a fierce and unstoppable warrior who protected his community only from being sold out by his beautiful wife to his enemies. The story is not accounted for historically, but it is essential to Africans because it teaches ideals of trust among trusted individuals and emphasizes the importance of discernment and wisdom.
I believe this to be an appropriate attitude towards religion because one can question and acquire clarity and contentment and believe that there should also be a sense of faith-based on things you can prove in religion. Being In a position not to question the teacher or authority will hinder the religion from providing enlightenment through clarity. Buddhism is, therefore, a better way of religion, in my opinion, compared to other styles of religion
