Caitlin May

Mr. Wood

Expository Writing

Inquiry Paper

3/6/17

Buddhism: A Religion of Peace and Equality

The buddhist way of life is often regarded within all cultures of the world. Its a

universal religion that guides one on a journey to become free of attachments and lifes

suffering. Om is a common buddhist term that can be defined as the sound of the

universe. Buddhists use terminology and mantras like Om to instill inner peace and to

further their knowledge of all living things in the world. To be kind and considerate to all

living things is a common Buddhist notion, it helps them understand that they are not

alone is this universe and that everyone is deserving of respect. Buddhist individuals are

guided by Buddha, there is a buddha for every generation. Buddha can be defined as the

enlightened one. Today, we will evaluate how buddhism has guided several

generations, what it means to be a buddhist, and how buddhists conduct daily life.

According to the Ancient History Encyclopedia, Buddhism has a lasting history of

2.5 millenia. The article states that buddhism has expanded across the world and guided

thousands to millions of people. Buddhism began with the Buddha. The Buddhas name

was Siddhartha Gautama. Dr. C. George Boeree, from Shippensburg University, states

that the Buddha was born and raised in what is now the modern day Nepal. The Buddha

wanted to live a life free from suffering and guide others to do the same. He spent his

entire life becoming the enlightened one. The buddhist religion is built off the
foundations the Buddha built for generations to come. The Buddha came across many

revelations such as respect for all individuals and all living things. He realized that the

ignorant are often disgusted by the elderly, although they too will be old and fragile

some day. The buddha did not want to be ignorant, and wanted those around him to share

the same ideals.

Buddhists share a lot of common ideals and incentives. For example, it is really

important for buddhists to practice meditation and yoga, to free the mind and body of ill

thoughts. According to a Britannica Article, buddhists follow a set of mantras and

terminology such as karma. Karma can be defined or understood as the belief that

virtuous actions create pleasure in the future and non-virtuous actions create pain.

Karma guides buddhists to make decisions that will guide them in a positive manner.

Poor decisions or actions could deter them from living a prosperous afterlife. Buddhists

typically recite mantras to pray and worship. In regards to a BBC article, buddhists can

pray at home or at a temple of worship. Buddhists will typically have a shrine for Buddha

in their home that they pray and recite mantras to (BBC Religions). Their mantras consist

of words that will guide them and have a spiritual effect on their daily life. Having

buddhist incentives is truly a genuine and thoughtful way to look at life. Buddhists are

conscientious of all people, all areas, and all living things. They seek to always be kind

and to always be responsible for any actions they make.

The Buddhist religion does not have a creator like God. They dont believe that

Buddha created the world and all things. They simply follow the Buddhas ideals and

peaceful ways of life. According to the Buddha Dharma Education Association, Gods

were followed in most early civilizations due to greed and lust. People were suffering
from disease, hunger, and poverty. They followed the Gods in hope of their disparities

being relinquished. Whereas the Buddha is seen as a leader to guide all people on the

path to peace and wellbeing. The Buddha himself did not believe in a God or Gods

because he had no evidence of their existence. The Buddha also believed that is not

necessary to know the origin of the universe. Its an exhausting concept, although some

may agree that the origin of the earth is because of science and common knowledge we

have today.

Most buddhist follow the concept of rebirth or reincarnation. They believe that

their actions and ways of life correspond to what they may be reborn as. If their actions

reflected negativity they will most likely be reborn as an animal after death (Britannica).

If their actions reflect positivity they may be reborn as a human once again. Buddhists

also believe in a heaven which they call Nirvana (Dr. C George Boeree). Nirvana is a

place of peace and beauty. A place free of attachments and suffering. Very few buddhist

think they will go here in their afterlife because of the rebirth concept. Nirvana guides

buddhists to maintain a healthy and peaceful life, and always be kind to all living

creatures. The buddhist way of life is something that everyone can benefit from. It

teaches people to be considerate of all people and all living things, to never have

attachments, and truly focus on what truly matters in our lives. Buddhism can guide

people into a less stressful stasis, and help them progress as an individual.

Works Cited:

"About Buddhism." What is Buddhism | About Buddhism. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 Mar. 2017.
Boeree, George C. "Buddhist Wisdom." Buddhist Wisdom. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 Mar. 2017.

"Buddhism." Encyclopdia Britannica. Encyclopdia Britannica, inc., n.d. Web. 08 Mar.

2017.

"Do Buddhists pray?" Wildmind Buddhist Meditation. N.p., 11 Jan. 2014. Web. 08 Mar.

2017.

Gilsinan, Kathy. "The Buddhist and the Neuroscientist." The Atlantic. Atlantic Media

Company, 04 July 2015. Web. 08 Mar. 2017.

PBS. Public Broadcasting Service, n.d. Web. 08 Mar. 2017.

"BBC - Religions - Buddhism: Buddhist worship." BBC News. BBC, n.d. Web. 08 Mar.

2017.