Worldview: Buddhism

by A Concerned Citizen

back to the Worldview Menu

Retired on 31 December 2007

February 06: Buddhism can be viewed as Hinduism stripped of the popular theistic elements, though the Buddha himself later came to be deified. Buddha stressed the importance of 'enlightenment', an illuminated state of consciousness, which is to be realized through meditation and 'silent wisdom', rather than through discursive thought, whether this be philosophical discussions or dogmatic creeds. The Buddha himself set the example by refusing to discuss such topics as God and immortality. Note that this is neither an affirmation nor a negation. Hence, it is not correct to say that Buddhism is 'atheistic'. Rather, it is a purer form of spirituality that transcends mere mental fabrications to experience directly the divinity of pure consciousness, without the distortions of inadequate concepts. One could even argue that philosophers and theologians are incapable of being truly spiritual, due to the mental obstructions fabricated by their overheated minds! Then again, intellectual inquiry, undertaken in the right spirit, can serve to dispel all kinds of illusions and misleading habits of thought. One could compare this to using a thorn to remove a thorn.

Perhaps this is the place to add a personal note on my own spiritual practice, since Buddhism is supposed to be a relatively sober and skeptical path, and I would like to think of myself in these terms. Too often Eastern religions seem a bit intellectually self-indulgent to the hard-headed rationalist. The various 'metaphysical' and 'mystical' ideas that I allude to here and elsewhere are only ideas. I do believe in them, even if I cannot prove them, but that is not the point. Whether true or not, they are not central to spiritual progress. What does matter is taming the mind and ego, which are so wild and destructive. I cannot claim to have made exceptional progress, though I have made some significant progress since when I was young, as have most of us. Without going into much detail, let me say that my spiritual practice consists of trying to be 'detached' at all times, by relinquishing any identification with body, mind and intellect, all of which are transitory phenomena passing across the screen of consciousness. Meditation is one tool, and so are reflection and inquiry. Any progress in this direction leads to some increment of lucidity and inner peace, and this is a good thing. I have no illusions about overcoming my human nature any time soon, and I make no claims to special religious experiences. I am just trying to purify my consciousness one step at a time. My interest in mysticism is merely intellectual at this point, but I do believe that those experiences, as reported by others, are 'real' in some deep sense that is directly related to our true nature and to our immortality. They are a glimpse of the destiny of all humans, which some have been privileged to receive in this life. If nothing else, they make for some interesting reading!

It is unfortunate that Buddhism, like Hinduism, tends to produce spiritual leaders who are politically naive. For example, there are any number of swamis and gurus who proclaim that Islam is a religion of peace, just like any other, and that only a few rotten apples diverge from this blissful message. Gandhi sometimes spoke like this, though it is clear from other statements that he knew better. Unfortunately, these spiritual leaders are now joined by no less an eminent figure than the Dalai Lama. It is a great mistake to think that embarking on a spiritual path means leaving one's brains at the door!

Note that the Dalai Lama's entourage did not leave their brains at the door, as security was tight when their leader participated in a conference with Muslims to tell them how peaceful they were. Perhaps they feared the notorious Tibetan suicide bombers!

It is sad that Buddhism seems to be disappearing in the East. In Korea, Christianity is swelling in popularity. In Japan, hedonism and career worship have produced a nihilism reflected in the high suicide rate. In China, the monstrous ideology of Communism crushed Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism, though there are signs of revival. Buddhism may suffer from being abstract and a bit esoteric. The public at large seems to prefer either a simple mythology involving saviors dropping down from the sky, or else, when people become educated and outgrow these myths, then they plunge into materialism and sense gratification. Buddhism is an aristocratic religion, founded by a king and an intellectual, and this may be contrary to the democratic spirit of our times. Hinduism also relies on a certain amount of faith in men much wiser than we are. However, these rishis are not the same as the autocratic prophets of other religions, as there are no jealous gods or unique paths to salvation.

UPDATE (19 Oct 06): For a brilliant discussion of the deep affinity between Buddhism and Hinduism, written by a devoted and sharp-witted Hindu, see

RAM SWARUP: BUDDHISM VIS-A-VIS HINDUISM

UPDATE (6 Jan 07): A summary of my spiritual beliefs can be found here.

Back to Buddhism Menu

Articles

Websites

BuddhaNet