A while back, The Oxford Club led an eye-opening, two-week expedition to Southeast Asia, traveling through Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. We saw, experienced, and ate an awful lot. Along the way, we also connected with one of the world's great Eastern philosophies, one that still speaks to millions, regardless of their personal backgrounds or beliefs: Buddhism. Buddhism, of course, is one of the world's oldest faiths, with roots dating back to India in the sixth century B.C. The life of the Buddha - which means literally "awakened" - is not known in any verifiable detail. But according to tradition, he was an ordinary man named Siddhartha Gautama who attained enlightenment and taught others how they, too, could escape the suffering that is part of every human life. He contended that happiness and peace of mind elude us because of our attachments and cravings - for status, for luxury, for reputation, for material goods and temporary satisfactions. He taught that these cravings could be overcome by following the Noble Eightfold Path: - Right understanding
- Right thought
- Right speech
- Right action
- Right livelihood
- Right effort
- Right mindfulness
- Right concentration.
In addition to being the predominant religion in Southeast Asia, Buddhism is growing rapidly in the West. Part of this is due to its decidedly ecumenical flavor. When the Dalai Lama visited the Charlottesville, Virginia, area a few years ago, he emphasized that it is unimportant whether you are a Buddhist. What matters is that you show kindness and compassion. |
Post a Comment
Post a Comment