Eightfold Path Of Buddhism Essay

Buddhism is a global religion with intricate system of beliefs primarily based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama. The main goal of Buddhism is to attain the sublime state of Nirvana by practicing the Noble Eightfold Path. Buddhism emphasizes human suffering and seeks to end it by ridding ignorance and craving by understanding the Four Noble Truths. Buddhists also believe in karma and a cycle of rebirth. Also known as Gautama Buddha or Shakyamuni, Siddhartha Gautama is the oracle and founder of Buddhism. Although unsure by historians, Gautama is said to have lived within the 6th and 4th century BCE (possibly 566-480 BCE). As the son of an Indian king and warrior, Gautama was raised inside extravagant palace walls and relished amongst the perks and privileges of his social caste. As a prince destined to become a warrior-king like his father, Gautama was kept inside palace walls in fear that he’d seek for further truth of the world. Although despite his father’s efforts Gautama became bored by the indulgences of royal life and snuck past the palace walls in search of understanding. Outside the palace walls, Gautama encountered people from all walks of …show more content…
In Buddhism, desire and ignorance is the core of suffering. Desires such as material goods, immorality, and pleasure can never be fully satisfied and ultimately create suffering. Ignorance, on the other hand, pertains to the lack of understanding of the world. Without concentration and insight, one’s mind remains undeveloped and is unable to grasp the true nature of the world. The second truth claims that we suffer because there is a constant struggle to survive and that we are constantly trying to prove our existence. Although we attempt to define ourselves through our actions and words, we are defined by our humility. The harder we struggle with establishing ourselves and our relationships, the more painful our experiences and encounters