Reality Vs Buddhism Essay

Throughout the many years that Buddhism has existed it has gone through many substantial changes. From all the different sects that were created, an array of different styles of Buddhist practice arose. Two styles of Buddhism that are mentioned throughout this passage focus on the forest monks as well as the official sangha in Bangkok. Both these styles of Buddhism strive for the same goal, but the path to the goal are very different. Forest monks use mainly meditation and wandering as their main form of Buddhist practice. They also practice fasting as well as adapting to their surroundings in crucial times. The relationship between the forest monks and the official sangha is a complex one in that they share similar views but also differ in many other ways. Myth Vs. Reality
During the life of Buddha, he was once known as a prince, and his life was already laid out for him. The Buddha came to realize that he wanted a better understanding of life and not rely on material objects. He sought the truth in hope to reach enlightenment. As the Buddha grew older he realized that there was much pain in the world and sought a path to let go of the pain. One practice that …show more content…
The practice of wandering guided them toward the truth of dhamma, but it also put them in harm’s way. These dangerous situations prepared the forest monks by testing their abilities and furthering their knowledge of dhamma. As for the Buddha, he did wander but not to the extent of current forest monks. Overall both forest monks and the Buddha share similar Buddhist practice, however, the extent that he took was very different from each other. As for the relationship between the forest monks and the official sangha, it could have gone in a better direction. More understanding for the forest tradition on the part of the sangha would have