Barnes & Noble

The idea of karma in Western Civilization has grown to an exponential misunderstanding of the true meaning behind the word. We see karma in almost every TV/Movie program and all, give the wrong definition of the truth behind the word karma. Karma is the “sum of a person's actions in this and previous states of existence, viewed as deciding their fate in future existences.”(Wikipedia) Karma is not about helping an old man cross the street and then you being rewarded with the winning numbers to…

The discipline of Yoga provides the fabric of life in which disciples secede from the material world in the direction of ‘the great disembodied thought’ and spiritual freedom. An idea that people are not bound to what appears to be the only real existence. A way of freeing the mind and true identity from obstruction and society. (pg. 29) The basis for Yoga is control of the body and working towards separation from the physical self and material world. The goal is to become an observer in which…

Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven images. Thou shalt not take the Lord’s name in vain. Remember the Sabbath Day to keep it holy. Honor thy mother and thy father. Thou shalt not kill. Thou shalt not commit adultery. Thou shalt not steal. Thou shalt not bear false witness. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s house, wife or possession. Scum! Do you enjoy wrecking people’s lives? Parasite! What do you get out of this? Get a life! Stay out of my…

affirm that they can overcome suffering by taking pleasure in reuniting with god (Moksha). And though both groups have nirvana as their ultimate goals in life, the paths they take upon reaching the objective tend to differ. Buddhism sets out the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path in achieving nirvana, when in fact Hinduism says there are a handful of ways individuals can do so. These fundamental differences amid Buddhism and Hinduism still provide me the leeway to doubt the fact that the…

The Term Mahayana refers to great vehicle. Mahayana was developed by the Mahayanists in order to compare their principles with those of other Buddhist sects, particularly the Theravada. Mahayana the “great vehicle” was used to fake Theravadins by naming their principles ‘Hinayana’ or ‘small vehicle’. Mahayana Buddhism focuses on the doctrine of the Bodhisattva. The term Bodhisattva can also be named as Buddhahood, which means desire for complete enlightenment, has been aroused. Mahayana Buddhism…

This paper explores two published articles that highlight the key components on self-actualization (SA) and reaching optimum human potential. The article that was assigned for reading, is written in a very black and white format that wraps ideas around examples only modern societies could easily relate with, whereas the article that I personally chose, demonstrated an investigation of ideas between Western psychology and the Buddhist tradition of Theravada. Contrastingly, the assigned article…

After Siddhartha Gautama journey of enlightenment, he was able to learn the four noble truths that all Buddhists must follow. First, there is suffering in this world. Second, suffering is caused by desire and ignorance. Third, the end of suffering is reaching nirvana. Finally, the fourth is the noble eightfold path will help end suffering. The noble eightfold path steps are right understanding, right thought, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort…

A religion with the involvement of many different nations, cultures and social systems, but with the same beliefs and practices of Siddhartha Gautama is identified as Buddhism. A religion of a dharmic world view of authority, cosmology, family, life cycle and morality that follow the life and teachings of the Buddha. Where the Buddhist texts are the ones followed as a guide in how to live and achieve enlightment in this world. Buddhism, a religion that is practiced around the world with a…

accentuates that impermanence and change are the main structures of life. Buddhist view people as interconnected. The basic teachings of the Buddha include the factors of personality, the four noble truths, and the eightfold path. The four noble truths form the structural framework for Buddhism. The first, noble truth is called Dukkha. Dukkha represents the pain one experiences throughout their life, physical or mental. The…

In Dr. Devin Stauffer’s book The Utility of Plato’s Gorgias, Stauffer examines Callicles’ defense of previous Athenian leaders criticized by Socrates, like Pericles. Callicles argument is that these leaders “should be regarded as noble rhetoricians, unlike those of the current generation,” as these ancient leaders like Pericles built Athens into an ancient superpower and acted nobly, in the view of Callicles. Callicles’ view of holding previous leaders in high esteem compared to…