According to Buddhism, the main source of our suffering is our preoccupation with our own desires. Suffering is said to be caused by selfish cravings and desires. The way to enlightenment, for Buddhism, therefore involves detaching from our narrow concern with ourselves, escaping the prison of our own desires and illusions.
Do you think it is possible to live according to this teaching in the contemporary United States? Is there a conflict between what Buddhism teaches, and how we are encouraged to think and act in our society? What are your thoughts on this?
I believe as living in the US my whole life i can certainly and surely say that this country would not be able to successfully undertake the concepts of Buddhism, America is the central of individualism. We serve to ourselves primarily, go to school so we can have a job, get a job so we can have money, have money so we can build upon our own needs and wants. All of these desires are self-centered, Although i do agree Buddhism does have a strong belief system and incredible moral teachings with certain enlightenment, I do not see the people of this society diverging from their individualistic values to Buddhist values.
In society we are treated as names and numbers, not beings. Buddhism embraces every soul and embarks on a journey for the mind. Americans only worry about the work that is done for them and the society, not the fact that a person can be mentally exhausted by working two jobs to pay enormous bills. Meditation and care for the individuals was never a foundational factor for this society we live in. Buddhism does come into conflict with our society in the sense that Buddhism tries to involve and enlighten everyone, exempting any negative energy and focusing on the mental wellness and moral correctness of the individuals who practice it, Our society does not spiritually inspire or enlighten any of us, the only motivation is money our well being is not a part of that goal.
It's harsh but it is the truth, in being together like Buddhism teaches a person can unfold and reveal their inner selves with the beauty of enlightenment. America does not concern or confront any of these spiritual teachings or try to bring the best out of every individual, they just motivate us with things that money can buy, without looking into the persons mind, a sad but true part of our society.
Buddhism is amazing, America should take some pointers to help destruct the developing individualism driven my money motives they have set :(!
Do you think it is possible to live according to this teaching in the contemporary United States? Is there a conflict between what Buddhism teaches, and how we are encouraged to think and act in our society? What are your thoughts on this?
I believe as living in the US my whole life i can certainly and surely say that this country would not be able to successfully undertake the concepts of Buddhism, America is the central of individualism. We serve to ourselves primarily, go to school so we can have a job, get a job so we can have money, have money so we can build upon our own needs and wants. All of these desires are self-centered, Although i do agree Buddhism does have a strong belief system and incredible moral teachings with certain enlightenment, I do not see the people of this society diverging from their individualistic values to Buddhist values.
In society we are treated as names and numbers, not beings. Buddhism embraces every soul and embarks on a journey for the mind. Americans only worry about the work that is done for them and the society, not the fact that a person can be mentally exhausted by working two jobs to pay enormous bills. Meditation and care for the individuals was never a foundational factor for this society we live in. Buddhism does come into conflict with our society in the sense that Buddhism tries to involve and enlighten everyone, exempting any negative energy and focusing on the mental wellness and moral correctness of the individuals who practice it, Our society does not spiritually inspire or enlighten any of us, the only motivation is money our well being is not a part of that goal.
It's harsh but it is the truth, in being together like Buddhism teaches a person can unfold and reveal their inner selves with the beauty of enlightenment. America does not concern or confront any of these spiritual teachings or try to bring the best out of every individual, they just motivate us with things that money can buy, without looking into the persons mind, a sad but true part of our society.
Buddhism is amazing, America should take some pointers to help destruct the developing individualism driven my money motives they have set :(!
I like the way you portray the conflict between these two principles here, especially as it relates to the materialism of contemporary U.S. culture
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