What Being a Buddhist Means to You?

The path of the Buddha will offer the possibility of living a different type of life, if indeed this is important to one. Modern Americans are very linear in thinking. We work hard to achieve that which we see as the goal. Interestingly, upon reaching a goal, a feeling of emptiness may remain. One may have traded peace-of-mind, integrity, relationships, etc., for the ability to reach the goal.

A different process may be the realization that we are immersed in the glorious power that is our creation. We never left the power, we have only separated ourselves with our own limited thinking.

If one can view existence as complete as it is, the result can be a calmness and peace that may not be of material gain, but rather of internal joy. We have witness sufficient to know that wealth doesn’t necessarily mean happiness, anymore than poverty does. Rather, happiness is the culmination of something else. Neither does a large cadre of friends and associates mean happiness. Something much more fundamental is in play.

The path of the Buddha implies the removal of the personal intention and self-promotion which may allow one to cleanse the debris that hides the Source of Creation. We are already an honored and viable participant in the Source of Creation. It is our individual idiosyncrasies that cause our participation in the cause and effect turmoil that results in sadness and isolation.

To follow the path of the Buddha, means we can see our childish cries of “I want” for what they are.–useless demands for that which is not needed by those who don’t understand. Rather, to see the cause and effect within which we are immersed, can be interesting if we don’t run from that which we see as “bad” while trying to grasp that which we see as “good”.

Instead, this existence can be seen as a fascinating undulating ocean upon which we ride. The “good” comes—don’t grasp it, the “bad” comes—don’t grasp it, the “good” comes–don’t grasp it, and so on. Eventually the possibility of the Oneness is understood. The work in this material world is that which makes the realization of enlightenment possible.