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Buddhism began in India (approximately 560-480
BCE) through its founder Siddhartha Gautama, who became “The
Enlightened One” or Buddha. From India, the religion
spread throughout Asia. Though all Buddhists practice the
“Four Noble Truths” and work to eliminate suffering,
there is a significant difference among the various traditions
or denominations within Buddhism. Some Buddhist traditions
are atheist while others recognize a “higher power”
or God. Buddhism has come to North America through immigration
and through Americans and Canadians who have found profound
meaning and deep resonance through meditation and other Buddhist
practices.
The foundational Buddhist teaching is that
of the "Four Noble Truths".
The first Noble Truth is
usually translated "Life is suffering". Steven Bachelor,
a teacher of the Dharma, suggests a translation: "Life
is Difficult." Life begins with the pain of birth, involves
misunderstanding and confusion, and ends with the difficulty
of death. Lord Buddha, founder of Buddhism, says that suffering
and life’s difficulties must be identified as one addresses
social problems, violence or illness. One cannot ignore or
over-react to issues such as death and dying. Understand suffering
is the first step in dealing with social or personal difficulties.
The second Noble Truth is
that difficulty and anguish largely originate within ourselves;
therefore, all of the causes and conditions of suffering must
be analyzed. As humans open themselves to a deeper consciousness,
they expose ignorance and delusion. When we understand ourselves
and break the power of ignorance, we are working to create
peace.
Buddhism recognizes that all sentient beings
desire to be happy and to avoid suffering. When human beings
are wrapped in confusion, denial and need for control, they
will often inflict suffering upon themselves and others.
The third Noble Truth teaches
us that we can act in a way that is wise and selfless, and,
thus, we can plan and make policies to achieve happiness.
It is possible to cut off the roots of suffering.
The fourth Noble Truth is
putting our plans and policies into action. The Mahayana ("Great
Vehicle") tradition of Buddhism is to engage in activity
directed solely and compassionately to the benefit of others.
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For any Buddhist, social engagement is an essential priority:
- To identify and address problems or life’s difficulties
(suffering)
- To analyze the causes and conditions of the problems
(causes of suffering)
- To plan and make policies to remove problems (liberation)
- To implement and evaluate the way problems are resolved
(path)
As the sage Shantideva said:
May I be a saviour for those without one,
A guide for all travellers on the way.
May I be a bridge, a boat and a ship,
For all who wish to cross the water.
May I be a bed for those who need to rest,
And a lamp for those desiring light.
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To engage the Buddhist community in your area, you may find
a listing in the yellow pages under “churches”
or “religious organizations”. Buddhism
in Canada also offers a listing of Buddhist temples across
Canada.
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