Buddhism

Rowan Burns

Buddhism isn't really a religion. It's more of an organised system of ethics. A way of life. Without a god, it guides people to ultimate truths, greater understanding, and enlightenment; it guides people to Nirvana.

There are four noble truths, by following which, one will supposedly achieve a more ethical life. The general vibe is that if it is ethical, it is bringing you closer to enlightenment; thus when it is unethical, it is leading you to suffering. These truths preach that escaping material possessions is key to avoiding disappointment, envy, or other sinful/immoral qualities. It makes sense that without any earthly tethers, it would be much easier to detach emotionally and invest spiritually. By removing my social connections, I'm sure I would endure less physical and emotional suffering. But perhaps I would also be suffering in the opportunities missed.

In that vein, the lack of a phone, has, without doubt, allowed me to invest more in this trip, the people and myself. The trip: a carefully crafted incubator for harbouring the blossoming views and seeds of religion, sewn into our 'impressionable minds'. It has nestled religion into a young man, who has grown up without interest and more crucially without awareness of its immensity.

Some religions have definitely resonated with me more than others. Buddhism is up there due to its emphasis on a way of life rather than a higher power. It leaves room for my theological views by rather guiding my ethical views on what is arguably good and bad; It is a religion which allows me to connect on a moral level rather than a spiritual level. The fact that the first Buddha could be seen merely as an academic, educated in what he thought to be the most 'ethical' way of living life, depicts him to be on a similar journey to me right now; a never-ending exploration of what I know and believe in.