Finding happiness, peace and truth in Buddha

Photo courtesy of Creative Commons

 

Alexandra Mosquera Netzkarsch / Columnist

bbc@fiusm.com

I never identified with a religion as a child. My family raised me a Catholic, but I chose a different path after questioning everything I learned in religion classes and in church.

I took a couple religion courses in college and realized that I could choose my own belief system. It was not until I embarked on a year-long spiritual journey that I came across Buddhism.

Last year, I enrolled in a History of Buddhism course and it opened my eyes completely. I wanted to learn about the lessons taught by Buddha, known as Siddhārtha Gautama or Shakyamuni.

I moved from New Jersey to Miami and met some students whose families practiced Buddhism. That’s when I learned there are various ways to practice Buddhism. However, the primary Buddhist practices are kindness, honesty, generosity and awareness of the world — which were some of the main aspects that attracted me to the religion.

Beliefs are a choice for every person to make, either when they are young, in college or even later in life. But nobody should feel forced to belong or follow a religion that they don’t believe in.

Buddhism has given me sense of responsibility by teaching me there is no higher power controlling my destiny and that fate is not arbitrary, but rather, I create my own life path.

Another thing I admire about Buddhism is, historically, it has never been the center of war — which cannot be said for most other popular religions. Buddhism doesn’t degrade other religions. It doesn’t teach that one religion is right and the others are wrong. For Buddhists, there is no hell as is taught in many religions, because we are already damned by our egos that constantly desire happiness.

Meditation is also a tool used by Buddhists to transform the mind. After meditating several times, I have been able to develop a more positive and peaceful state of mind.

If students are not gung-ho about becoming Buddhist from this article, they could still benefit from Buddhists practices like meditation. The Biscayne Bay Campus Recreation Center offers free yoga classes for students and faculty, which have helped me release the tension in my muscles and relax my mind.

I have studied Buddhism for two years now, but feel there is more to learn. I no longer find myself searching for happiness and peace because Buddhism has helped me find this.

However, the takeaway is not to practice or study Buddhism. Just remember to follow what gives you certainty in life. For some it’s science, for others it’s religion. What matters is that you feel comfortable with, and are true to, yourself and your beliefs.

1 Comment on "Finding happiness, peace and truth in Buddha"

  1. Good morning Alexandra,

    You stated the following in your article:

    “However, the takeaway is not to practice or study Buddhism. Just remember to follow what gives you certainty in life. For some it’s science, for others it’s religion. What matters is that you feel comfortable with, and are true to, yourself and your beliefs.”

    I’m curious if you really believe what you have advised? Do you really want anyone to “follow” anything that gives them a feeling of certainty? Do you really want just about anyone feeling certainty about an action and lifestyle because they feel comfortable with it?

    You said, that the following features attracted you to Buddhism: “kindness, honesty, generosity and awareness of the world.”

    What if a man found certainty and comfort in being cold and rude to others? Or in corruption and dishonesty? Or in being a miser and hard-hearted?

    What would you say to him then? Would you still say to him, “What matters is that you feel comfortable with, and are true to, yourself and your beliefs.”?

    Kind regards,

    Alex

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