SoeiroAMFT6103-4.docx

Anna K. Soeiro National University MFT-6103 v3: Cultural Diversity, Gender, and Family Development Dr. Hall 02/15/2024

1. Due to America's religious landscape drastically shifting, mental health professionals need to be aware of the importance of relationships as well as be in touch with their feelings about religion and spirituality (Cole, 2107). I will be writing on Buddhism broadly as it is as varied as the many cultures that practice it. At the core of Buddhism is a turning away of self and problems and a focus on why they exist instead of how one can stop suffering. Because of this, I take a closer look at it today. The "Four Noble Truths" that bind all dimensions of Buddhism are The acceptance that suffering is part of life. Second, the fact that we are uncomfortable with suffering is a yearning that ends when the ego is quieted. Ending the yearning to cease suffering comes with the ability to let go, and the fourth truth is that there is a correct way to go about this in the form of the Noble Eightfold Path (Clammer, 2022). Buddhism is interesting not only as an ancient religion but also as a philosophy and sometimes as a commercial, accessible way to live or strive to live. Books and talks by Tibetan Buddhist Pema Chödrön and Vietnamese Buddhist Thich Nhat Hanh have propagated a somewhat "new age" of the practice, and gift shops filled with statues, jewelry, prayer flags, and home décor have made Buddhism somewhat materialist to those stuck in a material world, which Buddha would have despised. Though the commercialism of Buddhism is vulgar, it has possibly opened the door of spiritualism, religion, or a philosophy of being that has helped center, quiet, and indeed assisted in ending the suffering of many. Through meditation and giving up material things, the Buddha said that once enlightened and experienced as Nirvana, one can then be free of all human negativity, which he was able to do

2. around 2,500 years ago! Karma is the flow of positive and negative things we do or do not do. The path to enlightenment consists of living a virtuous life, practicing mindfulness and awareness of one's thoughts and deeds, and growing in knowledge and wisdom. Buddhism tolerates other beliefs and does not try to convert or preach. Wars are not fought in the name of Buddha, and maybe because of this, people "buy" into it. The "rules" of Buddhism are pretty straightforward and consist of not taking another life, not stealing, engaging in sexual misbehavior, or overindulging in sensual pleasure like intoxication, and not lying. The Buddha, however, does not force or shame anyone into following this path, as it is up to you to find the best path forward without judgment (n.d.). The Sacred plumeria flower is part of the Five Trees and Six Flowers that is often found in Buddhist temples and represents hope. The hope is to reach Nirvana, and in that pursuit, the pursuit of banishing ignorance, excuses, and excess, this will lead you on your best path. Hope is that change is inevitable, and life flows like a river, the wind in a willow, and the spaces between disparity and joy, being asleep and awake and not knowing and knowing that there will be peace. Hope is understanding that we are weak, human, and vulnerable, but there is a path out of that through the faith in the Buddhist's path. If we sin or are "bad", hope comes from knowing that it is okay and can be repaired, as nothing is permanent and that enlightenment, like salvation in Catholicism, is attainable (Baker, 2005) Since change is a constant, the moments to heal are innumerable. People can heal through meditative practices in Zen Buddhism and various Mahayana practices. A plethora

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