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Life Of Buddhism Analysis

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Mythological stories are spoken and written to educate communities on a particular set of beliefs. These stories are told multiple times through word of mouth and writing. Detail by detail the stories change over time. These little changes can eventually alter the interpretation of large aspects of the religion, such as, the meaning and purpose behind rituals. As a result, religions have the opportunity to branch into a vast number of traditions. “The Life of Buddha,” narrates the original formation of Buddhist practices. In comparison, “Chido’s Dreams of Buddhism,” shows the interpretation of Buddhism in Japan. Geographic relocation gave Buddhism the opportunity to split into two different types of interpretations and practices regarding …show more content…

In, “The Life of Buddha,” Buddha’s entire life represents the path to nirvana. Attachment to life is the biggest factor that stops followers of Buddhism from reaching nirvana. As a result, Buddha gave up all the material comforts in his life because he realized old age, illness, and death were inevitable despite an individual’s current happiness. Through excessive meditation, Buddha saw the path to enlightenment. He compiled his dreams into the Four Noble Truths to help followers of Buddhism reach enlightenment as well. The last Truth includes the Eight Fold Path, which guides an individual to nirvana. In, “Chido’s Dreams of Buddhism,” Chido explains the path to liberation as a story to a visitor’s questions. He believes we suffer because we cling to materials without substance. He goes as far as to say that having faith while searching for nirvana shows attachment. He says this because faith in nirvana is hoping that we will be happy once we reach nirvana. Although Chido’s concepts are complex, the path to liberation is as simple as having one thought about the emptiness in material objects, our bodies, and faith. Once an individual has this one thought, they have the ability to stop their suffering at any …show more content…

As a result, Buddha’s and Chido’s path to liberation differ as well. Buddha has specific instructions. First, an individual must recognize the personal things they desire. Only once this recognition occurs the individual can move on and see the possibility of overcoming the suffering. They cannot reach liberation if they stop at this point. To move on, the individual must completely change their lifestyle and follow the Eight Fold Path. Only once the individual starts completing the requirements of the Eight Fold Path, they can be liberated because this step specifically leads to Nirvana. On the other hand, Chido’s path to liberation is lenient. He believes a single thought that acknowledges the causes of suffering qualifies an individual for the possibility of liberation. After the first acknowledgement, the individual can recognize the feelings they have when they rely on something impermanent to be happy. Since Chido sees most objects and processes as suffering, then liberation should not involve more objects and

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