I think that Buddha. Or the whole concept of Buddhism is Amazing. He quite literally ...tells it ...like it ...is. Understanding ones self, understanding how society works ... understanding the mind ...why we do things ...it does bring a certain peace. A Balancing of our desires and needs it does bring you into contentment. Happiness comes from doing what's right, generosity brings happiness not greed ...not money.
Buddha came up with this theory because he wanted to know why death? Why Suffering? "We are all burning, every thing about us is out of control." Buddha said we are burning to describe the human condition. We are born with the desire in are hearts to do wrong. Why are we like this? Because ...we just are. If that were the answer than yes, I can totally see Buddhism being practical ...in the way that we just need to be the best person we can by achieving the opposite of ignorance and understanding how to deal with everything in the right way.
Buddhism gives fantastic advice but not a fantastic solution. The way we got this way. Life, death, suffering, sorrow, violence, is all classified as unknown or even irrelevant. It is missing human purpose. The end and beginning is relevant. It wouldn't be if all were content with dyeing. But if you truly attain happiness, this blissful state of complete peace ...you would not want it to end. And for good reason what cruelty is giving someone the most amazing experience, fulfillment, joy, true happiness. For a time that is relatively momentary.
For a practice about understanding and knowing ...the unknown is a very big part of it. When in fact the unknown can be known if you look toward the solution. Yes I am a Christian but I do not believe the solution is heaven. No who even came up with that idea? We were created to live on this beautiful earth to no end as Adam and eve were. God wouldn't completely change his purpose for us. To live forever on a paradise earth ...the revelation says, "And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away"
I guess I felt Buddhism was so great and interesting because it is very similar to what the bible says to do. lol. What I try to do. We are to follow Jesus, Gods son, his teachings ...but most of all his example. He is quite literally the perfect example! And in doing so we cultivate these qualities such as humility, mildness, wisdom, and even inner peace. And so in that way we can find peace in this world filled with suffering and endure it by look toward a solution.
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Why do they always deppict him as fat? Was he fat? If so I'm guessing it was because he was offered ALOT of food.