According to Buddhism, the main source of our suffering is our preoccupation with our own desires. Suffering is said to be caused by selfish cravings and desires. The way to enlightenment, for Buddhism, therefore involves detaching from our narrow concern with ourselves, escaping the prison of our own desires and illusions.
Do you think it is possible to live according to this teaching in the contemporary United States? Is there a conflict between what Buddhism teaches, and how we are encouraged to think and act in our society? What are your thoughts on this?
According to Buddism, we must stop being absorbed in ourselves and adapt to desires and cravings that cause the least amount of suffering. It's unfortunate in the physical life that people can be in pain from illness or the selfishness of others, pain is inevitable. However, it can be reduced by making decisions about your own body and spirituality. This means to not let anyone else make decisions for your life, but to take control and live your best, even if happiness is temporary. My only concern would be how one would know what's best for them and what causes the least amount of suffering. What if they accidently cause more suffering like Sidharta when he fasted and collapsed from malnourishment before switching his beliefs? I am quickly connecting this to Badiou's "Plato's Republic", where in the first few chapters Socrates and Glaucon are discussing the definition of justice and one definition appears" the interest of the stronger", meaning justice is what favors the stronger person. Socrates argues some decisions can be an error and lead to unintentional pain, instead of one's own interest. So, this is a fault I find in Buddhism, but perhaps there may be an answer my question.
Buddhism is very difficult in the United States, especially in New York City, one of the biggest cities that advocate for Capitalism. Buddhists do not give in to cravings or desires and do not focus on materialistic objects, which is the complete opposite of corporate America. In fact, to be successful in pursuing the American dream is to be filthy rich, own a house, a car, a complete family, and well established socially. Being a Buddhist will be very hard in the U.S. and I can understand how people believe the teachings of Buddhism is extreme or irrelevant because of the vastly different lifestyles.
However, with the liberal movement of "I control my body and what I want to do" in the U.S. today, such as being able to study what you want, eat what you want, or live how you want without input from others makes it somewhat easier to pursue Buddhism. The only difference is one must follow the 4 noble truths to reduce suffering, which can be hard for many Americans who believe in other religions.
What one does or believes in is their personal choice, one can choose to be a Buddhist, it will be difficult, but it is possible. Contemplating, it wouldn't make sense to be a Buddhist in America because the lifestyle is too different from one's beliefs, therefore causing unnecessary suffering, which is not reaching the goal of Nirvana. America is too materialistic and shoots messages of independence which can leave people being too self-absorbed, not an ideal environment for a Buddhist.
I would agree with what you say about the incompatibility between these ideas
ReplyDelete