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Thu Doan ENGL 122 – 1535 Christian Morgan 23 February 2025 How Buddhism’s Teachings and Philosophies Shape My Mind I am Asian, and above all, I am Vietnamese. Buddhism is a major religion in Vietnam and has a significant impact on the lives of its people. The teachings and philosophies of Buddhism have deeply influenced Vietnamese thought, becoming integral to the social life and lifestyle of the community. It has evolved into an ideology and a religion of lasting importance, profoundly influencing the lives of Vietnamese people in general and my life in particular. Moreover, Buddhism ignited a profound cultural appreciation for Truth, Goodness, and Beauty, inspiring people to break free from the constraints and conflicts that they themselves had created. Consequently, Buddhism emerged as a powerful source of spiritual nourishment for a significant portion of the population. This enduring connection explains why Buddhism has woven itself intricately into the fabric of social life, meeting the genuine needs and aspirations of the people (Dr. Do Thi Yen and MA Nguyen Thi Ha, October 16, 2023). The profound philosophies of Buddhism have shaped my worldview in significant ways. Almost every member of my family shares a deep conviction that living ethically brings forth rewarding outcomes, while actions that stray from moral principles inevitably invite consequences. This belief has been a guiding light, reinforcing my commitment to a life of integrity and compassion. Buddhism deeply investigates the theory of cause and effect, with karma serving as a cornerstone of its teachings. The law of cause and effect is essential in shaping my family’s philosophy of life and moral values. It illustrates the ongoing cycle of transformation, birth, and
death, guiding me to embrace goodness and avoid evil. Beyond its role in nurturing a loving family and promoting a peaceful society, Buddhism emphasizes the significance of personal effort. This effort is crucial on my path to enlightenment. Instead of issuing commands or punishments, the doctrine of cause and effect encourages me to acknowledge my responsibilities within my family and community. It inspires a commitment to self-education in alignment with moral principles, motivating me to strive for self-perfection and greater fulfillment. It can be seen that Buddhism offers the profound educational insights. At its heart lies a powerful goal: to guide individuals toward enlightenment and self-liberation, unlocking the path to genuine happiness (Barborich, 2018). This ancient wisdom not only fosters a progressive and egalitarian spirit but also champions the significance of active engagement in meaningful endeavors. Embracing these ideals can lead to a transformative journey, empowering each person to shape their own destiny. According to Buddhism, the journey of self-improvement intertwines with understanding objective laws and committing to righteous, lawful actions grounded in morality. The precepts serve as a transformative compass, guiding individuals across the turbulent river of delusion and through the vast sea of suffering, ultimately leading them to a serene sanctuary of peace and liberation. Furthermore, these precepts are not merely rules; they are the foundation upon which the practice of meditation is built. By embracing these principles, I nurture my moral fabric and deepen my spiritual practice. In exploring the Five Precepts (Sumana and Dr. Chandrakitti (Champalal) Bhante, March 2024), I have come to appreciate them as fundamental moral tenets established by the Buddha. They illuminate the path toward perfection in my thoughts and actions while fostering the development of a better character that resonates with the profound wisdom of Buddhist philosophy. The Five Precepts serve as a foundation for nurturing compassion and humanity within each individual. They act not only as a shield against harmful influences on
of wisdom: Teacher-based wisdom, which we acquire from mentors, friends, and the written word, and Spiritual wisdom, which arises from cultivating a serene and focused mind. Among these, spiritual wisdom holds the utmost importance. When our minds and bodies are in disarray, we find ourselves unable to gain true insight, perceive reality accurately, or reflect on our experiences with clarity (Deroche, 26 Jan 2021). Buddhism is beautifully regarded as the religion of compassion and wisdom. Compassion finds its deep roots in the fertile soil of wisdom, while wisdom flourishes and expands through the nurturing embrace of compassion. Without the guiding light of wisdom, compassion may only flicker as a momentary emotion; conversely, without the warmth of compassion, the depths of wisdom struggle to manifest (Ricard, 2011). These two virtues are intricately woven together, each enhancing the other—wisdom flows like a gentle stream that nourishes the garden of compassion, and it is through compassion that wisdom blossoms into its fullest expression. Together, they create a harmonious duality, much like the two sides of a hand or the graceful wings of a bird, each essential for the other’s existence. The Buddhist theory of ethics powerfully asserts that people shall each take responsibility for their actions, even beyond the veil of death. In this tradition, death is merely the conclusion of a single life, not an escape from the consequences of our choices. This profound understanding serves as a vital check against indulgent and selfish behaviors driven by greed, cruelty, and a flouting of moral principles in the pursuit of personal desires. Buddha imparted a wisdom that people are the true masters of their own destinies. I should strive to become virtuous individual, relying not on external supernatural forces, but on the strength within myself. He encouraged me with the inspiring words, “Be your own light” (Dabhole, 2018). Buddhism, with its philosophical depth, emerges not as an abstract metaphysical system but as a profoundly practical guide for living a meaningful and responsible life.
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