Buddhism

I have been very interested in this course for many months and decided to get my "Master of Buddhist Studies" as I am a practicing Buddhist and have been for many years.

Buddhism week 1

Total enlightenment is release from the constant rebirth and suffering of samsara. Enlightenment means that I would be completely able to help others attain complete release from suffering and the causes of suffering and that they too would be able to achieve enlightenment. 

There are similarities in all major religions, as there is a being who is perceived to be either God or a prophet of God who comes forth and teaches compassion and loving kindness and whose words are written down by their followers and studied for centuries to come. In some instances the prophet is worshiped as though he himself is god (as in the case of the Christ) although none proclaim themselves to be God. And although all major religions preach love and compassion, Buddhism is the only totally non-violent religion on this planet. Similarities between the major religions have a lot to do with the prophesies of the end of times, the Bible, the Native Americans and the Buddhists have very similar prophesies of the coming of the "end times."

Of course total enlightenment is possible, Siddhartha did it and there are several Lakota medicine men who were enlightened beings, Fools Crow and Black Elk were men of incredible spiritual depth and knowledge. Enlightenment does not require education or genius IQ, it only requires a total commitment on the part of the spiritual aspirant...when Buddha sat down, he committed himself to enlightenment and vowed not to move from his seat under the Bodhi tree until he achieved it. It is only the commitment to enlightenment that is difficult, it is within us all to become awakened beings.

For everyone, the way to enlightenment is different.

Meditation and reading the words of the Buddha, hearing his voice explaining how He became awakened is part of my path.

Also by connecting with the All That Is, the source of all consciousness in the Universe and tuning into that energy.

Studying the Ancients (the Mayans, the Egyptians) and connecting with that source.

I believe that everyone has the opportunity to become an awakened being; it is part of what we are here for. It is the Alpha and the Omega of why we choose to be born into this world of suffering again and again. And once released from suffering and the constant pain of rebirth, we are free to choose to resume rebirth in hopes of aiding those who have not achieved enlightenment.

Sincerely,

Rev. Vicki A Bennett D.D.

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