Enlightenment and Buddhism

Term Paper # 100316

Religion and Theology > Buddhism

An analysis of the relevance of Buddhism and enlightenment to Western society today.

1,475 words () | 6 sources | MLA | 2007 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses Buddhism and enlightenment in Western society. It begins by defining the term "Buddhism" and then argues that Buddhism, although Eastern in origin and ancient, remains relevant in Western society today. More specifically, the paper looks at Buddhism's relevance to today with regard to the concept of enlightenment and discusses the reasons why it is still relevant today.

From the Paper:

"Another indication that enlightenment is still relevant today comes from the fact that "Sakyamuni's enlightenment experiences, or 'Great Awakening' ... represents the human experience around which the religion would develop its practices and ideals." (Eliade, 355) Indeed, Sakyamuni's disciples saw this enlightenment as central to their religion, in that it enables people to break free from passion, suffering, and rebirth. This freedom is referred to as nirvana. Nirvana may be thought of as a kind of heaven. Achieving it frees people from all worries and suffering, and stops them from having to endlessly repeat the cycle of life. (Eliade) This concept is surely just as appealing in modern times as it was hundreds of years ago. In fact, it may be more appealing now, as there are so many more worries and pressures, such as global warming, and the possibility of total climate collapse."

Sample of Sources Used:

Akira, Hirakawa. A History of Indian Buddhism: From Sakyamuni to Early Mahayana. Trans. Paul Groner. Ed. Paul Groner. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press, 1990.
Cabezon, Jose Ignacio. Buddhism, Sexuality, and Gender. Albany, NY: State University of New York Press, 1992.
Eliade, Mircea. (Editor in Chief) The Encyclopedia of Religion, Volume 1 & 2. New York: Macmillan Publishing Company, 1987.
Mishra, Pankaj. "Twelve Steps to Enlightenment: Westerners Are Increasingly Turning to Buddhism as an Antidote to the Stresses of Modern Life. But There Is More to It Than Meditation. For Many of Us, the Prospect of Renouncing Greed, Hatred and Delusion Is More Terrifying Than Liberating." New Statesman 12 Apr. 2004: 48+.
Nattier, Jan. "Buddhism Comes to Main Street." The Wilson Quarterly Spring 1997: 72+.