Buddhism as Freedom from Negativity Essay - 791 Words

Buddhism as Freedom from Negativity The title of this paper is posed as a question so that one can explore and investigate if Buddhism and meditation can bring the mind freedom from negativity. One of the most important things I have learned thus far, is that anger and hatred are based on projections and exaggeration, not on objectivity or wisdom. This stikes me as very important in my search for how to release negativity. If we can accept that things feelings do not come from wisdom, that it may be possible to realize that they are fundamentally incorrect. Within Buddhism there are different sects and meditation practices that look at life and practices in differing ways. Each of these†¦show more content†¦In Buddhism we learn that we must realize how we attach ourselves to these thoughts and how to free ourselves from them so that we can let go of our egos. In Vipassana, the basic principles are about experiencing one’s own reality. Much emphasis is placed on self observation and perception. This notion of self-observation is something many people, including myself often neglect. In individualized Western culture, especially in the United States, much emphasis is placed upon â€Å"doing.† In such an environment, there is often little time for self-exploration, especially of one’s thoughts. I think this can be attributed to how easily agitated and angered we can become over little things. We are constantly going through the motions of life, without looking closely at each motion, and when our path is interrupted or derailed, we are unhappy. What we can learn from these teachings, however, is that while it may be impossible to prevent anger and negativity from entering our minds, what we need to do is keep it from residing within our thoughts. By closely observing our minds and our thoughts, we may be able to control our minds and curb the feelings of anger from further evolving. In â€Å"Pure and Simple,† by Upasika Kee Nanayon, she speaks of â€Å"opening the way in the heart.† In this passage she explainsShow MoreRelatedBuddhism : Buddhism And Buddhism1009 Words   |  5 Pages Zen Buddhism isn’t exactly a â€Å"religion†, but a way of living. It creates peace within the human mind that allows one to grow, develop and look at the world more positively. Originating in China in 650 C.E., Zen Buddhism is a combination between Indian Mahayana Buddhism and Taoism. Mahayana Buddhism promotes bodhisattva, which is practicing the way of life in the direction of Buddha. Taoism is a religion developed by Lao-tzu, a Taoist philosopher, and focuses on obtaining long life and good fortuneRead MoreThe Four Ways Of Leting Go Explained By Ajahn Brahm1305 Words   |  6 Pagesgo will help release t hese feelings and desires that only work to make a person unhappy. There are four ways of letting go. The first way is simply to throw away any object causing anguish. 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