curs beyond the grave. Even Buddha himself was not certain what lay beyond death. He left no clear teaching on Nirvana or eternity. What he did leave are philosophical speculations. Today the body of Buddha lies in a grave in Kusinara, at the foot of the Himalaya Mountains. The facts of life after death still remain an unsolved mystery in Buddhism. This is a point of concern for some, who want answers, but the Buddha, and Zen are not God, Buddha never claimed to be anything more than a man. He never claimed to know any answers. As Americans, most of our religions involve a clear cut picture of exactly who God is, and what he's about. There isn't much room for speculation if you're religious person and you believe what the scriptures of your specific religion are telling you. Regardless if there's a God or there isn't - the old argument stands: They can't all be right. Even the simple comparisson of Buddhism and Christianity leaves you with two very opposite ideas about what life is all about. The two are so different, they cannot both be right at the same time, nor can the two be blended together, or should be. The United States of America may be the most powerful, wealthy, and attractive country in the world. The varieties of class, individuality, religion, and race are a few of the enrichments within the "melting pot" of our society. The blend of these numerous diversities is the crucial ingredient to our modern nation. Even though America has been formed upon these diversities, its inhabitants- the "average American"- have a single thing in common; a single idea; a single goal; the American Dream. The original dream consisted of a seemingly simple concept; success. Americans dreamed of a successful marriage, family, successful job, and own a Victorian-style home with a white picket fence and an oak tree with a swing tire in the front yard, 2.5 children and a golden retreaver. It seems to be honest enough, sincer...
