But even those who have abandoned their search for existence still face the third craving of non-existence. Once we realize this is where all our trouble and pain arises, we wish to be released from it.Buddhism is one of the worlds largest religions with almost two hundred and eighty million followers, Buddhism was founded about 500 b.c. and has been a dominant religion, cultural, and social determinant in most of Asia. Buddhist philosophy is highly adaptable and has meshed well with every culture it has been introduced to; especially India, China, Tibet, Japan, Korea and Vietnam, as well as the rest of South East Asia. Perhaps Buddhisms longevity is a result of the idea that while suffering is inescapable, there are real actions we can take to alleviate this pain. Buddhism is singular in that not only does pain have a real and tangible source instead of a vague philosophical idea, but it is up to the practitioner to end his own suffering with the pragmatic steps provided in Buddhist scripture. Indeed, Buddhisms steps to freedom and enlightenment offer wise words to even non-Buddhists. Perhaps with a little more time the west will let go of the fear of acknowledging pain and be able to read and understand Buddhist philosophy with a richer understanding, bringing us all closer to the goal. Bibliography:Porter, Bill. Road to Heaven: Encounters with Chinese Hermits. San Francisco: Mercury House, 1993.Trungpa, Chogyam. The Essential Chogyam Trungpa. Boston & London: Shambala Press, 1999.Lama, Dalai H.H.. Spiritual Advice: for Buddhists and Christians. New York: Continuum, 1998.Thomas, Edward Joseph. The History of Buddhist Thought. London: Routledge & Kegan Paul Ltd., 1933.Lama, Dalai H.H.. The Art of Happieness: a handbook for living.New York: Riverhead Books, 1998.Hagen, Steve. Buddhism Plain and Simple.Boston: Charles E. Tuttle Co., Inc., 1997.Comer, Ronald J. Abnormal Psychology: Third Edition...
