It’s a common sight in gardens, a Buddha statue bought from the garden centre for £30. Imbued in the purchase is an expectation of instant tranquility but I wonder how many of those who want to create their Zen corner of peace really know anything about Buddhism?
A longtime friend wrecked his life through alcoholism but found a way back through meditation then Buddhism. He gave me a book of the Buddha’s teachings: Dhammapada, The Way of the Truth.
I learned that the Buddha was a religious figure on earth 500 years before Christ. No-one had pen and paper then so what he said and the impact he had was passed on verbally. He generated many followers around the world all using different languages so there seems to be differences in interpretation of the detail. Images of him also vary extensively.
My totally amateurish understanding of Buddhism is: sort your head out and work out how to solve your own problems because no-one else will. Don’t blame others or get angry but find your inner peace. Focus on the now rather than the past or the future.
Recognise too we’re all going to die so don’t cling on to material things that don’t last.
Life is full of difficulties and suffering. Meditation can help still your mind as you set off down the path to enlightenment.
Jesus was high level: “Knock on the door and it will open”, etc. Whereas the Buddha would have looked at the door and said ‘it’s down to you to find a way to get the door open and go through’.
Last word goes to the Buddha: “Better than a thousand meaningless words collected together is a single meaningful word that on hearing you become tranquil.”
Undisputedly.