Gautama Buddha is really a special personality. Although many of his original teachings are lost, and the only records of his teaching was started to be written down only after 200 (some say 300 or 400) years of his passing. Thus historically, what we find as Buddha's teaching may not be his original, but inspired by other Buddhist of later times.But my point is not exactly that. My point is his method of preaching Dhamma (the teaching).
As i mentioned in previous posts that (whom we call) Messengers or Prophets are basically great social reformers and social workers. People from Confucious to Muhammad, from Buddha to Rama Krisha are such great peoples. Peace and blessings of God be upon them.
But among all the great teachers, Buddha is very special. This is because all the social reformers like Moses, Jesus used God as central theme for inspiring people to come back to a life of balance. But Buddha was born in a society, in such a special time when the idea of God was not helping out. People had a matured concept of the all pervading Brahma (God) in that Hindu Civilization. Remember, Buddha himself was born as hindu. There were ascetics practicing. But the society lost its harmony. People were suffering in all sense.
Among that chaos, when Buddha gained his wisdom and insight into the causes of suffering (Dukkha), he right aways didn't bring God as central theme. He knew God idea was not helping bring harmony among people, and moreover people was fighting over my God and your God. That is why in his teaching we find little talk about God. As if he remained silent in that question. Rather he opens up another DOOR TO ETERNITY. Buddha teaches the inner consciousness that is present inside all of us.
We all have conscience, and if we are aware of our being, that conscience is enough to guide us. That is like a autopilot to lead a life of godness on earth. As said in the Final Testament, Quran that God has give the paths to all. Either man be grateful or he can live in denial. Buddha was working on that as well.
Buddha taught people how to know oneself. How to empty our heart and mind. Since heart is the throne of God and God takes His place only when we empty our heart from material attachment, from worldly attachment. Thus without talking about God, he was preparing the place for godly consciousness. His concept of Sunnyata is thus really a great teaching. I admire Buddha because he was able to transform the society, the mindset of the people at that very time of crisis. To bring back people from blind materialist life to a life of calm and self-awareness is something really wonderful. That is why, to me Gautama Buddha is one of the best person and philosopher who walked on this humble earth !!
Also:
. Buddha's Prophecy about his own teachings
Tag: Buddhism, Buddha.
Good morning Sadiq,
ReplyDeleteIt 's 9:26pm here in America, the state of South Carolina, in my little town of Bluffton. I have been reading your wonderful blog most all day...and I am inspired beyond words.
What does your day hold for you?
I enjoyed reading the post on "Why Buddha is so special". I appreciate the fact that the Buddha leaves thoughts of God and Spirit to each and teaches of the power of what is held, centered inside.
Nanaste Sadiq
Dear Brother,
ReplyDeleteI agree with isaiah, your blog is fantastic. I often learn many things, and deeply appreciate your dedication and passion. This particular post is brilliant, and a great learning experience for me.
Your eternal friend,
Mark
Pir Vilyat Inayat Khan (1916-2004), who for 50 years led the Sufi Order in the west, posted a series of online lessons on "Comparisons Between Buddhism and Sufism." You may want to check them out, especially in light of your recent (excellent) post about Buddhist-Muslim dialogue. The series is at
ReplyDeletehttp://theuniversel.net
You have a wonderful blog here! Many thanks for the thoughtfulness you put into your posts.
Asalaam Aleikum--
Darrell
Dear Sadiqbhai
ReplyDeleteIt is a wonderful post on Buddha. I had never seen him in that light. Perhaps he saw the mindless pursuit of materialistic pleasures in the name of God and turned away from it, as you have hinted. The other practical thing he said was that pleasures will ultimately lead to sorrow. Thanks and keep it up. The other comments are also very good. Salaaam to the spiritual brotherhood.
It is so sweet to see that many of my friends have found you, too, Sadiq. Beyond borders, we are united by an amazing connection.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your recent postings; all have been a great inspiration and teaching to me as well.
I am full of gratitude.
Beloved Isaiah, Mark, Darrell, Aliashesh and Meredith.
ReplyDeletePeace and blessings of God be with you. Praise be to the Supreme Soul, Our Beloved Lord who have guided us and helped us find each other.
Thanks a lot for ur comments. They are very inspiring to me. Special thanks to Darrell for that link of Vilayat Khan. I'm deeply influenced by Sufi Inayat Khan, by this vision and universal message. He is my guru in a sense. I found the website very nice, universal.net
Soon, God willing i will post about that site as well.
Aliashesh, "Perhaps he (Buddha) saw the mindless pursuit of materialistic pleasures in the name of God and turned away from it" - u said it more beautifully than me. You are exactly right !!
Meredith, I'm full of gratitude as well for visiting and posting ur comment. "Beyond borders, we are united by an amazing connection" .. yes thanks to beloved God that internet has become such a good place for the meeting of the like souls.
Very insightful, and also an interesting view point on Prince Guatama, and his teachings. i am often questioned in buddhist circles about my keeping a belief in altimate "God" instead of believing only in the universal self as Buddha had taught, but truly deep in my heart I had always felt Buddha was hinting at a divine higher creator.
ReplyDeleteNamaste
Hi, this is Joyanta (fellow bengali from london), I love this post. It is insightful and written with true bliss and just made by day.
ReplyDeletejoyanta
Lovely site and beautiful music. Come visit us if you have a moment... at Phantom City.
ReplyDeleteDear Brother,
ReplyDeleteI was born in the Buddhism country...and I just love your points of view about religions...very much. This is my first time reading your blog.
Since I have been living in California now I found out that's not often to find this open opinion from friends who believed in the different religions especially Islam.
I'm impressed.
Thanks for beautiful blogs,
^_^
thank you for your comment dear friend from California. happy to know you liked it.
ReplyDeleteThanks to earlier commentors as well. peace!
lol I will do an speech about buddha, because he inspires me
ReplyDeletebut I don't want to place him like on an altar
I don't know what to say
Dear Brother,
ReplyDeleteAsalamu Aleykum, Hu!
Your post about "Why Buddha is so special" is very interesting. I think that between tasawf tradition in Islam (Sufism) and especially Zen Buddhism, and Mystic tradition of Eastern Christian Church there is a common sense. There is an unview red thread which do a connection between the above spiritual ways. I think that "Haq" in the Sufi terminology is the as "Dharmakaya" in Buddhist terminology. I agree with you that all the spiritual ways they had appeared God, but Sidharta Gautama has appeared the inner of the man/woman.
Aliosman ar Rifai
Hi your blog is cool.
ReplyDeleteI think it's a good point for debate. Looking forward to it.
Every day I understand better the thoughts of Buddha and really I am surprised by his wisdom.
ReplyDelete