Modern Religious Experience: Reflection #5: Bongwonsa Temple and Nature Walk

Modern Religious Experience: Reflection #5: Bongwonsa Temple and Nature Walk: "After visiting the Zen Buddhist Temple, Bongwonsa and attempting to see nature as a Taoist, answer this question: What is it about creation,..."

The purpose of religion is to lead people to the right way and to teach how people should behave. Buddhism is all about reducing the suffering in life, but overcoming such suffering depends on people’s behavior and attitude in confronting their difficulties. Whether to reach Nirvana and get enlightened is people’s choice in how they react to their suffering. People tend to be very desperate when they are in a difficult situation. Hoping to go to paradise or reach nirvana even after death for a better future, some people believe in Buddhism and try to act according to its teachings. On the field trip, one of the Bongwonsa monks explained about the several types of Buddha who are responsible for people after death, responsible for the spirits, and people’s wishes as well. He explained about Buddha, which grants one wish to people if they bow three times. I think the reason why people try to bow to Buddha is not merely to be granted a wish but to endure their suffering. Getting what one hopes for, people think, will make them happy. Buddhism, however, ultimately teaches to reduce wants, or even greed in the more severe case, and to accept the world as it is. Self control is a way to reduce suffering, it teaches.