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Philosophy and Religion
Art & Science of Meditation
The Buddha's eightfold path starts with right discernment of the reality behind the superficial apparent. This leads to right intention that is translated into action through right speech and right livelihood. The mystery of life is untied with right effort which consists of right mindfulness or observation of the wheel of karma and universal flux of phenomena. Finally, right contemplation on ultimate emptiness emancipates from the bondage of the cycle of unending misery go-round.
Behind this deceptively simple teaching lies a profound philosophy about the characteristic of 'being.' The Buddia found that 'being,' like all created things, is impermanent, made up of suffering arising out of craving. Our craving causes us to imagine impermanent objects as permanent whereas there is no such thing as permanent self. As fire appears to have continued existence although it changes from moment to moment, so does the self. Everything has a cause and everything becomes a cause. The illusion of continuity is caused by endless chain of cause and effect. The aim is to get out of this cosmic misery-go-round.
The Buddhist concept of nirvana is literally extinction of the flame of desire and thereby dissolution of the impermanent self. But what comes next? He never used any
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