How buddhism seeks liberation from suffering

Buddhism is an Indian religion and philosophy based on teachings attributed to the Buddha, a wandering ascetic and religious teacher. These lessons answer how Buddhism understands the search for liberation from suffering. They trace this aim through paths of practice and differing approaches to spiritual attainment.

2 articles, 1 video, 1 book

The reading path

1. Read
   buddhism · Wikipedia · 60+ min read

   In Buddhism, early texts such as the Pali Ariyapariyesanā-sutta ("The discourse on the noble quest", MN 26) and its Chinese parallel at MĀ 204 say Gautama was moved by life's suffering and death, and their endless repetition due to rebirth. He therefore set out to find liberation from suffering, also known as "nirvana". Dukkha is suffering, pain, or unsatisfactoriness. The Eightfold Path consists of eight interconnected factors or conditions that, when developed together, lead to the cessation of dukkha; Buddhism presents this path as the fourth of the Four Noble Truths.

2. Read
   

   The Raw Expression of a Rare, Emaciated Buddha · Hyperallergic

   The Fasting Buddha was, in Dr. Arne Sildatke's interpretation, not a symbol of death and resurrection but of self-empowerment and overcoming suffering by the human spirit. The sculpture was likely displayed prominently as an object of contemplation for worshippers.

3. Watch
   

   Buddha and Ashoka: Crash Course World History #6 · YouTube · 12 min watch

   John relates a condensed history of India after the Indus Valley Civilization, exploring Hinduism and the origins of Buddhism. He also discusses Ashoka's reign as a Buddhist emperor who, despite Buddhism's structural disapproval of violence, managed to win a bunch of battles.

4. Book
   

   Siddhartha · Bookshop.org

   Siddhartha, Hermann Hesse's novel, examines a man's spiritual journey of self-discovery during the time of the Buddha. After meeting the Buddha, Siddhartha declines to join his order while Govinda joins; later, Kamala, a Buddhist convert, travels to see the dying Buddha.

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