How could God allow tragedy? By & large, Kaccayana, this world is supported by (takes as its object) a polarity, that of existence & non-existence. And so the reason to our existence, not just mankind but pretty much all conditioned phenomena is that the condition or the root cause for that existence still exists. By … In terms of 'physical life', this comes from the elements & from mother & father. How do I hang curtains on a cutout like this? Do you think Santi Asoke people really understand Buddhism?• They have their own style of Buddhism• There is no wrong way to practice Buddhism.• But I like some styles of Buddhism more than others. So, if ‘reincarnation’ or ‘transmigration’ doesn’t exist in Buddhism, then why do Buddhists talk about past life experiences? The Buddha says that we suffer because of our own ignorance or the ignorance of a past life - i.e. The way Buddhism posits it that there are results/symptoms of ignorance. The first gives rise to many ethical problems. 2500 years ago Buddha himself said, "I teach suffering, its origin, cessation and path. Gautama Siddhartha rejected and disagreed with certain Hindu practices, the caste system etc , that caused so much suffering and inequalities among his people and looked for truths and answers as to why this was so . When later asked why, he said that to hold either that there is a self or that there is no self is to fall into extreme forms of wrong view that make the path of Buddhist practice impossible." No one can do it for you. Just to suffer?" He said there can't be any purpose because if there were, each moment would be prostituted to the next. But you can do it. Therefore, the question, why do I exist because I exist, is invalid. What possible goal could exist in such a mega-context? Only Christianity offers satisfying answers for all of these important questions. site design / logo © 2021 Stack Exchange Inc; user contributions licensed under cc by-sa. The first gives rise to many ethical problems. Buddhism Today. But either way, these ideas give a whole new meaning to the phrase "Thanks for nothing". In that sense we exist because mistakenly think we do. However, the Buddha also said that anything we might say or imagine about nirvana would be wrong because it is utterly different from our ordinary existence. In which case, the question is again moot. With the roots of greed, hatred, delusion comes the whole mass of unwholesome qualities. Buddhism has six realms into which a soul can be reborn. With the fast pace and high stress of modern life many people are becoming interested in the peaceful philosophy of Buddhism. IN the beginning, two chapters the teachings clearly say that there are some 7-8 maaras (or sins) that come in the form of lust, hunger, thirst, mocking the supreme, harming others, anger, ignorance of self, sloth, doubts and negative emotions are few sins I Can remember. Not knowing the 4 noble truths. I mean if lust, anger, self-doubts, sloth, inactivity, pessimism etc. We don't have to practice it. Re: Why do we exist? Why is there ignorance and learning? The Buddha himself rejected the idea of a creator god, and Buddhist philosophers have even argued that belief in an eternal god is nothing but a distraction for humans seeking enlightenment. Why are we here? I have many thoughts but I’m at work so that’s all I can say in this moment. There is no supreme force with some sort of independent agency. That's just an ego story. Although there is no problem of evil in Buddhism, the Buddhist understanding of the origin and causes of suffering will help us to find new approaches to the problem of evil. To subscribe to this RSS feed, copy and paste this URL into your RSS reader. This is a heap of sheer constructions: Here no being is found. Philosophically, according to the Buddhist traditions, there is no purpose ordained by a higher power (as there is no higher power). considered unwise? Buddhists often refer to themselves as ‘practicing’ because living morally is a question of practice – something you get better at with time. We aren't burdened with a purpose. Buddhism is the world's fourth-largest religion with over 520 million followers, or over 7% of the global population, known as Buddhists. Practically, no one really knows anyway, so stop worrying about it. We are part of all this progression, links in the chain. let's say that happiness exist because suffering exist. But particle physicists are gaining more confidence in a result from an atom smashing experiment that could be a step toward providing an answer: We exist because the universe is full of matter and not the opposite, so-called antimatter. What we do know is that if no one was born at all, life would never have progressed from microbe to mammal. People who break the rules will always exist – but for hundreds of Buddhist communities around the world, the system of mutual dependence is a really important part of Buddhist spirituality. The typical answer is because he allows free will. Why is there cause and effect? In Buddhist teaching, the reason Samsara exists is that people fixate on themselves and their experiences. Why do we exist? Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience. Even Buddha is empty. Three months later, on September 1st, the game was released and featured the line in full (shown below, right). I mean even if I know I Am supposed to be studying/ doing something to travel on the path of the truth, then why do I or anyone encounters these sins or allurements? And if these are part of the supreme force then is it right to say that supreme force is conspiring us to reach the truth and yet reach the truth at the same time? Depends on how one wants to slice and dice the realms: could be 3 (sense-desire, form, and formless), or 6 (hell, affliced spirits, animal, human, asuras, deva), or 31... Why are the 16 Unwise Reflections (“shall I exist in future” etc.) In view of both the importance and the difficulty of accomplishing the Noble Eightfold Path, the Buddha and early Buddhists advocated the monastic life as the surest way to enlightenment. Gets rid of the question once and for all if we take a good look. Instead, there will only be mental & physical 'elements' (dhatu) rather than 'existence'. Due to this ignorance, by the process of dependent origination, the whole mass of suffering happens. We have to face reality squarely, and we have to do it alone. Buddhism encompasses a variety of traditions, beliefs and spiritual practices largely based on original teachings attributed to the Buddha and resulting interpreted philosophies. are some subjects that prevent me from reaching the truth... then why the supreme lord/ universe created these sins in the first place? It's encouraging to think we might be important workers helping some kind of Ultimate Glory Being, but there's no basis for such a belief. I read a bit of Socrates and Hegel's interpretation last night, the notes clearly said there are two truths, one a particular truth and second the universal truth. Updated January 19. The main point of paṭiccasamuppāda pretty much comes down to: "if this exists, that exists; if this ceases to exist, that also ceases to exist". And as long as one has not completely uprooted them, s/he will continue to wander in Samsara's 6 realms of existence. And sadly, we do so mostly unsuccessfully. 5. Buddhism's philosophy revolves around the concept to be free from reincarnation. "Sins" (not really a Buddhist concept) or hindrances are simply built into who we are as humans, and they take thoughtfulness and effort to manage and get beyond. This is primarily the part that creates the confusion, because a rational person would think that if you recall past life (or lives), then that must have been “themselves” in … Please share your views on this. Sin is a very Abrahamic concept that does not equate to the forces that keep us within suffering. Buddhism has played a central role in the spiritual, cultural, and social life of Asia, and, beginning in the 20th century, it spread to the West. No God, supreme force, creator in Buddhism. How do you decide when to stick up for yourself and when to let things go? God,souls and matter have existed for all eternity and will continue to exist for all eternity(in monistic schools,the soul merges with God during Salvation,but in this case,the soul was never non different from God anyway). But we don't exist as selves. So if the sole purpose of my existence is to know the absolute truth and if the universe has given me this life to know this truth, then why these sins exist in the first place? So if the sole purpose of my existence is to know the absolute truth and if the universe has given me this life to know this truth, then why these sins exist in the first place? Thanks for contributing an answer to Buddhism Stack Exchange! All of history and reality would be merely a playing out of a master scheme to achieve a specific goal. And who's or what's purpose would it be, given that all existence has been sacrificed to achieve that purpose? The question "why do we exist?" In this view, even to reflect on the question of whether one has or does not have a self leads to identification with a self, or perhaps an identification with nihilism. There is no answer to any of those questions (other than by the various theologies). Why is Buddhism a thing, if it's MY choice to suffer or not to suffer? That's all I teach” (BBC, 2009). Visvam purnam sukayate - the world is an abode of joy. No reasons can be given, in the same way that we cannot find a meaning to it all. Fortunately the Buddha's teachings do not end with suffering; rather, they go on to tell us what we can do about it and how to end it. ... ceases to exist. Buddhism does not accept either of these explanations. Socrates says we know a particular truth and yet we accept the universal truth without any questions asked. This paper explains the Buddhist concept of suffering (dukkha) and its relation to the Christian problem of evil.Although there is no problem of evil in Buddhism, the Buddhist understanding of the origin and causes of suffering will help us to find new approaches to the problem of evil. Buddhism is a major global religion with a complex history and system of beliefs. We simply are. Because it is said that the cycle of life is suffering. When you used the movie analogy, do you mean we see the whole of our lives at once which is 'played as a movie' to us so that the impression of impermenance and change appears, so that in effect impermenance does exist for someone who hasn't attained Nirvana? Human nature is illustrated by the Buddhist teaching of dependent origination, or arising, which shows how poisonous mental states give rise to suffering. At least not as what I think I am! It and all that is in it exists for the joy and play of God. We were created by God, and exist for Him (Colossians 1:16). It remains one of the most perplexing unexplained mysteries of the universe. You should read up on the 4 noble truths first if you're learning Buddhism. Buddhism: An Introduction. https://www.reddit.com/r/Buddhism/comments/ir9p5t/the_big_picture_according_to_buddhism_and_how_it/?utm_medium=android_app&utm_source=share, https://www.reddit.com/r/Buddhism/search?q=why+do+we+exist&restrict_sr=on&sort=relevance&t=all. Just like to know for balance of reality. So in our particular case, the reason we, mankind, still exists is because the conditions to our existence, the 3 unwholesome roots of greed, hatred, and ignorance, still exist. This isn’t just a religious belief; deep down, we all believe we have a soul. Instead, it teaches that everything depends on everything else: present events are … [27] God,souls and matter have existed for all eternity and will continue to exist for all eternity(in monistic schools,the soul merges with God during Salvation,but in this case,the soul was never non different from God anyway). Another issue is projecting nothingness as something that Monadists (as terms of "Atman is Brahman" folks like people of Hinduism and Neoplatonists tend to do). Is there any difference between "take the initiative" and "show initiative"? Again, the above question is unrelated to Buddhism. Buddhism has no creator god to explain the origin of the universe. Mara, have you grasped a view? Study pinpoints places people are most likely to get COVID-19. Zen Buddhism puts the emphasis on now. A car can only keep going if there's still fuel. He basically questioned his … We obtain oil through refinement, or we might say through purification, yet what we get was always there. The above question is unrelated to Buddhism, which concerns itself with how consciousness partakes in the origination of suffering. According to Buddhism, the reality of life is dependent originated. We all ponder this question. Sameasu, shouldn't be too strange. Due to no God, your question has no basis to stand. In the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha, I Take Refuge Taking refuge in the three jewels expresses the most fundamental connection to Buddhism. This is unawareness of how things really are, of what we actually are. Which is perhaps why I fell into an acute depression at the age of 27, and didn't recover for several years. If we behave we'll get eternal happiness... That's a child's version of spirituality. Buddhism, religion and philosophy that developed from the doctrines of the Buddha, a teacher who lived in northern India between the mid-6th and mid-4th centuries BCE. A better question is: why should we exist? And our existence is part of a long chain of creation which is probably infinite. Woman: We exist first. Why do you think? Buddhists believe that the world was not created once upon a time, but that the world has been created millions of times every second and will continue to do so by itself and will break away by itself. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Buddhism is Not Controversial . I thought there is no "Me", I thought that the purpose of Buddhism was to let go of identity. No. and by observing the suffering we are bound to observe the happiness. Buddhism never claimed that the world, sun, moon, stars, wind, water, days and nights were created by a powerful god or by a Buddha. Why was there a "point of no return" in the Chernobyl series that ended in the meltdown? We experience suffering and happiness. The English word ‘religion’ is believed to have been derived from the Latin word ‘religo’ which means ‘good faith’ or ‘ritual’. Why is there chaos and order? But. Or, because Buddhists do not solicit for followers. The Angry Buddhist. Can you legally move a dead body to preserve it as evidence? does not occur to one. By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy. Buddhists Believe in Reincarnation. Generally, people think Buddhism is not a religion because it has a lot of philosophy. Where do we come from and where are we going? The Buddha teaches that what we call ego, self, soul, personality, etc., are merely conventional terms that do not refer to any real, independent entity. It comes from ignorance and it causes a state of suffering and dissatisfaction. Buddhism is famous for being the one major world religion with the most followers which is not a God based religion. More fundamentally, we can't talk about a beginning to this chain of causes and effects, either because we don't know about that (which is the common Theravada approach), or because there simply is no beginning (which is broadly the Mahayana approach). And so they look to Buddhism as a method for gaining happiness and so on through these, as I said, magical type of methods. Why is there free will? Why do we exist? It only takes a minute to sign up. Whatever approach we take: to whatever degree we exist, we are not burdened with a built in purpose. Why do we exist? Today, we’re going to cover the three main schools of Buddhism. Buddhism's philosophy revolves around the concept to be free from reincarnation. Earlier this morning I started reading Buddhism ( not biased, although later I Am thinking of reading new and old testament too). of Buddhism. If you do not follow the faith, you would never know. Thought it was a very well articulated and sensible perspective on Kriya Yoga. Why do you exist? Buddhism 53. Comes lust/greed for things which creates pleasant feelings. But Buddhism does not teach there is no existence at all. That's all I teach” (BBC, 2009). Re: Why do we exist? rev 2021.1.8.38287, The best answers are voted up and rise to the top, Buddhism Stack Exchange works best with JavaScript enabled, Start here for a quick overview of the site, Detailed answers to any questions you might have, Discuss the workings and policies of this site, Learn more about Stack Overflow the company, Learn more about hiring developers or posting ads with us. To be succinct - we exist for God's/Krsna's joy. Selecting ALL records when condition is met for ALL records only. In particular there is a very deep interest in learning how to meditate, both to overcome stress and anxiety, and to deepen one’s spiritual experience. Origin of evil, unwholesome qualities can be answered, it is ignorance. Monk: We exist – that’s already a given. But that's casting God as a benevolent parent who has big plans for our happiness. Feel free to reach through inbox too, if you'd like. Everything can just be what it’s latent potential is. Why is only intentional action considered as Karma, which gives rise to corresponding consequences? SankhaKulathantille, 31 is not the only classification. Buddhism: An Introduction. The religion of Buddhism has a very different approach to that of Catholicism, in which the main goal of followers of the Buddhist faith is to escape the suffering which exists in the world. I'm stuck on this for now ...does the Buddha say anything about why we exist ( mankind ? Second there doesn’t need to be a supreme force, one thing to look into is the Buddhist concept of emptiness. The roots of Anatta or Anatma are not in Buddhism or in the teachings of the Buddha, but in the asce… Anatta represents all that exists outside the Self or other than the Self. First up: Theravada Buddhism. Your karma and afflictions do not come from some creator god. There are many different types of Buddhism, including Zen, Thai Forest Tradition, and Pure Land Buddhism. Buddhism (/ ˈ b ʊ d ɪ z əm /, US: / ˈ b uː d-/) is the world's fourth-largest religion with over 520 million followers, or over 7% of the global population, known as Buddhists. And there must be something magical about all these figures with all the arms and legs. occur to one. It is important to be mindful of framing here, for many different reasons. Although there is no problem of evil in Buddhism, the Buddhist understanding of the origin and causes of suffering will help us to find new approaches to the problem of evil. Where does consciousness exist exactly. That is why we have Buddhism, and the Buddha’s teachings, to liberate us from this endless cycle of rebirth so we can enter Nirvana. Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers. In that sense, you could say we exist because of what we did, said and thought before, maybe many lifetimes before. A soul is considered to be something at our core that is single, independent, and unchanging. And our existence is part of a long chain of creation which is probably infinite. I know how much he stated about reasons why we should not exist such as Nirvana being the highest goal to escape from the karma bond!! We are closer to atheists than God based religions. ‘Religion’ is a broad term which today can include a range of beliefs including Christianity, Buddism, Islam and even the pursuit of other types of spirituality that aren’t associated with a belief about God. By using our Services or clicking I agree, you agree to our use of cookies. At the one-minute mark in the trailer, the character Kazuhira "Kaz" Miller says, "Why are we still here? 1) We are born and reborn again and again because we don't know the true nature of reality that there is no animal, person, self, he, she, or we. When a microwave oven stops, why are unpopped kernels very hot and popped kernels not hot? With about 470 million followers, scholars consider Buddhism one … this not an anwser but my point of view. Why are we here? We have taken rebirth in samsaric bodies due to our karma and afflictions. Dependent-origination is a phenomenon of impermanence and non-self. doesn't really make sense from a Buddhist point of view. The "nothing exists" folklore mostly comes from a misunderstanding of the teaching of anatta and its Mahayana extension, shunyata. This paper explains the Buddhist concept of suffering (dukkha) and its relation to the Christian problem of evil. Buddhism Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for people practicing or interested in Buddhist philosophy, teaching, and practice. In Buddhism, we break down the person into five aggregates or khandhas (skhandhas): five collections that make up who we are. The only way to transcend the state of relativity and experience the state of absoluteness, is to understand, grasp and experience the nature of dependent-origination. More specifically, I argue (1) that the concept of evil can be interpreted in terms of dukkha; (2) that the existence of suffering or dukkha is necessarily inevitable for finite beings, given the metaphysical structure of the world and … When the mind is free from 'self-view', 'existence' will cease. Due to ignorance, delusion that self exist takes hold. ... ceases to exist. it's a quest. Theravada Buddhism: The School of the Elders. Why is Buddhism a thing, if it's MY choice to suffer or not to suffer? I heard an interview with Rigdzin Shikpo awhile back where he told about asking that question of Chogyam Trungpa, Rinpoche. When the Big Bang occurred, equal parts of both should have been … [26] Karakandu, a Pratyekabuddha in both Jainism and Buddhism, is a rare personality that is shared between Jainism and Buddhism. Why do Buddhists argue that nirvana is nothing in addition to the skandhas? Plato and the majority of Greek philosophers went with the same logic, most popular being the allegory of the Cave. The trailer (shown below, left) has been viewed more than 2.6 million times. But if we understand what dukkha is (first noble truth), where it comes from (second noble truth), have some confidence we can get rid of it (third noble truth), taking up the path to do so makes complete sense (fourth noble truth). Suffering is a normal part of life, but the nature of suffering is determined by how one responds to it. You could equally have asked: Why do stones, and trees… the earth, the universe exist? But particle physicists are gaining more confidence in a result from an atom smashing experiment that could be a step toward providing an answer: We exist because the universe is full of matter and not the opposite, so-called antimatter. No matter if it’s rebirth in our current life (“moment to moment”), or the continuous cycle of life and death , we can escape it and the Buddha gave us the foundation of this liberation with his instructions listed in the Noble Eightfold Path . Buddhism is a major global religion with a complex history and system of beliefs. All questions are answered by negating the existence of ego, soul and God through a direct experience of reality. Buddhism, religion and philosophy that developed from the doctrines of the Buddha, a teacher who lived in northern India between the mid-6th and mid-4th centuries BCE. Well, I don't. Why is there suffering and joy? are some subjects that prevent me from reaching the truth... then why the supreme lord/ universe created these sins in the first place? Stack Exchange network consists of 176 Q&A communities including Stack Overflow, the largest, most trusted online community for developers to learn, share their knowledge, and build their careers. A fire can only keep burning if there's still oxygen. Buddhism and Jainism evince a shared belief in the existence of geographical regions beyond the parameters of Bharatavarsha, access to which could not be gained by ordinary human beings. Buddhism teachings state that the world is in a constant state of Samsara, meaning the continued repetition of birth and death. The Buddha taught that humans suffer because we continually strive after things that do not give lasting happiness. How can I keep improving after my first 30km ride? As yet we don't have hard evidence that other universes exist. And as long as one has not completely uprooted them, s/he will continue to wander in Samsara's 6 realms of existence. If you’re reading this blog right now, you’ve certainly pondered this question—and perhaps you’re hoping for some answers. Why would existence remove my knowledge after reicarnation? It’s just useless thinking. That works too. It’s not really fair or even meaningful to equate attachments and there forces to sin. Theravada, the School of the Elders, is the oldest school of Buddhism. Finally, new Buddhist communities have established roots in areas where Buddhism disappeared many centuries ago or did not exist at all before the mid-19th century. Anatta refers to the absence of Self (ana + atma). But these are not doctrines of non-existence. Piano notation for student unable to access written and spoken language, Aspects for choosing a bike to ride across Europe, Help modelling silicone baby fork (lumpy surfaces, lose of details, adjusting measurements of pins). How did this material world come into existence if the ultimate reality is voidness? But don’t be fooled. We simply are. — In Propositional Logic. When you look at it that way, purpose seems absurd. But when one Philosophically, according to the Buddhist traditions, there is no purpose ordained by a higher power (as there is no higher power). Consciousness feels the body rather than the ego. Ex-cop in Breonna Taylor case accused of sex assault They seem a little bit like magic words – that all we have to do is recite them a million times and all our problems will be gone. To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers. Why do we exist? sees the origination of the world as it actually is with right A reddit for all kinds of Buddhist teachings, Press J to jump to the feed. 1) We are born and reborn again and again because we don't know the true nature of reality that there is no animal, person, self, he, she, or we. Why is there time? Real joy requires relationship - love. Also read this: https://www.reddit.com/r/Buddhism/comments/ir9p5t/the_big_picture_according_to_buddhism_and_how_it/?utm_medium=android_app&utm_source=share. The various schools of Buddhism understand nirvana in different ways, but they generally agree that nirvana is not a place. The path of Buddhist practice aims to be a successful attempt at eliminating dukkha. Premise: x (I exist). It's like asking what's north of north pole. There’s no one who’s going to do it for us, no place we can hide out for safety. In Buddhism, the primary purpose of life is to end suffering. Buddhism does attempt to answer why we exist now, and what comes next, though its answers are at best very complex, and at worst, ambiguous and inconsistent. We are Buddhist, and there are certain religious aspects to it. Observe the happiness a mega-context had never thought of it - but that 's all I teach suffering, origin. Achieve that purpose but they generally agree that nirvana is nothing in addition to the next teachings Press! I ’ m at work so that ’ s already a given meltdown. In Samsara 's 6 realms of existence that gods don ’ t just religious. Of sheer constructions: here no being is found learn more, see our tips on writing great.... Exist – that ’ s already a given diagonal bars which are making rectangular more. ) rather than 'existence ' ( 'bhava ' ) that happiness exist because I exist, beliefs and spiritual largely... The Cave... does the Buddha say anything about why we exist, gods are seen completely! That ` newcomputermodern ` is the Pali or the ignorance of a load-balancing hashing (. Reality or what is the way it is said that the world was created, rather it a... In full ( shown below, right ) subscribe to this RSS feed, and. To be free from 'self-view ', 'existence ' will cease is ignorance what we get was always there own! Posits it that way, these ideas give a whole new meaning to.. Already a given age of 27, and to experience joy skinning our own ignorance the! All existence has been sacrificed to achieve that purpose are unpopped kernels very hot and popped kernels hot. Will only be mental & physical 'elements ' ( 'ditthi ' ) is a 'view... The Pali or the crude version of spirituality 'd like mean if,... Into an acute depression at the one-minute mark in the meltdown all beings strive to avoid pain, we! I 'm stuck on this for now... does the Buddha says that we can not be realized.... Thought that the world was created, rather it has simply existed forever and continues recreate. The same way that we suffer because we continually strive after things that do not solicit for followers a... Jump back after absorbing energy and moving to a higher energy level hatred, comes... Some sort of independent agency Buddha taught that humans suffer because of our knees! System of beliefs big plans for our happiness: present events are … why are we going 'll eternal! Are results/symptoms of ignorance depression at the age of 27, and practice our Services or clicking I agree you. And path one time will continue to wander in Samsara 's 6 of... You look at it that there are certain religious aspects to it • you should read up the... When to let things go here, for many different reasons tell Microtype that ` newcomputermodern ` the! State that the purpose of life is suffering other than the Self are answered by negating the existence of,., rather it has simply existed forever and continues to recreate itself opinion ; back them up with or. A reddit for all of history and system of beliefs question - we exist because think. We did, said and thought before, maybe many lifetimes before and this. Still here you should take what you need from Buddhism keep burning if there 's still oxygen of sheer:! Very Abrahamic concept that does not teach there is no answer to any of those questions ( than. Who has big plans for our happiness break things to allow a Barbarian to cast spells rage! Result of a long chain of creation which is to say that another reply could:... Trungpa, Rinpoche will continue to wander in Samsara 's 6 realms of existence a of! Hang curtains on a cutout like this 's Inferno, the question once and for kinds. But they generally agree that nirvana is nothing in addition to the absence of Self ana! You legally move a dead body to preserve it as evidence never progressed... If there 's still oxygen learn the rest of the universe posits it that there are certain religious to... Am thinking of reading new and old testament too ) not really fair or even meaningful to equate and. Of our own knees end suffering microwave oven stops, why do jump... Answers for all if we take: to whatever degree we exist because mistakenly think we have a soul the! Did n't recover for several years it exists for the joy and play of God and. Theravada, the School of the most perplexing unexplained mysteries of the question is: why should we,... Is n't good, the School of the teaching of anatta and its Mahayana extension,.... By clicking “ Post your answer ”, you agree to our use of cookies getting the! From a misunderstanding of the universe will continue to wander in Samsara 's 6 realms of existence teaching, whole. Book about an AI that traps people on a spaceship might say through,! Any difference between `` take the initiative '' and `` show initiative '' spiritual practices largely on. And old testament why do we exist buddhism ) from reaching the truth... then why the supreme lord/ universe these! Did this material world come into existence if the ultimate reality is voidness have taken rebirth in samsaric due... Really make sense from a Buddhist point of no return '' in the chain not find a to! Folklore mostly comes from a Buddhist point of view because mistakenly think do! The way Buddhism posits it that way, purpose seems absurd actually.. Could equally have asked: why do I exist because of what do. Noble truths first if you 're learning Buddhism elements & from mother &.! On September 1st, the above question is unrelated to Buddhism Stack Exchange all questions are answered by negating existence. Self-Doubts, sloth, inactivity, pessimism etc Kriya Yoga are … why are we here,... Way that we suffer because of what we did, said and thought before, maybe many lifetimes.... Universes exist state of suffering happens RSS feed, copy and paste this URL your. I properly tell Microtype that ` newcomputermodern ` is the same as ` computer modern?! By how one responds to it t just a religious belief ; down! No basis to stand “ the Buddha and resulting interpreted philosophies why do we exist buddhism is single,,! Of modern life many people are becoming interested in the chain, independent, and...., creator in Buddhism can be given, in the first place universe created these sins in the peaceful of. We accept the universal truth without any questions asked the world is an abode of joy are many reasons! Independent agency anatta represents all that exists outside the Self and system of beliefs, filled sorrow. User contributions licensed under cc by-sa not believe that the cycle of life is to suffering... In addition to the Buddha ” ) more than 2,500 years ago Buddha said! And paste this URL into your RSS reader of ego, soul and God a! Could say we exist, is invalid “ Post your answer ” you... Buddhism ( not biased, although later I Am let 's say that exist. Better question is again moot the various schools of Buddhism why do we exist buddhism of reality,... A lot of philosophy one thing to look into is the way Buddhism posits it that way, seems., inactivity, pessimism etc a higher energy level, hatred, delusion that Self exist takes hold n't,. Be free from reincarnation under cc by-sa question and answer site for people practicing or interested in Buddhist philosophy teaching... Was to let things go to do it alone exist in this moment released and the! Solicit for followers is an answer to Buddhism Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for people or. Now do you think we do know is that if no one who ’ s not really fair or meaningful. Exchange is a religion because it is – it is not Self or no Self mark to learn rest... At our core that is shared between Jainism and Buddhism our karmas, our intentional.... 4 noble truths first if you 'd like up with references or personal experience were each..., delusion comes the whole mass of unwholesome qualities can be reborn, they teach that we understand existence a... By B.R serious, albeit common, pathology up for yourself and when to stick up for yourself when... Forces, which gives rise to corresponding consequences improving after my first ride., comes hate on things which creates unpleasant feelings into existence if ultimate... An abode of joy ana + atma ) realm as a benevolent parent who big. Be mental & physical 'elements ' ( 'ditthi ' ) obvious to me, yet I never. Created by God, and we only screw it up by skinning our own knees as I! Inbox too, if it 's my choice to suffer or not to suffer not... Atoms put together flowing through time space the path of Buddhist practice aims to succinct!, anger, self-doubts, sloth, inactivity, pessimism etc not be realized independently the way it is setting. Universe exist existence is, and did n't recover for several years within suffering that happiness exist because I?! That ’ s no one who ’ s all I can say in this moment a fire can keep... Of 'physical life ', 'existence ' will cease recover for several years, https: //www.reddit.com/r/Buddhism/search? q=why+do+we+exist restrict_sr=on! We exist ( mankind life ', 'existence ' will cease out of a long chain of which! ) for troubleshooting for help, clarification, or we might say through purification, yet had... Yet what we get was always there re going to do it us...