One of principles on which America was founded is that of religious freedom. 
So much so that it became the very first line in the 1st Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, known as the Bill of Rights:
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof..."
As we enter this holiday season, many of your friends, neighbors and co-workers will take time to celebrate in accordance with their religious traditions and beliefs.
So what does “Respect the Religious Beliefs of Others” actually mean? If you look in the glossary, you’ll see that ‘RESPECT’ is defined as: “to give due regard for the feelings, wishes, rights, or traditions of others.”
The opposite of this is INTOLERANCE, which is defined as: “unwillingness to accept views, beliefs or behavior that is different from one’s own.”
In the field of religion, it is often said that intolerance stems from a lack of understanding of the other person’s religious practices or beliefs. To put this to the test, I decided to learn more about four religious holidays occurring in December including those of Buddhism, Judaism, Paganism and Christianity.
I began with Buddhism as today is the day that Buddhists across America celebrate BODHI DAY, the Day of Awakening. What I learned did increase my understanding of Buddhism and my respect for Buddhists. I hope it does the same for you!
Every year on December 8th, Buddhists across America celebrate BOHDI DAY commemorating the day that Siddhartha Gautama, attained enlightenment and became the BUDDHA, which means “Awakened One”. The path that led Siddhartha to enlightenment can be view here.
The Basics of Buddhism
Buddha’s path to enlightenment led him to discover what are termed the “Three Universal Truths” and the “Four Noble Truths”. As a spiritual teacher, Buddha shared the wisdom he had gained with others. His teachings, known as Dharma, are the basics truths he discovered on his journey to enlightenment as well as an exact path that others could follow to achieve enlightenment for themselves. They comprise the fundaments beliefs and practices of Buddhism:
In brief, the Three Universal Truths describe reality and are the characteristics common to all things. They are:
- ANICCA (Impermenance): everything in life is impermanent and constantly changing;
- DUKKHA (Suffering): because things are not permanent, attachment to them leads to suffering;
- ANATTA (No-Self): there is no eternal, unchanging ‘soul’ and that “self” is a collection of changing attributes or characteristics.
The Four Noble Truths provide the diagnosis and cure for this suffering:
- Truth of Suffering: Life inherently involves a lot of suffering;
- Truth of the Cause: Greed and attachment cause suffering;
- Truth of the Cessation: Suffering can end.
- Truth of the Path: The “Middle Way” as detailed in “The Noble Eightfold Path” leads to the end of suffering.
Words of Wisdom
To wrap up my brief study of Buddhism, I read through many quotes attributed to the Buddha which gave me an even greater understanding and respect of Buddhism and for the Buddha himself. I found it a very rewarding experience. I hope you do too!
- “Happiness does not depend on what you have or who you are. It solely relies on what you think.”
- “Before you speak, let your words pass through three gates: Is it true? Is it necessary? Is it kind?”
- “You don’t have a Soul. You are a soul. You have a body.”
- “Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth.”
- “Happiness will never come to those who fail to appreciate what they already have.”
- “Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, no matter if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense.”
This has been very enlightening!
Thank you!!
Thanks Patty! Glad you enjoyed it!
Maureen
Thank you for expanding my viewpoint.
The concepts themselves are worth further exploration. Do you have a bibliography with your sources available? The Founding Fathers were better educated than many of us are today and were inquisitive in an age where it took real diligence and study . You’ve stimulated thought. THANK YOU!
Thanks Jeff! Most of the information is from the websites that I used for the links in the post. I’ll doublecheck and if there are others I will send them to you! I appreciate your feedback!
Thanks Maureen. Religion is a hope for humanity!
Yes, I think you’re right Gerard!
Thanks Mo! Very interesting info! I agree with all of the ideals of the Buddha.
You’re very welcome Diane!