Philosophy is a vast subject that not only gives person knowledge about important perspectives in different societies but also a deeper and meaningful understanding of how the world around us works. Using the knowledge from this class, I am taking Buddhism and relating it with one of the most popular site for tourists in Oahu, Hawaii, the Byodo-In Temple. The temple, as I see it, stands as an icon for what Hawaii is and what the idea of Buddhism has to do in Hawaii. The temple maybe a religious site for those who follow Buddhism, or the ones who would like to view it from a religious point of view. But more importantly, it stands as a living proof of the influences of the immigrants in Hawaii and what religious philosophies they brought along with them when they came in, or what they give importance to. Also, another perspective is how Hawaii wants to structure itself with the potential of income from Japanese tourists, given that Byodo-In Temple is a beautiful imitation of temple in Japan.
Having been born in Nepal, where about one third of the populations follow Buddhism, I was always interested in knowing the cultural and the key philosophical concepts of Buddhism. As with every other thing, Buddhism too has its own philosophical concepts and understandings. Buddhism, which was first spread by Gautama Buddha, has philosophical concepts and understandings to explain as to why it was started, and what Buddhism tries to convey.
The primary concept of Buddhism-- Enlightenment is a state where one, achieves wisdom and awareness (p-41). Enlightenment is more permanent than meditation where the mind becomes more focused and calm which helps in the achievement of awareness and knowledge permanently. It is through Enlightenment that Buddha found answers to life i.e. answers to human sufferings, the answers to human pain, and most importantly the answers to human’s