Religion Essay Example: The Road to Enlightenment

The wise Buddha once asserted that “there is no path to happiness; happiness is the path” (Alcedo, Madison). This point of view offers wisdom that has transcended time because of the Buddha’s focus on an innate human desire of all people. Throughout history happiness has always been a goal of humans. It has never mattered who one may be, the desire to be happy is always the same. In this way the Buddha’s simple words are complicated. Within the human desire for tranquility there is always the question of how one actually becomes happy. It may seem like a simple choice if one just follows the idea that happiness is the path, but this is not the case. Therefore, people must find other ways to walk the path towards peace. Addressing these issues regarding one’s journey to be happy, the religions of Taoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism present ways that humans can reach enlightenment. Each religion provides vast wisdom in teachings that give humans the tools needed to achieve the coveted desire to be free. If one can find it within themself to follow the teachings of Taoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism perhaps they will reach the enlightenment that has eluded so many.

Taoism 

The first religion that addresses the path to happiness is Taoism. For example, one of Taoism’s teachings tells learners that “if you blame someone else, there is no end to the blame.” (Tzu, Lao). This lesson expresses the idea that when one can take responsibility for their actions they will learn to accept events and therefore be happier as a result. Bad action cans take place, but a person must accept them and move on. When someone blames others they will only grow more bitter and avoid addressing problems. They will be unable to accept when they make a mistake, and they will always feel hate and anger. This will lay the groundwork for suffering in the future as well as eventually they will be known for not taking responsibility and be hated for it. The second lesson from Taoism addresses how one perceives themself. The lesson to be learned is that if one  “cares about people's approval [they] will be their prisoner.” (Tzu, Lao). This asserts that one’s personal opinion of themself is more important than how others view them. When a person doesn't care about others opinions they will be free of outside influences. This will make a person happier because they can be themself and not feel like they have to change to meet certain expectations. This will ultimately lead to happiness because no one will be able to change a person and how they feel. After Taosim, the next religion that analyzes the path to happiness is Confucianism.

Confucianism

One of the lessons from Confucianism looks at what a person perceives knowledge as. According to Confucianism true knowledge is “when you know a thing, to recognize that you know it, and when you do not know a thing, to recognize that you do not know it.” (Confucius). A person who is able to understand the things they know and the things they don’t, is truly knowledgeable. They are able to accept their faults and realize that they are not perfect. This will help to prevent future ignorance as a person can always learn and gain knowledge. This ties into happiness because this form of knowledge will allow a person to be open to change and always be learning. In this way, a person will not be able to fail because they simply see failure as knowledge they don’t possess. The second lesson from Confucianism deals with what one should expect from themself, and what they should expect from others. A person should “demand much from oneself and little from others…” (Confucius). This lesson is trying to teach learners that people should only expect things from themself. When they expect a lot out of others they will often be disappointed and experience discontent as a result. Instead, a person who only demands things from themself will enjoy the fruits of their labor and others will likely see their example and follow suit. This approach will make any help received from others a bonus that can add to the already existing happiness that will be generated from one’s hard work. The third and final religion with lessons regarding happiness is Buddhism.

Buddhism  

Buddhism is a religion which embraces the ideas of karma as well as reincarnation, and teaches learners about four noble truths. Within these truths there people can achieve enlightenment through something called Zen. There are many Buddhist texts that teach about Zen and an enlightened mind, one of which is called the Zen Koans. The Koans are brief stories containing useful lessons that when applied could help the journey towards tranquility. The first example comes from the story ‘A Cup of Tea’ where a master tells his student that he is full of his own opinions and speculations (“Zen Koans”). The master asks the student how he could be shown Zen unless the student first empties his cup. (“Zen Koans”). These wise words from the master tell the student that there will be no peace until he is able to let go of his preconceptions and opinions, which are labeled as a cup. The master insists that when one’s own prejudice is removed happiness is easier to achieve. This is due to the fact that the moderate person will be ambivalent about what goes on around them, possessing an open mind that does not judge others. This will keep them from petty disagreements that would normally disrupt a person’s Zen, preventing one’s strides towards enlightenment. A second lesson from the Koans can be found in the words of another master’s teachings. This master’s student says that they possess a terrible temper and wishes to know a way to fix it (“Zen Koans”). The master then says to his student that it must not be his own true nature. If it were, he could show it to the master at any time (“Zen Koans”). The master goes on to say that when the student was born he did not have a temper, and his parents did not give it to him (“Zen Koans”). In this example, the master is arguing that a person should not hold on to anger as it is not a natural thing. Once a person can realize that anger isn’t something they are born with then they can banish it and be happier as a result. Negative emotions like anger aren’t something people are born with, therefore people should avoid them entirely. This process of leaving behind anger is another stepping stone towards achieving everlasting happiness.

Everlasting happiness, the deep desire of man that never seems to be achieved. A lofty goal that none have been able to claim for themselves. The choice to be happy has always seemed like a simple one, but has never turned out to be so. However, the religions of Taoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism aim to end this long standing struggle. Each religion offers various lessons that can provide a person with the necessary tools and knowledge needed to be happy. Furthermore, the ideas of enlightenment are also discussed, and play a key role in the happiness of a person. On the other hand, some may say that happiness can never be truly achieved or that it is much easier to gain than people think it is. If that is the case, then what other ways are there for people to be happy? The three aforementioned religions make it clear that there may be no other option. Therefore, it is within one’s best interest to pursue happiness through the wise teachings of Taoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism.