The book Siddhartha, was a great book. I really felt like I learned from the experiences and journeys that Siddhartha accomplished. Siddhartha wrestles with idea of becoming "enlightened", like Brahman. He learns everything he can from his fellow Brahmins, Samanas, and even the beautiful Kamala, but he could not grasp the level of consciousness that Buddha has. Wouldn't you think that if you gained enough knowledge, you would become "perfect"? Apparently not, Siddhartha was very smart but very unhappy. I have learned that it is not about knowledge but experience. A book I read called Tuesdays With Morrie, talks about a man named Morrie who is dying from ALS. Morrie has some of the greatest insight. He talks about how detachment is a great tool to achieve happiness and in turn "enlightenment". He says by allowing yourself to be fully immerse in emotions, you can experience them fully and completely. You are able to know pain, love, or grief. Then you can say that I know this emotion and now I can detach myself. This philosophy can be translated to Siddhartha's problem of becoming enlightened. To reach Nirvana, you must experience every part of life. You need to know the ups and the downs. As soon as Siddhartha realized this at the river, he was able to become perfect and enlightened.
I have always been interested in Buddhism, even though I am Christian or Catholic. I don't really have a denomination. I was born and baptized a Catholic, but I have never been confirmed. At my elementary school I studied Christian teachings, but I don't go to church. I know and belief in Jesus Christ, but I also believe that their is much more to life. I enjoy meditating. It is really hard to do, but I find it very relaxing and rejuvenating. It is difficult to find a space where you can completely immerse yourself in thought and silence. But when you do, it is quite enjoyable.
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