For almost the first 30 years of his life he was very sheltered and never lived outside the walls of his home. ... He first lived a life of affluence by lavishing himself with everything he desired, but still he found suffering. ... Right Concentration is what leads to the four stages of Dhyana, which is a state one reaches by meditation. The first stage of Dhyana is where the unwholesome thoughts are abandoned. ... I don't completely understand or agree with the Buddhist philosophy, I do however get the main idea. ...

• Word Count: 2119
• Approx Pages: 8
• Grade Level: High School

When Dan first met Socrates, the first thing he wanted to know about Socrates was how he was able to jump onto the roof quickly. ... Before you can learn, you'll have to first empty your tank" (Millman 15). ... Taoism is an ancient tradition of philosophy and religious belief that is deeply rooted in Chinese customs and worldview. ... Buddhism is a religion that focus on achieving spiritual peace by detaching one's mind and/or soul from the Earth through meditation. ... The First Truth identifies the presence of suffering in the world. ...

• Word Count: 1369
• Approx Pages: 5
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

Mayhamaya was expecting her first born, when she had the strangest dream. ... With his new insight Siddhartha began a program of intense yogic meditation underneath a papal tree in Benares. ... Buddha, first taught in Benares, and it is there that the "Four Noble Truths", were spoken of. ... Although this sounds pessimistic, the philosophy of Siddhartha is a unique kind of therapy. ...

• Word Count: 1066
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School

The first buddhist ruler was Ashoka, and he ruled from 269 - 232 BCE. ... That means that buddhists don't see buddha as a god. they see him more as a philosophy, or just a regular person. ... The primary elements of the western part are meditation and temple worship, which focuses more on ritual in the religious traditional sense. ...

• Word Count: 938
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School

He studied meditation with many teachers. ... The First Noble Truth states "Life is Dukkha". ... This may seem a bit pessimistic and might propose to many that Buddhism is a dire, fatalistic philosophy. ... The first noble truth is a statement so true and so obvious that it cannot be denied. Using other translations of dukkha might lead us to (at least slightly) different conclusions as to the meaning of the First Noble Truth. ...

• Word Count: 2687
• Approx Pages: 11
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School