Thoughts on the Human Condition



  The human condition is neither good or evil, but it is flawed. We have the capability to rise above our flaws. The human condition is caught up in much suffering and its causes, which is the truth of the first and second noble truths in Buddhism. The condition of human life and its suffering is known as dhukha.

   Life as one being is nigh, and our views on the human state are imperfect. When we discover that we are actually suffering constantly, then the human condition becomes visible to us. Nothing will stay in one form forever, and when are scope of life is broadened, we will realize the limitations of our humanity. Mindfulness (Part of the eightfold path, discussed in a previous post) is needed to overcome the limitations of the human condition. However, there is one thing exclusive to humans in Buddhism: they have the ability to achieve enlightenment.


   Human existence is comprised of five aggregates. (Known as Khandas)  The five aggregates dorm of human existence are: The physical form, feelings and sensations, ideals, mental cognition and attitudes, and awareness. These aggregates come together to form a human. This person that is formed is held to both karmic and moral law. It is believed that the karma and morality is carried from one life to the next.

   In Buddhism there is no definitive answer regarding the purpose of life. This makes complete sense, due to the belief of reincarnation. (Reincarnation is discussed in earlier posts)  If it is an eternal wheel of life, death, and reincarnation, then what purpose can there be for an indefinite time cycle? Human nature makes people unaware of the future, for the present is always the past within the cycle of time. Some might say the purpose is to live or achieve the eightfold path and enlightenment.

   Buddhism knows much about the human state and a person's nature. The 4 noble truths tells us what a person will experience always. (The 4 noble truths was explored in an earlier post.) Humans are limited but can enjoy life and.be free from suffering through the eightfold path. Our human state is flawed, but enlightenment can make those flaws forgotten.

   The Buddhism school of thought has a theory of existence with 3 traits. The traits are: Constant Change, lack of self,  and suffering.  The human condition is bound to these traits.  The traits indicate life whimsical nature, our transparency. The theory of existence explains our static existence, our interconnected being with the with the world around us, and our natural state of human existence being. Buddhism wishes to free us from ignorance to our suffering.

   The human condition is well defined in Buddhism, and I don't believe there is any gray area in this mode of thought. Human personage is one of weakness, differentiation, and selflessness. Enlightenment is right for the human condition, but many will not follow that path. What about you? Will you improve on your own human nature? Have you had enough of your ignorant state, and now recognize your suffering? Will you go as far to follow the eightfold path, and end your suffering?



 



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