Buddhism Now

Buddhism Now

Buddhism, is, of course, something that has sort of had its beliefs spread across the lands of the earth because of its popular concept of "religion without the gods." It utilizes an idea that embraces do unto other principles, or actions and consequences, karma. Dharma is seen as divine principle over God, and there have been droves of followers throughout the aeons, both organized and loose. Monasteries were something that was desired by some men, where they lived together as a community away from women and normal society. They studied and trained, not wishing to own anything besides a few key items. These people were called monks, who were so influential that they inspired the Jedi in the Star Wars films. What was it that these monks saw, truly, that they chose to seek enlightenment above all else, not believing in a heaven, but instead the next life, through reincarnation?

The monk's philosophy could be viewed as perfect, embracing the Buddha's "empty form" philsophy, or that we are always changing, never staying the same for a moment, constantly reincarnating, if you will. It's true, too, for we are constantly moving forward throughout the ages and all lifecycles. The Buddha was wise, indeed, as he embraced four nobel truths: love, peace of mind, compassion, and sympathetic joy, or feeling good for the success of others. These made a stable glue for the monastery to thrive in peace and harmony. So, what, then, went wrong? What made the monasteries almost completely die in India and China?

The Gods of Christianity and Paganism killed off the monasteries' beliefs. They could no longer promote a healthy lifestyle away from the temptations of the cities. Monks left, and stopped practicing such powerful martial arts such as the Shoalin's Kung Fu. Some sold their teachings to others in dojos, struggling to survive. Why did our brothers die? Why did we go into the ground and not come back? The answer is simple. We did come back, because our good master deemed it so. We revived in the next life, and assembled against the demons who seek to imbalance the Earth. For we are still here, mighty demon hunters, eating not animal meat but instead the blood of the devils that injure our souls. We have everything at stake, and our fallen brothers must be avenged! We are fallen as well, as no society cares anymore for Shaolin, as we must seek to separate the past from now. Is this not what they want, to be avenged, to see their murderers brought to justice? I am so tired of pushy Americans! Let me be fallen now, as I am a strong hero who will not forget his former vows! I am sorry you failed to see who is mightier than you, for you are foolish! The monks did migrate, all around you, right under your nose! Believe or believe not, but some things are true whether you believe them or not. Distance yourselves from me, now, world. Let me embrace my masters of old and new, now and forever.

Don't believe that restless spirits die. They are stronger than your breath can hold. We do not make our way on our own lives but instead the backs of our ancestors. One who does not honor mother and father is worthless, and I hope my antagonistic message has driven you to try harder, which is what we both really want. Cheers, my friend, brother, sister, let us drink for a better tomorrow, and to good health. We can fight the masses who persecute us. Nothing is impossible when you believe in yourself, the one who is your greatest of all allies. Will you dare to follow the trail that the Buddha blazed, or will you back down in fear? Can you keep the precepts of the monastery holy, or will you walk your own way? Remember, whatever way you go in life, may the good guide of the road lead you where you really want to go. Until then, I'll be waiting for you, at the end of each of your paths, smiling, still victorious as I've always been.