Speech One

Good morning [audience being addressed]

How many of you have actually wondered how many structures of faith exist out of your

own? How many institutes of believe are there, that thousands and thousands of individuals have

formed their lives around? Neither did I and that is exactly why I was rather shocked when I got

to put a number to this query. As of now, or at least according to the official Quora website, there

are nearly 4200 religions in the world. That too, roughly. The largest religion as of now is

Christianity and it is followed by the religion of Islam but no, today I do not wish to talk about

either of these religions. We have carried out far too many discussions regarding these religions.

Every one has their fair share of perspectives and understandings when it comes to them. Today I

do not wish to change your opinion on a religion or to address a deep-seated perspective, no.

Today, I simply aim to inform you of a way of life that is so considerate, that is based on the

fundamentals of kindness, of caring, a way of living that focuses on the living in the present and

most importantly, a tolerant mindset. That is, the religion of Buddhism.

Buddhism is probably the most tolerant of religions in the entire world. Its teachings do

not focus on the existence of a God or Gods in general, it does not aim to decipher what will

happen after one die – what is afterlife, neither does it in anyway express opinion on the process

of creation or why it happened in the first place. It only focuses on living one day at a time, it

focuses and is based around the world of daily living. Every institution of faith has fundamental

basis which lies in deep theoretical foundations upon which their basic structure is based.

Buddhism does not mean to focus on theories or address these big questions nor does it look to

agree or disagree with any religion but rather it addresses and acknowledges religion as a means

of implementing a positive manner of living. Buddhism is about enlightening the person,

regaining the compassion and wisdom inside, thus resulting in freedom from suffering.

Buddhism is about living a life of peaceful serenity. A religion which originated within the

region near India over two-thousand years ago has now become a religion that is revered and

practiced worldwide.

Buddhist spirituality is viewed as something from within, an innate goodness in all

humans that has been lost can now be found through practice and meditation. It believes in

motivating not only others but themselves as well and be dependent on themselves rather than a

charismatic leader to show them the way. If followers of the Buddha began to revere the man,

they would become distracted from their task that is of impeding spiritual progress. Further on

the topic, a professor of religious studies, Mark W. Muesse, revealed, “Buddhist spirituality

promotes a form of life that provides an antidote to the stresses of modern living. As a

counterpoint to the haste and hurry, the noise and confusion of this world, Buddhism prescribes a

life of quietness and tranquility, a life of contemplation and gentle awareness.” (Muesse, 2002).

In light of this statement, it can be observed how Buddhism focuses on finding the truth, the

actual wisdom and the compassion which may allow its followers to see the world for what it

truly is. Success with regards to this way of living is achieving the optimal level of self-

centeredness with regards to compassion.

Let me take you a little back to how this was actually discovered, how exactly did one of

the most tolerant religion come into existence. The founder of the religion, Buddha or simply

known as Siddhartha led a tiresome journey for the search of spirituality. This journey was

riddled with suffering and obstacles. He sought help from extensive meditations which extended

for a period seven years roughly. However, he remained steadfast in his quest. On the brink of

death due to fatigue, he settled for a nutritious meal and realized that in order to feel elated and
enlightened he needed to keep his mind as healthy as his body. The meditation helped him feel

illuminated, happy and relieved. He set forth to teach others, regardless of caste, his

enlightenment, the method of the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. Siddhartha traveled

from city to city teaching the importance of not losing one’s self by allowing passions to

consume, but rather exist without indulging in selfish cravings, leaving one free to be happy.

(Simpkins & Simpkins, 2000). (Armstrong, 2001).

The Four Noble Truths of Buddhism and the Eightfold Path are the starting points for all

Buddhist variations. This doctrine is Buddha’s (Siddhartha’s) “diagnosis and prescription for

treating human suffering and finding true happiness.” (Simpkins & Simpkins, 2000). The noble

truths include that life is suffering yet it is filled with fleeting moments of happiness, sorrow is

inevitable if a person realistically look at life. However, one may experience happiness and be

grateful for it. The second noble truth tackles the root of suffering. The materialistic possession,

the egocentric desires are what causes a man to be distressed. The third noble truth reveals the

process of ending suffering. A transformation is required. Last but not the least is the eightfold

path. The Eightfold Path is a guide meant to help people work out their difficulties, become

liberated from suffering, and come across happiness. The path consists of right views, right

intentions, right speech, right conduct, right livelihood, right effort, right thought and lastly, right

consideration.

To conclude, this religion is based on real life. It doesn’t diddle in the realm of theories; it

focuses on living life as it comes. It holds no bias against any religion, it does not seek to confine

to ideals or promote another religions cause. Its doctrines urge the need for humanity, of letting

go of selfish desires and of negative intentions and being thoughtful. It is a way of living that you

would be proud of if at the end of the day you figure out religions aren’t even true to begin with.