Wisdom

I really enjoyed this text! Very thought provoking on a lot of levels. I would have to agree with Thurman’s take on selflessness. I agree that it truly is freeing not to be bound to our self-absorbed selves. I still don’t really understand what Nirvana truly is. To be completely lost to others and not focused on one’s self doesn’t exactly seem like an amazing revelation if that is what the state of Nirvana is. It seems to be only common knowledge that helping others is something that lightens the heart and brings a feeling of contentment. Although its certainly not a lifestyle change that crosses the mind of everyone who finds this to be true.
I felt that his argument for self is somewhat distorted as well. We can not cease to be what we were created to be. We can certainly overcome the natural fear of man and be open to change but we are who we are. Our characteristics, the way we were raised, and the decisions we make dictate our “self”. We are all unique to the combination of our upbringing, mindset, habits, pre-conceived notions, and ability to make decisions. I feel like the thought of being less rigid and more relaxed and open to change and people is an excellent view to have on life though. The Buddha definitely found an amazing view of life that can bring joy but it all seems somewhat meaningless without a greater goal other than reaching nirvana.
I really enjoyed reading about his view on our need to be right. As I read his logical run through on the need to be right, It made a lot of sense. Knowledge is empowering and seems to help us in our security. This is why so many people strive to be knowledgable in specific areas which allows us to feel superior to others in this area and can even lead into a career. It seems as though it is somewhat of a selfish ambition as the need for knowledge is prompted by our need to feel superior or the ability to be right and surpass the knowledge of others. This gives a sense of control, but Buddha seemed to be on a search for knowledge himself. In doing so, he wanted others to be able see his view on life and understand the error in their ways. This is obviously a very faulty argument but it seems somewhat ironic.
I really enjoyed the read and thought it to be quite interesting. I definitely agree with some of the views he hold on life. Some of them are improvements that I believe to be beneficial to my own life. I think that overcoming the fear of man and becoming more connected and open with those around us something everyone should strive for.
http://www.bobthurman.com/