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Buddhism though termed a religion is more a philosophy, a philosophy that does not need converts or the strength of numbers for its "raison d'etre". It also does not need the existence of a creator God to prove its credentials and hence had the good fortune in not finding it necessary to go to wars for defending their particular God, as most established Middle Eastern religions have done so single mindedly for the past two millenia. Buddhism does not need a villain like Satan to blame for the ills that befall humanity. Rather it first defines human existence as suffering - however pleasurable fleeting moments in life maybe. Then it says that all human suffering starts from desires. It does not need an apple and a snake to start that desire process as other religions do. And it shows a way, a path to lead a happy life, a life of deep compassion for all sentient beings. It should be noted that Buddhism does not particularize humans alone as recipients of that compassion but encompasses all beings. And the generation of compassion for all our fellow sentient beings is the way towards Buddhism, a conversion, if you may, of the mind set. A formal conversion is not a requisite for being a Buddhist.

To me Buddhism is a journey of discovery within, a journey to come to terms with and thereby remove the obstacles of anger,hatred,jealousy,needless ambition, lust and whatever else grows in our minds as we grow and live on this planet. And this journey is the start of generating compassion towards everything around one and within one.

And when one starts on that journey of generating compassion, one realizes that labels are meaningless. Mother Teresa of Calcutta was as much a Buddhist as a Christian. The Good Samaritan of the Bible,though he did not know it, was probably more Buddhist than anything else.

And while you try to look at the world with compassion, you suddenly realize that you are able to be compassionate with yourself, your failings and in the meditative process which will inevitably follow, you find the way to overcome your own distress with yourself, your past actions. And when you attain that peace within yourself, you would understand that despite all the other labels you carry with you, you are a Buddhist too!

Learn more about this author, Ravi Nayar.
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