“First of all, Buddhism is neither pessimistic nor optimistic. If anything at all, it is realistic, for it takes a realistic view of life and the world. It looks at things objectively (yathābhūtam). It does not falsely lull you into living in a fool's paradise, nor does it frighten and agonize you with all kinds of imaginary fears and sins. It tells you exactly and objectively what you are and what the world around you is, and shows you the way to perfect freedom, peace, tranquility and happiness.” PhilosophyTruthReligionBuddhismBalanceObjectivityObjectivismMiddle WayMiddle PathThe Middle PathThe Middle Way Book:What the Buddha Taught Source: What the Buddha Taught
“What we call life...is the combination of the Five Aggregates, a combination of physical and mental energies. These are constantly changing; they do not remain the same for two consecutive moments. Every moment they are born and they die. 'When the Aggregates arise, decay and die, O bhikkhu, every moment you are born, decay, and die.' This, even now during this life time, every moment we are born and die, but we continue. If we can understand that in this life we can continue without a permanent, unchanging substance like Self or Soul, why can't we understand that those forces themselves can continue without a Self or a Soul behind them after the non-functioning of the body?” DeathChangeDyingBuddhismReincarnationLife After DeathLife EnergyFive Aggregates Book:What the Buddha Taught Source: What the Buddha Taught
“One physician may gravely exaggerate an illness and give up hope altogether. Another may ignorantly declare that there is no illness and that no treatment is necessary, thus deceiving the patient with false consolation. You may call the first one pessimistic and the second one optimistic. Both are equally dangerous.” PhilosophyBuddhismOptimismPessimism Author:Walpola Rahula
“The question has often been asked; Is Buddhism a religion or a philosophy? It does not matter what you call it. Buddhism remains what it is whatever label you may put on it. The label is immaterial. Even the label 'Buddhism' which we give to the teachings of the Buddha is of little importance. The name one gives is inessential.... In the same way Truth needs no label: it is neither Buddhist, Christian, Hindu nor Moslem. It is not the monopoly of anybody. Sectarian labels are a hindrance to the independent understanding of Truth, and they produce harmful prejudices in men's minds.” MenWayNeedsGivingMindMayLittlesDoeMatterPhilosophyChristianNamesUnderstandingTeachingProduceBuddhismImportancePrejudiceIndependentRemainsBuddhistLabelsMonopolyHindrance Book:What the Buddha Taught Source: What the Buddha Taught
“First of all, Buddhism is neither pessimistic nor optimistic. If anything at all, it is realistic, for it takes a realistic view of life and the world. It looks at things objectively (yath?bh?tam). It does not falsely lull you into living in a fool's paradise, nor does it frighten and agonize you with all kinds of imaginary fears and sins. It tells you exactly and objectively what you are and what the world around you is, and shows you the way to perfect freedom, peace, tranquility and happiness.” IfsWorldWayFirstsLooksKindDoeShowsSinPerfectViewsBuddhismFoolBalanceAll KindsOptimisticParadiseRealisticImaginaryTranquilityPessimisticLullsPeace Tranquility Author:Walpola Rahula
