Buddhism and the Concept of Fate in Albert Camus' Sisyphus
Added on 2023-05-27
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Running head :WORLD RELIGION
WORLD RELIGION
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Author Note :
WORLD RELIGION
Name of the Student :
Name of the University :
Author Note :
1
WORLD RELIGION
Buddhism is considered as one of the oldest religions of the world. It is a religion
that preaches peace and non-violence. Buddhism is not just a belief but a discipline that needs to
be followed in day to day life. Gautama Buddha reached enlightenment when he was exposed to
the sufferings of man (Burton). He renounced his luxurious lifestyle and went ahead to become a
monk. Thus, his flamboyant life became a life of simplicity and humility. Buddhism comprises
of the Four Nobel Truths that are the basic fundamentals of Buddhism. The truths comprises
about man’s suffering in the material world, the reasons for man’s suffering, the ways to end his
suffering and the oath that leads to the end of his pain. Buddhism states that pain is inevitable but
suffering is optional (Burton). Sickness, death, aging is unavoidable but man’s suffering can be
avoided.
According to Buddhism, the root cause of suffering is ignorance and desire for material
things. Our ignorant nature to identify the impermanence of the world and understand the nature
of the Spirit leads to endless suffering (Thera). Ignorance also leads to anger, lust, greed,
jealousy and hatred. In Buddhism, the end of suffering has two meanings. Firstly, ending it in
this life or in the spiritual world through Nirvana (Thera). Nirvana is nothing but attaining
spiritual enlightenment and becoming free from the endless cycles if death and birth. Now,
attaining Nirvana or salvation is a process. It is a strict discipline that one has to live by. The way
one can achieve Nirvana is by following the Nobel Eightfold Path. The Buddhists believe in
karma (actions) that is one’s own actions. They do not believe in the concept of a preordained
Fate.
However, in Albert Camus’ ‘Sisyphus’, Fate has a major role to play. Sisyphus was
punished by Zeus for his greed and selfishness (Camus). He was condemned to endure never
ending struggles and futility. He is made to roll back a rock to the top of a mountain. Every time
WORLD RELIGION
Buddhism is considered as one of the oldest religions of the world. It is a religion
that preaches peace and non-violence. Buddhism is not just a belief but a discipline that needs to
be followed in day to day life. Gautama Buddha reached enlightenment when he was exposed to
the sufferings of man (Burton). He renounced his luxurious lifestyle and went ahead to become a
monk. Thus, his flamboyant life became a life of simplicity and humility. Buddhism comprises
of the Four Nobel Truths that are the basic fundamentals of Buddhism. The truths comprises
about man’s suffering in the material world, the reasons for man’s suffering, the ways to end his
suffering and the oath that leads to the end of his pain. Buddhism states that pain is inevitable but
suffering is optional (Burton). Sickness, death, aging is unavoidable but man’s suffering can be
avoided.
According to Buddhism, the root cause of suffering is ignorance and desire for material
things. Our ignorant nature to identify the impermanence of the world and understand the nature
of the Spirit leads to endless suffering (Thera). Ignorance also leads to anger, lust, greed,
jealousy and hatred. In Buddhism, the end of suffering has two meanings. Firstly, ending it in
this life or in the spiritual world through Nirvana (Thera). Nirvana is nothing but attaining
spiritual enlightenment and becoming free from the endless cycles if death and birth. Now,
attaining Nirvana or salvation is a process. It is a strict discipline that one has to live by. The way
one can achieve Nirvana is by following the Nobel Eightfold Path. The Buddhists believe in
karma (actions) that is one’s own actions. They do not believe in the concept of a preordained
Fate.
However, in Albert Camus’ ‘Sisyphus’, Fate has a major role to play. Sisyphus was
punished by Zeus for his greed and selfishness (Camus). He was condemned to endure never
ending struggles and futility. He is made to roll back a rock to the top of a mountain. Every time
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