Showing the Way

It is not surprising to find that, after over 2,600 years, Buddhism—like other religions—is beset by superstition, but this doesn't mean we should just shrug complacently, as if there is nothing we can do about it .

After His Enlightenment, out of compassion, the Buddha set out to counteract ignorance and superstition, which He saw as the root cause of most of humanity's sufferings. He knew that this is not something fixed and immutable, and that man may rise above it and become free or enlightened. This was why He left the peace and tranquillity of the forest and went back to the world; what He had found was not for Himself alone.

Originally, the Buddha's Way was one of Understanding, but today's Buddhism has often little to do with that, and has devolved into a system of Belief. The Buddha tried to show the Way to others, to help them become enlightened, but even with His great wisdom and ability to teach people according to their levels, He couldn't make everyone understand. It is like the old saying: "You can take a horse to water, but you cannot make it drink". He was a Way-pointer, and told, quite clearly, "within yourselves deliverance must be sought; each man his prison makes".

Few people—in any age, it seems—can understand and accept such clear and simple teachings; most are lazy and want someone 'to do it' for them. Slowly, the pristine teachings were adulterated and people began to think of the Buddha as a God—or a cosmic Saviour—who would answer prayers, bestow blessings, save them from danger, sickness and death, etc.; they began to look upon Him as more divine than human.

His Teachings about finding salvation within were ignored as people looked to Him for help, which was something He never taught.