e RushProfessor AmitaHistory Topics: BuddhismDecember 16, 2013 “Finding yourself in a world based on suffering” COMMITMENT TO ACADEMIC INTEGRITY On my honor, I have not received nor given any help no authorized for this exam (assignment). __________Paije Rush_______Print Name____________Paije Rush______Signature (print name again on electronic submission)__________December 17, 2013________DateAll our problems and sufferings arise from confused negative states of mind and all happiness and good fortune arise from states of mind peaceful and positive. In this course we learned about the Buddha, the Dharma, the Four Noble Truths, the cause and effect of suffering in life. In this course, I learned to creatively and critically analyze literary materials learned through the ideas of the Buddha over 2,000 years ago. I was taught methods to gradually overcome negative minds such as anger in order to develop a mind full of love, compassion and wisdom, attributes that are obtained through experience. Topics from the history of Buddhism taught me that Buddhism is a religion in its own right that is learned through practice and experience rather than belief. This idea is a little complicated to grasp for some. In our culture, “religion” is a better system and “faith” is the way to accept those beliefs. The Buddha taught us not to accept any teachings without testing them. Instead of believing in the teachings, one must practice them to realize the truth. In Buddhism, there are three general levels of communication. There is the enlightened level, the intellectual level and the common level. Within these three levels, learning and practicing the teachings of the Buddha are essential. With the...... middle of paper ......all life changes. They went from behaving extremely poorly to influencing others to get involved in such an inspiring journey. Overall, through this course I gained the idea that overcoming suffering really depends on the person and their dedication to wanting to free themselves from suffering, pain, violence and fear of experiencing a liberated life. As long as we are enveloped in ignorance, our thoughts about ourselves, the world, and everything else are just a theory until proven. One must grasp the idea that the extinction of desire, Nirvana and following the steps on the path to liberation is the ultimate goal of a life without suffering. Once one can cultivate one's mind to free oneself from the illusion of "I" and the craving for the wrong kinds of pleasures, one can then see oneself for oneself and have a clear understanding of reality..