In his contribution to World religions in dialogue, enhanced edition: A comparative theological approach (2017), Peter Feldmeier provides an in-depth examination of Buddhism through the perspective of a follower of another religion. Feldmeier (2017) starts his chapter by pointing out the reasons why Westerners might be interested in Buddhism, mainly because they are “utterly varied and even contradictory” and “[offer] an alternative to a Western or Christian perspective” (p. 191). He proceeds to identify the origins of Buddhism by describing the life path of Siddhartha Gautama and juxtaposing the goal of Hinduism to that developed by the Buddha. Having introduced a proper background for his argument, Feldmeier claims that “everything the Buddha taught was grounded in the Four Noble Truths,” one of which is achieved “by following the Eightfold Path” (p. 193; p. 194). He also provides a comprehensive yet simplified narration of the problematic relationship between Nirvana and the self. Finally, the author describes the practical sides of Buddhism—traditions, practices, and holidays. Feldmeier concludes by claiming that Buddhism offers a chance to achieve a fruitful discourse by engaging in interreligious practices.
The excerpt offers several insights beyond general education. For example, Buddhism teachings give a prolific ground to explore the understanding of the self. The notion of the Mahayana tradition of “the interconnectedness of everything in the universe” prompts contemplation on the role of the self within the context of the entire world (p. 198). Overall, Buddhism certainly provokes existential questions and offers another philosophical perspective.
The puzzling nature of Nirvana and its connection to the self is also of interest. If achieving Nirvana means stopping suffering, but the ultimate truth is “inaccessible to thought,” it makes the desire to achieve Nirvana yet another craving that brings suffering. Essentially, it could be inferred that suffering that is life can be overcome through another, a particular form of suffering.
Reference
Feldmeier, P. (2017). An outsider’s perspective. In P. Valkenberg (Ed.), World religions in dialogue, enhanced edition: A comparative theological approach (Enhanced ed., pp. 191–201). Anselm Academic.