나가난다, 자기 희생의 이야기 - 인도문명과 불교(2-1)

 "Youthful Buddha: The Song of Wind, Lion, and Lotus" | 

Written by Go Mi-sook | Publisher: Bookdramang

What comes to mind when you think of the Buddha? For most, it’s an image of a wise elder, embodying profound insights into life and offering deep philosophical teachings. Even Buddha statues reinforce this view—serene and contemplative, seemingly distant from youth. But is this depiction accurate? About five years ago, as I began studying Buddhist scriptures in depth, I realized just how deeply entrenched these misconceptions were. Discovering that Buddha attained enlightenment at 35 completely upended my assumptions.

Buddha renounced his life at 29 and attained enlightenment at 35. Remarkably, his teachings remained consistent for 45 years. Isn’t it astonishing that the philosophy he established in his youth endured unchanged throughout his life? Then why have we long perceived his teachings as the wisdom of old age?

The truth is, Buddha’s philosophy is a youthful philosophy. The enlightenment he achieved in his youth sustained itself until his passing at 80, embodying an unaltered vision of clarity and purpose.

Consider this: most philosophies evolve over time. As decades pass, ideas shift—sometimes losing their original meaning, sometimes maturing into more complete forms. Yet Buddha’s teachings, formed in his youth, remained steadfast for 45 years.

This reveals something extraordinary: while other philosophies are shaped by the passage of time, Buddha’s teachings reflect the fullness of youthful realization. His youthful enlightenment wasn’t a work-in-progress; it was complete from the start.

This constancy is a profound lesson for us today.

So, what relevance does this youthful philosophy hold for us now? Over the past decade, the “youth generation” has emerged as a critical global concern. Across the world, questions about youth—how they are understood, how society engages with them, and how they find harmony within the world—have become urgent cultural and social challenges.

In this context, the life and philosophy of the youthful Buddha offer invaluable guidance. His youthful enlightenment and philosophy provide a directional compass for addressing the challenges of today.

The inspiration for the subtitle, “The Song of Wind, Lion, and Lotus,” comes from the Sutta Nipata, an early Buddhist scripture. In it, Buddha advises, “Go alone, like the horn of a rhinoceros.” It’s a powerful statement, but what does it truly mean?

Annotations on the Sutta Nipata elaborate: “Be like the wind, untrapped by nets; like the lion, unshaken by sound; like the lotus, unstained by mud. Go alone, like the horn of a rhinoceros.” These metaphors encapsulate the depth of Buddha’s enlightenment, each carrying timeless lessons.

The wind flows freely, untouched by any net. But how many “nets” entangle us? Money, fame, power, the judgment of others—these are the nets that bind us. Modern life is full of such traps, often stealing our freedom without us even noticing.

Buddha’s teaching is to free ourselves from these attachments and live like the wind—unbound and liberated.

Lions do not flinch at mere noise. In contrast, how easily are we startled? Fear and doubt creep into our lives at the smallest disturbances, occupying an enormous space in our minds.

Buddha invites us to live like lions, bold and unafraid, unshaken by the uncertainties of life.

The lotus grows from mud but emerges pristine. The mud symbolizes desire. Modern life often feels like a mire of unchecked cravings, pulling us down and leaving us grasping for fulfillment.

Yet Buddha teaches us to live like the lotus—unstained by the mud of desire, pure and free. This clarity of being, untainted by endless wants, is a path to true peace.

Lastly, Buddha’s most striking teaching: Go alone, like the horn of a rhinoceros. This doesn’t mean isolation or withdrawal from others. Rather, it signifies not relying on external supports—money, people, or even divine beings.

Buddha’s guidance is to cultivate inner strength and live freely by one’s own power. This is the essence of true freedom. His teachings, though rooted in his time, remain a vital message for today.

Life is suffering—but is liberation possible?

When you think of Buddhism, does it seem like an escape? A retreat from life’s challenges into isolation? The idea of Buddhism as a renunciation of the world is common, particularly because of its claim that “life is suffering.” This often makes Buddhism seem pessimistic or nihilistic.

I, too, once wondered why Buddhism appeared so bleak. But about five years ago, as I studied its teachings more deeply, I came to understand that this perspective wasn’t pessimism but an honest confrontation with reality.

Buddhism begins with the simple truth: “Life is suffering.” Birth, aging, illness, death—all are inevitable aspects of existence. Yet this acknowledgment isn’t a lament; it’s a clear-eyed acceptance of reality as it is.

Reflect on your own experiences. Have you ever felt a moment of complete satisfaction, free of worry, fear, or doubt? Probably not. And yet, many of us believe, “If I achieve X, I’ll be happy.”

But does success guarantee happiness? Consider figures like Michael Jackson, who achieved unparalleled fame and success. Was he truly happy? His life, marked by addiction and isolation, suggests otherwise.

Buddhism dismantles this illusion, pointing out that life’s inherent struggles cannot be avoided by mere achievements or possessions.

This understanding leads to an essential question: “If life is suffering, can we ever be free from it?”

Buddhism describes the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth—samsara. Death isn’t an end but a continuation of suffering through rebirth. This cycle repeats endlessly unless broken.

The ultimate goal in Buddhism is to escape this cycle entirely, reaching nirvana. Nirvana represents liberation from the suffering inherent in existence.

So, is nirvana possible?

Buddhism approaches this question with realism and precision. It offers a detailed, logical path to liberation. By recognizing the nature of suffering and cultivating the inner strength to overcome desire, freedom becomes achievable.

This philosophy isn’t about blind faith or dependence on higher powers but about awakening human potential and harnessing it for liberation.

Contrary to common perceptions of Buddhism as escapist or nihilistic, it is deeply rooted in reality. It provides tools to confront life’s challenges head-on and to unlock our latent potential for clarity and peace.

The Buddha’s message, timeless in its wisdom, challenges us to look inward, let go of attachments, and embrace the possibility of a liberated existence.