Analytic and critical thinking essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Analytic and critical thinking - Essay Example Nevertheless, through the enlightenment he acquired through the teachings of Buddha, he was able to acquire wisdom and understanding and therefore was able to live an exemplary life. This paper then looks deeper into the perceptions of Thich Nhat Hanh and why he claims that death is non-existent, reflecting Buddhist philosophies. In his journey to understanding what death is all about, Hanh experienced illumination during one of his meditative states. He saw a japonica bush that blossomed one winter when warmer days came quite early. However, when winter conditions took its natural course, the blossoms fell to the ground. When the weather got warm again, another set of flowers blossomed and the wonderment whether those were the same blossoms that fell to the ground or whether they are different was asked by the hermit. The answer of the blossoms gave a new understanding to the seeker of truth and there begun his freedom from grief regarding death. He observes that the blossoms  "were not the same and not different† (Hanh). When the day became warm during winter, it was a condition that allowed the flowers to blossom and they manifested themselves. However, when the conditions changed, bringing the cold gloomy days which are not a convenient for the flowers to thrive, they fell from the bush instead but showed themselves again when the circumstances permitted their existence. Nevertheless, that is not considered the dying of the flowers. This perfectly exemplifies the belief of the Buddha that â€Å"when conditions are sufficient, something manifests and we say it exists† (8). The blossoming and falling of the flowers are considered in Buddhism, as a condition wherein they have hidden themselves because the weather condition is not well-suited or convenient for them. Another insightful example the Hanh presents in trying to explain his perspective is that, death only brings a person to another level of being. To expound further, he likens peopl e to radio waves which, â€Å"without a radio, we do not manifest† (12). This means that there is a tangible and an intangible part of us. The tangible part, which is the body, may die and eventually decay. However, there is an intangible part which becomes ever present to his loved ones. A loved one whose body has gone is not actually gone forever but is always present evidenced by the ground their feet once trod, an abode or even a person’s very self. Buddhists believe just because one is not physically seen does not mean he is not present. Rather, it is only the body wherein a person once manifested himself that is gone. Coming from a family whose parents are divorced, this notion is a great help for my coping. Although I live with my mother only, I do not see myself as without my father. Distance is not what defines his existence but it is who he is in me. I am his son, his blood runs through my veins and somehow, I know that he is there with me even if I do not se e him. Similarly, when death comes, it only separates me from my loved ones physically but their presence is always felt even though I do not see them. Death and grief are difficult to overcome. Some people even violate their own lives because they are not able to cope with the emotions brought about by this incident.