Hopeless and Absurd - Existentialism and Buddhism Essay

Hopeless and Absurd - Existentialism and Buddhism Perhaps the most telling symptom of existentialist philosophers is their ever-divergent theories on the fundamental characteristics of human life and their steadfast refusal to assign an explicit meaning or reason to our existence at all. Contrary to criticism which therefore labels the movement cynically nihilistic, existentialism justifies life with reasoning similar to that of Zen Buddhism. Specifically, the notions of hopelessness and absurdity can be gleaned from Buddhism in a manner helpful to the understanding of existentialist viewpoints on the same. Though these two perspectives elicit no fewer contrasts than comparisons, their juxtaposition highlights the workings of the†¦show more content†¦Whether it is hope for a better position in society, or hope for a lovers companionship, the attachment to desire ignores the eventual reality of impermanence. Death assures our mandatory individuality. Though we may accumulate relationships and material possessions throughout the course of our earthly life, we are nonetheless subordinate to the limits of time. Mortality stipulates ultimate loss. The only way to live free of crippling dread and anxiety is to free ourselves from expectations as well as ego-driven involvement in the affairs around us. As with Buddhism, existentialism does not require estrangement from society. Both suggest that actions will reflect the free choice of the individual. Though individuals tend to seek an exterior justification for their choices, the existentialists regard freedom as the unavoidable responsibility of complete independence. In this manner, the Buddhist tradition also acquits so-called human nature of blame for infractions on the part of the individual. The only way a person can act is by directing them self in a manner which he/she can accept from all other people. In Sartres view, to act otherwise is to surrender self-deception (Kaufmann, 320). It is useful to acknowledge that Buddhism and existentialism differ significantly in their views on individuality. While existentialism focuses entirely on the individual, Buddhism rejects the concept of