What is the goal of Buddhism?

There are similarities between the goal of Buddhism and the aims of some forms of modern Western Psychology. Rune Jacobsen wrote an interesting book called The Psychology of Nirvana (George Allen & Unwin) where he concluded: 'In a word, although we have found great similarities between Nibbana and the concept of mental health, the differences predominate because they are expressions of very different philosophies. The Psychologist stresses society, the personal success and effectiveness in this world, the unceasing activity towards (badly defined, even dubious and contradictory) goals.

The Buddha stressed the individual development of internal freedom and intelligent judgement, 'disinterested' action, balance and stability'. The way the Buddha organised his monasteries on strictly egalitarian lines, with common ownership of property and each monk having an equal say in decision making, could have been the blue print for a Marxist state but of course the ultimate aims were quite different. Communism failed because it denied the individual freedom and maintained the status quo by force whereas Buddhism relies on kindness and wisdom.

Of course, Buddhists can learn from people of other faiths and disciplines. For example, practical methods of demonstrating loving kindness from Christians, courage and self-discipline from Muslims, intellectual honesty from Humanists, psychological understanding from psychologists and unselfishness from Marxists. On the whole, Buddhism is admired and tolerated by other faiths although it is sometimes criticised for being selfish because the Buddha put self-salvation as the primary task of every man.

As he goes on to say that, having achieved this goal, one should then hand on this precious teaching to others so that their suffering should end, this is rather a short sighted view. Even if the Arahant has no gift for teaching, he can still be a beacon of light in the darkness of a world without hope. In the Culagosinga Sutta, the Buddha has nothing but praise for three Bhikkhus who are leading a life of blameless purity, living quietly together in the Park of the Gosinga Sala-tree Wood.