Buddhism

"According to Buddhism, the main source of our suffering is our preoccupation with our own desires. Suffering is said to be caused by selfish cravings and desires. The way to enlightenment, for Buddhism, therefore involves detaching from our narrow concern with ourselves, escaping the prison of our own desires and illusions.

Do you think it is possible to live according to this teaching in the contemporary United States? Is there a conflict between what Buddhism teaches, and how we are encouraged to think and act in our society? What are your thoughts on this?"

I for one do not believe that it is possible to live according to the teaching of detaching ourselves from our own desires in order to reach enlightenment. I think that although we may experience some desires that may cause more harm then good to ourselves, I find that it can also teach us a lesson which in turn will make us a better person. The way that society encourages to act when it comes to our own personal desires and illusions is very different than the teachings of Buddhism. I believe that the American society encourages us to act on our desires such as living the so-called "American Dream". We are encouraged to fight for what we want in life and it would be possible to achieve it as long as we work hard for it. I do believe that your own personal desires can also make or break people. Their desires can bring them success and happiness or it can be their greatest enemy and downfall creating suffering as Buddhism suggests. You can also sort of compare these desires to the idea of the greater goods defense theory because although some desires may cause a negative impact, it may also bring success which would outweigh the negative such as the desire to lose weight. You would suffer for months by taking the time to diet and exercise but in the end you will be healthier.