This paper compares the
religion of Buddhism to the practice of
psychoanalysis and claims that these two practices are the
only way in which to live a fulfilled life. It surveys the main principles of the
religion and gives examples of how these can improve one's life. From the paper: "Buddhism has been described as a very pragmatic religion. It does not indulge in metaphysical speculation about first causes; there is no theology, no worship of a deity or deification of the Buddha. Buddhism takes a very straightforward look at our human condition; nothing is based on wishful thinking. Everything that the Buddha taught was based on his own observations of the way things were. Unlike Christianity, Judaism, Islam, or any other mono (or even poly) theistic religion, everything taught in Buddhism can be verified by our own observation of the way things are in reality. This principle not only embodies the connection between Buddhism to
psychoanalysis, but clearly proves why these two practices are just about the only two that will allow us to fully live our lives. "