Question

What is the primary problem Buddhists seek to cope with, and how does one go about addressing this?

A. The primary problem is material wealth, addressed through accumulation of possessions.
B. The primary problem is ignorance and suffering, addressed through meditation and the Eightfold Path.
C. The primary problem is lack of social status, addressed through service to the community.
D. The primary problem is emotional attachment, addressed through pursuing sensory pleasures.

Answer 1

Buddhists seek to address the problem of suffering and attachment to desires by following the Eightfold Path and the Four Noble Truths, leading to the attainment of nirvana.

Step-by-step explanation:

The primary problem that Buddhists seek to cope with is suffering, specifically the suffering that arises from attachment to desires. This issue is addressed by following the Eightfold Path, which aims to extinguish such attachments and therefore end suffering.

This approach is encapsulated in the Four Noble Truths of Buddhism, which state that 1) life is suffering, 2) suffering arises from attachment to desires, 3) suffering ceases when attachment to desire ceases, and 4) freedom from suffering is possible through the Middle Way—a balanced approach between self-indulgence and self-mortification.

To effectively address the problem of suffering, Buddhists engage in practices such as meditation, ethical conduct, and developing wisdom.

The correct answer to the given question would therefore be option B: The primary problem is ignorance and suffering, addressed through meditation and the Eightfold Path. This response aligns closely with Buddha's teachings, encouraging personal responsibility and emphasizing moral behaviors that lead to spiritual enlightenment and the ultimate goal of nirvana, a state of complete liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth.