Abstract:
The question of whether there exists a meaning or a purpose to the existence of human life has
been a much debated topic though the ages. Since the early Greek and Roman civilizations,
many great thinkers within philosophical, theological, scientific and metaphysical contexts have
tried to provide an adequate answer to this dilemma. With the emergence of science in the later
centuries, people have turned more and more away from the philosophical and religious pursuits
in life, and have been drawn to materialistic lifestyles. However, in order to be fully aware of
the potential of our lives, it is crucial that we explore the nature of life and understand the
purpose of our existence. Even though most of the religions in the world fail at this aspect of
providing scientifically compatible, sensible and accurate answers to this question, Buddhism
gives clear cut, comprehensive facts and advice about the reality of human life. Over 2500 years
ago, Lord Buddha had successfully offered an answer to this existential crisis people face in the
modern era. Unlike the scientific approach to examining the purpose of human existence, where
the external parameters are observed for the experimental processes, the Buddhist approach
involves gaining understanding and insight into one’s own mind through introspection and
meditation to find the answers to this problem. Buddhism also gives explanation about the
continuous existence of beings in the samsara, and most importantly it provides us knowledge
of the reality of existence, human or otherwise. In a manner none of the other approaches have
used, Buddhism gives us the opportunity to see the true nature by ourselves and take necessary
steps to reach our maximum potential as humans by our own will. In this paper, the perspective
portrayed by Buddhism on the question of the purpose of human existence will be discussed,
presenting the suttas and other literary sources from the Pali canon. It is the purpose of this
paper to provide an all-inclusive answer to this dilemma and methods to alleviate the existential
crisis experienced by people, within the Buddhist context.
