As an expert in Buddhism, I have spent years studying and practicing the teachings of the Buddha. One of the most common questions I am asked is, 'What is the ultimate goal of Buddhism?' And the answer is simple: to end the cycle of suffering and achieve nirvana. In Buddhism, life is believed to be full of suffering. This suffering is caused by our attachment to worldly desires and our constant cycle of death and rebirth.
The ultimate goal of Buddhism is to break free from this cycle and reach a state of enlightenment. Enlightenment is the ultimate goal of Buddhism because it is the state in which all positive qualities are fully honed. This includes qualities such as joy, courage, and compassion. In this state, our awareness is all-encompassing and not limited in any way.
Our minds are free from confusion and disturbance, allowing us to benefit others spontaneously and effortlessly. The Buddha teaches us that true happiness comes from spiritual development. This includes finding joy in focusing on a single point, such as our breath or a mantra. Some may see this as selfish, especially when someone becomes attached to the happiness that comes from deep states of concentration.
However, as practitioners, our intention should not be solely focused on our own happiness. Instead, we should use our focused minds to realize the nature of reality and cultivate virtuous qualities such as love and compassion. In this way, selfishness is not involved.