Many people ponder where Buddha is right now; did he return to the dust of the earth, never to be seen again? Is he in some heavenly place helping mankind through a greater spiritual work? Some Buddhists believe in a Higher Power and an afterlife... others do not. But what is the truth of this matter?
Buddha never spoke on the subject
of heaven, God and the afterlife. To some, he said "Yes, there is a God
and an afterlife." To others he said, there is not! He later told his
followers that he did not contradict himself, but rather he spoke to
each person according to what they believed the truth to be. Buddha even
said that no one should believe what he said unless it resonated with
his/her own common sense.
“Believe
nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, no matter if I
have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common
sense.”
Gautama Buddha
Therefore, Buddha left the bigger questions up to the individual. And
there is no right or wrong answer as to where Buddha is right now. The
more atheistic Buddhist will say, Buddha is gone, no more, non-existent.
The more spiritual or mystical Buddhist will say that he still exists
somewhere or is all around us in all things. The Buddhist who gives you a
concrete, black and white "answer" to the question you pose is merely
giving you their
belief, on the said topic.... it does not make it so or true.
I have studied Buddhism for over a year now, I find much light and truth
in it. I also find much spiritual food for thought in the teachings of
the Buddha. I for one, based on what I have read and my own life
experience and studies... do not agree with those who constantly present
Buddhism as an Atheistic philosophy. It can be an Atheistic philosophy
for them, but for others it may not be.... Both are equal and true paths
for the seeker of enlightenment.
So, in
my opinion and based on what I
believe and the information I have gained in life that appeals to
my personal common sense... I
believe The Buddha is an ascended master, still doing important
spiritual work in our world today. Even if that work is sitting outside
our space time bubble and holding us in the light through eternal
meditation.