How do you respond to the paradoxal nature of Buddhism?

As a commonly curious sixteen year old, my knowledge of Buddhism is limited. I picked up a few books by American authors contrasting eastern and western practices. Apparently, in the west the idea of the Buddhist paradox is the focus of most temples. How does one reach enlightenment, without doing it for their benifit exclusively?

I'm not well versed; correct me if necessary, please.

 

If it isn't good for all, is it really good at all?

 

I had always thought that upon reaching enlightenment, it was the duty of the enlightened one to spread compassion and to help and encourage others to reach enlightenment as well. That way, it was not only for the benefit of he who has become enlightened, but for the benefit of all beings. It is only necessary for he who has reached enlightenment to spread his knowledge of the truth, for he would have infinite compassion for all life and existance.

Buddhism is only paradoxical if you allow it to be. Hope that helps!

 

Sounds like you have entered a Mahayana temple. Traditional Theravadin Buddhism which is mostly contemplative, doesn't formulate their vows in the wording of the Mahayana. So what I'm saying is that enlightenment is in Theravada not reached for the benefit of others. Thus Buddhism has various schools and their wording of what Buddhism is about is not necessarily exact.

But since you ask. Nobody said trying to become enlightened for the benefit of all beings was easy nor impossible. It should be noted that maybe at first one seeks Buddhist methods and philosophy to curb their own suffering, but then one sees that they are then better suited to promote life affirming directions so one already has started to make a difference. Later, one may well note the suffering of other beings and wish to prevent or allay it. I know I look at my wife and always wish I could take away her tiredness and stress. I feel that about the whole world. I just wish there was something I could do. Wait! There is! I can better myself and then hope to alleviate some negativity. Or at least not add to it. As much.

Training methods of Buddhism must respond, or the person must respond to the training methods, in turn. Thus there are many Buddhisms and many training methods and many people will not agree as to what they are.

Some people ignore the Vajrayana and the whole of Eastern tantric practices which are the state religions of such places as Bhutan, Sikkim, Tibet, Nepal, and so on. Very strange. But there you have it.

But basic Buddhism is more solipsistic than the later wheel's turnings. Requiring merely desire to become liberated.