FAQ: What I don’t understand about the end goal of Buddhism is why we would want to give up the senses?

FAQ: What I don’t understand about the end goal of Buddhism is why we would want to give up the senses. It seems that to give up desires, to give up all needs and want is to give up the senses. Without the senses are we even alive? It seems like being a Buddha would just be giving up our sentience. 

I just need to undersand it better. If I have no ego, if I have no wants and dreams, then what is left? If I am not ME then what am I? 

We don’t need to give up senses, but what we ought to give up is the attachment to senses! The Buddha did not teach us to give up anything except our attachment, as attachment to desire is the root of suffering.

The very reason why we are being trapped in the cycle of reincarnation (Samsara) is due to our attachment to desire and craving. If we don’t mind experiencing the repeated births, old age, separation and death all the time, then it doesn’t matter, we don’t need to give up our attachment to the senses. But if we want to liberate ourself from all suffering in life, then it’s important that we control our attachment to the senses. It’s most likely that we cannot give up all our attachment due to our limited capacity; that is why Shakyamuni Buddha told us to Nianfo and first attain rebirth to Amitabha Buddha’s Pure Land, and once there, we will unfailingly realise Buddhahood. 

All the so-called ego, wants and dreams are simply illusions. They are not the real you, as they are changing all the time and are temporary. The real you is the Buddha-nature. If you ask, “What’s the Buddha-nature?” The answer is that it’s unfathomable, and beyond language and duality. But to put it simply, it is Infinite Light, Infinite Life, Infinite Peace, Infinite Bliss, Infinite Happiness, Infinite Abundance... So by giving up the illusions, you have the whole of the Universe, you will have perfect wisdom, blessings and compassion and be one with all things and all beings.

Amituofo.