text: have you awakened the buddha within, how so? look at this link: http://www.tibet.ca/en/wtnarchive/2002/12/9_5.html yes, i studied buddhism for a while. however, i found the idea of trying to rise above suffering through enlightenment impractical and detrimental to growth.  i have bounced many philosophies and religions through my mind and heart. catholicism is my home. there i see the utter joy that suffering brings because it causes growth and redemption. furthermore, the middle path as buddha described it leaves one struggling to fight the river when really one should embrace the current and follow its flow. god asks us for extraordinary things from our life. to do great deeds and love big. middle of the road is pleasure for one's self only.