This piece and insight of yourself is... refreshing. It is good to know that there are other atheists that don't find a need to be synical or poke insult; such as calling Christians 'cannibalistic zombie worshippers.'

*Shakes head*

The Buddhist views are well thought, serve a purpose/belief/hope to people of that religion but I would like to think that enlightenment should take a page a few pages from the development of one's self/learning from suffering, as you said. Like meeting other people, loving other people, hating, respecting, etc. A Japanese poet once wrote "Life is a jump into an unknown pond; the ripples go out to the people you are about to meet"

But regardless, your views are well thought out, good and UNBIASED.

I enjoyed the read, keep writing!

this is rather uplifting at final time. I think finals are fun. Therefore I think I can do a good job. Then again maybe not. Still it's uplifting.