Vipassana

In Buddhism, much emphasis is placed on the practice of Vipassana.

Vipassana is a form of meditation, but unlike meditation that involves visualization or chanting or sitting in a certain posture, this one simply entails observing oneself. Thus, it can be done at any time. While standing and waiting in the queue observe yourself, what are the thoughts that come at that time? What are the sensation and feelings you experience while stuck in a jam? How is your breath, when your boss is scolding you?

It is found that by taking this approach, one finds that many thoughts and feelings that one thought to be theirs are autonomic in nature, or in other words they arise spontaneously when the conditions that created them appear.
This also ties in with the concept of habits. Man is nothing but a creature of habit. If he continues being this way he is simply a puppet of circumstances. Certain circumstances call forth different attitudes, thoughts and moods. Thus a rainy day can invoke depression and dread while a sunny day brings forth exuberance and hope.
Even on our thoughts and feelings which we believe to be most intimately ours we have little control. While outwardly this may seem like an incredible statement, the practice of Vipsaana makes this fact abundantly clear.
What is the goal of all this continuous observation? As as with all pursuits in life the practitioner strives for happiness. However the ambitions are far more grandiose, the aim is nothing than the ultimate eradication of unhappiness, by extinguishing all negative states of mind. To gain a permanent bliss is the goal of Buddhism.
There is yet another purpose to this practice. With the aid of observation one gains knowledge about oneself. It is said that the knowledge of the self is the greatest knowledge, there is, for everything is in relation to the self.

While unlimited happiness seems like a lofty goal, at least there does not seem any egregious suspension of disbelief required to accept this Buddhist view of bliss, (as compared with a religion such as Christianity). No wonder it entices many in our modern world. Further, the Buddhist paradise is here and now (as opposed to a belief based religion). On top of it Buddhism deemphasizes belief, but encourages the follower to try with a skeptical nature and not believe, much like science. Consider the following quote from Buddha:

"Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it. Do not believe in anything simply because it is spoken and rumored by many. Do not believe in anything simply because it is found written in your religious books. Do not believe in anything merely on the authority of your teachers and elders. Do not believe in traditions because they have been handed down for many generations. But after observation and analysis, when you find that anything agrees with reason and is conducive to the good and benefit of one and all, then accept it and live up to it."

Some of his quotes on enlightenment are also worth pondering:

"There are two mistakes one can make along the road to truth...not going all the way, and not starting."

"It is better to conquer yourself than to win a thousand battles. Then the victory is yours. It cannot be taken from you, not by angels or by demons, heaven or hell."