What do the majority of Buddhism practitioners primarily seek?

The primary aim of the majority of Buddhism practitioners is to attain spiritual enlightenment and liberation from suffering. This aspiration is deeply rooted in the core teachings of Buddhism, which emphasize the Four Noble Truths. These truths articulate the nature of suffering, its origin, its cessation, and the path leading to its cessation, known as the Eightfold Path.

Practitioners strive for enlightenment, or Nirvana, which represents a state of liberation from the cycles of birth and rebirth (samsara) characterized by suffering and ignorance. This journey involves cultivating wisdom, ethical conduct, and mental discipline. Through practices such as meditation, mindfulness, and ethical living, individuals become more aware of their thoughts, actions, and the nature of reality.

In contrast, focusing on wealth and material gain, adhering to a communal lifestyle without personal spiritual development, or desiring endless cycles of reincarnation do not resonate with the fundamental goals of Buddhism. Instead, they often represent distractions or misconceptions about what truly leads to fulfillment and peace in life according to Buddhist principles.