Apologies if I came across as sounding judgemental.
I stressed over and over that what I was saying came from my teaching...
If I offended I apologize.
I do need to add that though Buddhism is accepting, it is not a free ticket to do as you will.
Karma Brothers and sisters!
Im done.
Namaste,
Thanx for clearing that up....
By the way, what does "Namaste" mean? What language is it in?
Also in John Steibeck's "Of Mice and Men" the big retard wouldn't have been guilty of petting those animals to death because he was stupid because his intent was to love them.
Various people view the whole evil and intent thing differently. Some people would view a well meaning person that does great harm as good, while others consider a scrooge that picks up a baby to make it shut up to show "love" for the child through action. Two different views, best not to be too attatched to either of them.
Namaste- cuz its nasty
8Step Sifu
I honor the divinity within you.
Namaste is the sanskrit greeting/departure translating roughly to "The divine spirit within me bows or honors the divine spirit within you."
Perhaps someone else has a better way of wording it.
The Words of a simple Monk...
I was thinking about this post the other day. The way the conversation turned to what is appropriate behavior for a Buddhist... Something about the whole vibe of it does not sit well with me. Believe me brothers and sisters I do not do this to be "right" and prove others "wrong."
No matter how much one claims to (or for that matter actually does) study the Dharma, that does not make the killing of sentient beings any less an atrocity. I have been very saddened by the posts that I have seen here on occasion. and it is with this state of mind that I write this.
There is a simple monk who once said:
"There are cases of people who are very intelligent and have great knowledge of the Dharma, but this knowledge does not affect their minds. They do not put what they know into practice. The teacher becomes a role model and source of inspiration for our practice. It is possible to develop strong convictions by reading texts related to the practice of compassion, but when we meet a living person who has practiced it and can who can teach us the practice of compassion from his or her own experience, it inspires us more powerfully."
This whole debate on what is right and what is not right for a devout Buddhist or monk should not be the issue. We should not be defending our positions. What I see is the same arguement I get whenever someone tries to tell me they are right for doing whatever it is they do in their lifestyle that injures a sentient being, be it eating meat, partaking in the use of controlled substances or whatever. It simply means "I dont want to change my behavior, and I am not going to."
I beg you to meditate on these things. Those of you who profess to be practicing Buddhists please remember that there is more to being a buddhist than wearing beads and saying "Om." It appears as though there were egos that got involved,(mine included)and were concerned about who was going to be "right." Buddhism is a path. It does not need to be a path littered with dualistic chanting and ritual, nor does it have to be a path cluttered with aloof apathy of total detatchment. Detatchment does not equal love, and one does not need to be detatched from love to achieve freedom from suffering.
Remember that we are here to gain release from this life of suffering, and to aid other sentient beings in doing so. The same simple monk taught that One does not have to be a master to be a teacher. One should always be humble enough to learn from those less wise then themselves.
That Simple Monk is the fourteenth Dali Lama.
May peace be your guide and serentiy light your path.
Namaste.
True True.....Zhen Shi Zhe Yang ..Brother TaijiMantis
Brother Mantis thank you for pondering and providing us with a touching and realistic view (This is now Buddhism..to Ponder in one's mind and understand through thought rather than regurgitation). Your Teachers have placed you in the correct mindset to follow the path, one day you will develop the understanding of that path as no path but the path built before building the road that leads to it even though indeterminably it cannot be found.
My respects to you, fellow brothers and Buddhist teachers
8 Truths
Buddhist Disciples! At all times, day and night, sincerely recite and bear in mind these eight truths that cause great people to awaken.
The First Awakening: The world is impermanent. Countries are perilous and fragile. The body is a source of pain, ultimately empty. The five skandhas are not the true self. Life and Death is nothing but a series of transformations—hallucinatory, unreal, uncontrollable. The intellect is a wellspring of turpitude, the body a breeding ground of offenses. Investigate and contemplate these truths. Gradually break free of death and rebirth.
The Second Awakening: Too much desire brings pain. Death and rebirth are wearisome ordeals, originating from our thoughts of greed and lust. By lessening desires we can realize absolute truth and enjoy peace, freedom, and health in body and mind.
The Third Awakening: Our minds are never satisfied or content with just enough. The more we obtain, the more we want. Thus we create offenses and perform evil deeds. Bodhisattvas don’t wish to make these mistakes. Instead, they choose to be content. They nurture the Way, living a quiet life in humble surroundings—their sole occupation, cultivating wisdom.
The Fourth Awakening: Idleness and self-indulgence are the downfall of people. With unflagging vigor, great people break through their afflictions and baseness. They vanquish and defeat the four kinds of demons, and escape from the prison of the five skandhas.
The Fifth Awakening: Stupidity and ignorance are the cause of death and rebirth. Bodhisattvas apply themselves and deeply appreciate study and erudition, constantly striving to expand their wisdom and refine their eloquence. Nothing brings them greater joy than teaching and transforming living beings.
The Sixth Awakening: Suffering in poverty breeds deep resentment. Wealth unfairly distributed creates ill-will and conflict among people. Thus, Bodhisattvas practice giving. They treat friend and foe alike. They do not harbor grudges or despise amoral people.
The Seventh Awakening: The five desires are a source of offenses and grief. Truly great people, laity included, are not blighted by worldly pleasures. Instead, they aspire to don the three-piece precept robe and the blessing bowl of monastic life. Their ultimate ambition is to leave the home life and to cultivate the Path with impeccable purity. Their virtuous qualities are lofty and sublime; their attitude towards all creatures, kind and compassionate.
The Eighth Awakening: Like a blazing inferno, birth and death are plagued with suffering and affliction. Therefore, great people resolve to cultivate the Great Vehicle, to rescue all beings, to endure hardship on behalf of others, and to lead everyone to ultimate happiness.
These are the Eight Truths that all Buddhas, Bodhisattvas and great people awaken to. Once awakened, they even more energetically continue to cultivate the Path. Steeping themselves in kindness and compassion, they grow in wisdom. They sail the Dharma ship across to Nirvana’s shore, and then return on the sea of birth and death to rescue living beings. They use these Eight Truths to show the proper course for living beings, causing them to recognize the anguish of birth and death. They inspire all to forsake the five desires, and to cultivate their minds in the manner of Sages.
If Buddhist disciples recite this Sutra on the Eight Awakenings, and constantly ponder its meaning, they will certainly eradicate boundless offenses, advance towards Bodhi, and will quickly realize Proper Enlightenment. They will always be free of birth and death, and will abide in eternal bliss.
[This message was edited by ShaolinMaster on 11-28-00 at 12:09 AM.]