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Well I guess my point was that he talks in this book (How to See Yourself as You Really Are) about how he thinks the religious diversity in the world is good, and that it encourages different and interesting worldviews. I personally think religions tend to cause wars and intolerance. I like Buddhism (although its not perfect) because it encourages deep thought, introspection, morals, and karma. Buddhism is only loosely classified as a religion, it is much more of a way to grow spiritually and gain acceptance and tolerance of other people.
And Mark S, I have a big problem with all the Nag Hamadi and Dead Sea Scrolls that seem to very much be trying to preserve the TRUE teachings of a spiritually enlightened one, while it was being rewritten by an angry church body.
Not the religions but the dogma and those who interpret the dogma. Thus the violence in Iraq.
Buddhism on the other hand teaches us to look inward to try to be a better individual. Other religions do also but also have us judge one another either directly or indirectly. I am a novice and don't claim to be a scholar. My wife who is Thai and Buddhist has been coaching me. Buddhism has brought peace to this vets soul this I can attest to.
Mark, try the Council of Nicea. That was a pretty angry church body.
Well, I wasn't there, and unfortunately my time machine is in the shop. But I have read of the Council of Nicaea and they never struck me as particularly angry.
But hey, that isn't the subject of this thread, and I don't want to derail it. I'm very much enjoying reading everyone's thoughts on Buddhism. Carry on....
Good advice. A lot of people see Buddhism as something mystical and exotic that will instantly transform them into a better person. But as the DL says, Buddhism is probably the most scientifically grounded spiritual tradition there is, and there are no magic spells ... Buddhism holds the keys for wisdom and enlightenment, but it takes discipline and hard work to get there. You have to be dedicated to mindfulness and a meditation practice.
"The purpose of our life is happiness." I agree! I also agree that acquiring material things won't bring us that happiness. You have to find that happiness and contentment within yourself.
I love how he tells people to consider sticking to their own traditions, too. If you were raised in a Judeo-Christian "Creator" mindset, you may find it too hard to change your thought patterns to accept a non-theistic tradition. But he still says you can adopt practices from Buddhism, like meditation, and integrate them into your existing belief system, if it helps to increase your happiness.
It's great! Buddhism is the only religion I can think of where you'd have someone preaching against conversion.
Totally agree. I have come to this conclusion on my own and it is affirming that the Dalai Llama says tge same. I do not believe exploring other religions gives one any deeper appreciation or even the minimum understanding of it. It amounts to recreational time pass at the most benign, and looking for places to take apart a tradition with the least knowledge of it and from a one’s own mind set. Stick to what you know and change your inner self.
Totally agree. I have come to this conclusion on my own and it is affirming that the Dalai Llama says tge same. I do not believe exploring other religions gives one any deeper appreciation or even the minimum understanding of it. It amounts to recreational time pass at the most benign, and looking for places to take apart a tradition with the least knowledge of it and from a one’s own mind set. Stick to what you know and change your inner self.
Except that doesn't work if you end up not believing in god.
Totally agree. I have come to this conclusion on my own and it is affirming that the Dalai Llama says tge same. I do not believe exploring other religions gives one any deeper appreciation or even the minimum understanding of it. It amounts to recreational time pass at the most benign, and looking for places to take apart a tradition with the least knowledge of it and from a one’s own mind set. Stick to what you know and change your inner self.
I heard a guy say once, to truly know your own langue study other langue's.
Sticking with what you know has applications. But it also can hold us back.
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But I have read of the Council of Nicaea and they never struck me as particularly angry.
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