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Hello again!
I will write my thoughts in one post and I would love to hear your points / experience, Helcat, Anita and Roberta (and of course, others are welcomed to join the dicusssion, as well.)The reason why Buddhism resonates with me so much is that its basic principles and core idea – the total peace of mind – agree with my nature. It’s like someone finally told me that my qualities are good. (Unlike in real life, when I have been constantly interpreted as and criticised for being “too passive, unsociable, reserved, aloof, strange, …” The only person who has ever told me he likes my personality is my boyfriend. I remember him telling me about how he was captivated by my calmness.) I find my refuge in Buddhism. And the Four Noble Truth and the Noble Eightfold Path seem completely natural and logical to me. But I’m certainly not saying that’s the case for everyone. I mean Buddhism is for everyone (This is another aspect I like about Buddhism – the openness to diversity. It doesn’t matter if a person is Christian, Buddhist, Muslim, black, indigenous, white, strong, weak, … all without distinction have the right and chance to reach true peace…), but it doesn’t have to be everyone’s way to peace. You can choose your own way – that is important.
But although this is my life philosophy, I will definitely not give up my own reason and critical thinking at the expense of it. And although I really respect personalities such as the Dalai Lama or Thich Hanh, I will not blindly follow them, because I am a different person in a different historical and cultural/social context and I am also on a completely different spiritual level. (much lower level than they are)I have my own “theory” about these levels. In my opinion, there are three crucial “capabilities” of our mind, which more or less influence what we can and cannot understand:
1. Intelligence2. Emotions3. SpiritualityAnd different people are at different levels of these capabilities. For example, some people can be very intelligent, but their emotional level can be quite low and spiritual level undeveloped. It doesn’t mean they are better or worse. They are just at different levels, nothing else. I’ve used this “strategy” to avoid judging people. I think that the compassion strategy which is in the link is great, too. BUT …
Let’s take the story “Jakarta”. I haven’t read this story, but I believe that I get the point. So, this is how my mind reacts now:1. my spiritual side – From my lay buddhist point of view, I understand this. There is no birth and death, only continuation. I sacrifice myself for a good cause, create good karma, and just transform into the next life…
2. my emotional side – Compassion, empathy, higher good… but also discomfort, uncertainty… because my emotions don’t like sacrifice.. my emotions perceive sacrifice as something negative
3. my rational side – According to Buddhists, being born as an animal is a “punishment”, it is a lower, worse form of life than humans (which I strongly disagree with, btw) because they have no intellect and thus cannot ruminate about good/bad, let alone make decisions based on good/bad… So how logically could Buddha in animal form sacrifice himself for a higher good? If animals are unable to tell difference between good and bad, how possibly could he make such a noble decision? That’s a contradiction, isn’t it?
So, I do agree – compassion yes, but in moderation, middle way and common sense. All factors must be considered, individuals, specific situations and these capabilities of people. I think telling someone who is being abused to be compassionate is also a source of bad karma…
About good/bad path… I think that I’ve always chosen a good path…I mean, of course, I did something wrong but I don’t remember that I ever consiously chose the “bad path” (can you maybe be more specific? You don’t have to, of course) … but I think I was born good and with tendencies to be good and calm… I really believe in goodness and on my emotional and spiritual level I want that goodness to be in others… I wish… But I know – on my intellectual level – that it’s not like that in reality. I would like to be able to change evil people through compassion… but I know very well that this is not possible…or at least I myself am not able to do that (because my capabilities are not developed enough to do so). I have to accept this.I might add more later. Have a great day! (It is 18:11 here)
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Though I run this site, it is not mine. It's ours. It's not about me. It's about us. Your stories and your wisdom are just as meaningful as mine. 