Great and yeah hello Well just hanging out I guess. Just hope to see this thread grow and perhaps anyone who could be interested can join in and get the conversation going.
Woo heavy topic indeed Certainly yes. Might take aeons, but I guess its best to start somewhere ? By the way are you a Pure Land Buddhist ?
I think the Buddhist concept of sin is far worse as compared to most of the other religion. We are accountable for aeons of sin that we have inherited from our past lives If I remember correctly, Manjushri Bodhisattva once commented that if our karma if manifested as "physical" form, the entire universe will be barely enough to contain it. Thats just from one person ! But hey, it is also our previous pratice that we have from previous lifetimes that we are able to come into contact with Buddhism again. So I guess we have to treasure it and make do and strive to do our part. Dude, I think you might already know all this that I have said, so its good that sometimes its a good idea to have a chat and see where we are going. Fellow karma chain breakers Unite !
lol .. i remember some of the teaching but it's difficult to practice it. my modo is that whatever that i do in my life, as long as i can face myself in the mirror and sleep soundly at night, then it's okay.
Its pretty hard to lead a decent life nowadays.. Everywhere and everday we are bombarded with soundbites, "conventional" wisdoms that to me simply does not make sense. We have to make a living, but I wonder sometimes if I am making myself a nice lttle rut of quick values and petty gains to rest in... Yea, you are absolutely right.. I can face myself in the mirro most days, but somedays, I feel there is a need to do more for those who are suffering around us. Darn, this infinite compassion thing is a hard act to carry about. Buddhism opens my eyes to it. But I just have to learn detachment and just do what is to my means..
I have a bit of problem with the concept of "detachment". If I have to detached from my family or whatever, just doesn't make sense. One of my cousin is a very devoted Buddhist. She's a strict vegetarian and does "homework" every night .. reciting those sutra as well as goes to temple every Sunday. She also donate more than half her salary into temple every year. Guess what, I am glad she's having a faith in something but how can she donate so much money to the temple when her own family is living on governmental welfare. It's pathetic. Her parents are sick but she never bother to take care of them well. She rather goes to temple than staying home to help out. That's just WRONG. I don't agree with everything in the Buddhist teaching; only to certain extend. When you take things too seriously, you can't see yourself anymore. That's not enlightment but brainwashed.
Allow me some liberty to comment here ? Its family so I better be abit more cautious Yes I agree with you. Finding the middle path is important. Which is why most Southern Tradition of Chinese Buddhism does not allow the only child or the first born to be ordained. So in this case perhaps your cousin might have have lost her footing. Filal piety is a big thing in Buddhism. And in this case, she is a tad too "attached" to the temple. Even the Buddha in his parting words to his disciple before he attain final nirvana reminds his disciple to "Doubt" everything and not take things as face value. And in this case, one's own "Wisdom Gate" cannot be found in its direct application of Buddhism as it is. "Skillful" means is emphasize. In one of the interesting discourse Buddha had with his disciples, he told them that at the highest stage of one's practice, one must be prepared to discard the teachings too ! Its just a tool but not nivirna itself. Coming back, I dare venture to say that perhaps your cousin is finding life abit too tuft to bear on her own. Having sick parents at home is truly difficult. And I suppose she is not earning much so perhaps she needs to devote herself as a form of escapism. I use the word escapism hesitatingly. But we are all humans afterall, and sometimes we are just not capable to surmount the hills of sufferings all by ourselves. That is why Buddhism also preaches the need to reach out to those who are suffering. I have no idea how much contact you have with her. but oh well, I know sometimes such things especially when it is within one's family relationship is the hardest to approach. If you view this entire episode, perhaps, you can discern something that Buddha have said. That all are helpless being unable to remove ourselves from sufferings that binds our existence. Seeing your cousin with compassionate eyes again, I am sure you know what I am trying to say
Ummm, Pure Land Buddhist inherent believes are that the migration of our souls to Amitabha's Infinite Light Buddha World is the way to go. So the recitation of Amitabha's name and sutras relating to it is the primary devotion. Within Chinese Culture, the recitation is pretty much ingrained in our collective psyche. Namo Amitabha or Or Mi Tuo Fo ? Sounds familiar ? I know to some this might sound pretty weird out. You couldn't go more traditional then that and I wonder what my friends would be thinking if they see me reciting the mantra and the sutras... I just couldn't explain it... but when I first came across the Amitabha sutra, golly and mind you its in traditional mandarin, I was amaze I can recite it just like that !!! And my mandarin is pretty poor. So I guess I must have been a practitioner in my previous life. Nothing to be proud about... I probably failed poorly thats why I am back to toiling in the wheels of samsara... :sp_ike_d:
wow .. you're really into it, aren't you ... well, i dunno exactly much about my cuz much these days since i have been pretty busy with things in my life but her bro calls me every few months or so and complain that his sis is spending to much time at temple and it taking priority over family. now, whether it's an "escapism" or not thing; true Buddhist should be a realist .. face the problem head on. the sense i am getting from her is that filial piety is not important cuz life should be detached from such an emotion and responsiblity. .. talking to her just kills me. she's being brainwashed too much. she thinks volunteering her time at the temple is better than taking care of her parents. asking her to do something practically needs advance appointment whereas a call from temple will do. see the difference. i tried telling her that she should first help her family before the temple. i think filial piety is a big thing in life whether religiously or culturally speaking. but obviously, it's not getting into her head ...
Yes. You are pretty right. If I remember correctly, Master Shen Yen once said that when face with a problem, one must face it, solve it and then let it go. Now the curious equation here is the phrase "let it go". Now thats a tuft cookie to break isn't it ? What does letting go entails ? To understand that, takes an entire lifetime. Which is the subject which your brought up. Each and every single buddhist is learning detachment. And the truth is, in essence, thats "letting go". It will take days to explain it, that is why we should try to seek out the wisdom of buddha to light up our darken self. Our seeking mind is in flames thruout the day. Thats the nature of existence. With each thought, karma is produce. Now the thing about Karma, is this, you need not actualise it to even make it count ! Just a thought of desire, weather you bring it to to an act, COUNTS. So in my experience... its really hard to keep a clam collected mind. To sum up briefly, the practice of Buddhism is to seek perfection in 3 areas of studies and practice. Abstention, Serene Concentration and Wisdom. And many a times, the appearance of certain act does not really point to the reality of the situation especially when it comes to the matter of the heart. Every single sentient beings, human and even to the inanimate objects deserve our deepest respect and compassion. Now I am fully aware that is totally hard to achieve. More so in theory it always sounds good, but when it comes to actualising those values, goodness, its indeed hard. Now back to your cussie... What do you really see ? What can be percieve ? Perhaps she can't lift herself from the rut. So perhaps to her, she might need to keep sane and thus sometimes, we do not really sense her pain. Then again, her influence around her peers might have made her lose her sense of balance to say the least. That is why in Buddhism, to meet the right teacher, the right set of circumstances are indeed hard unless one is truly bless... My take is simple ... She is plainly suffering just like all of us. There is so much you can do truly, or anyone in your shoes might have similar reactions. I have my fair share of fraustrations too. Will tell you more in future postings if you are interested Hmmm, if you are intrested, perhaps lets tackle some Zen Koan in future postings ! Let's see what we can make of it. Should we start a new thread to do this ? Cheers buddy.
Heres one for starters. The Gates Of Paradise [English koan list ยท Random Koan ] A soldier named Nobushige came to Hakuin, and asked: "Is there really a paradise and a hell?" "Who are you?" inquired Hakuin. "I am a samurai," the warrior replied. "You, a soldier!" exclaimed Hakuin. "What kind of ruler would have you as his guard? Your face looks like that of a beggar." Nobushige became so angry that he began to draw his sword, but Hakuin continued: "So you have a sword! Your weapon is probably much too dull to cut off my head." As Nobushige drew his sword Hakuin remarked: "Here open the gates of hell!" At these words the samurai, perceiving the master's discipline, sheathed his sword and bowed. "Here open the gates of paradise," said Hakuin.
No not yet. Kinda coincidental you would ask Was thinking of making a trip to buddhagaya in Bihar India, birthplace of the Buddha.. Then again, the option of going to the Guan Yin Caves in Putuoshan China seems to be the calling. I don't know yet but will decide soon. You are thinking of going India or Tibet ?
i wanted to go tibet .. a few years ago i went there but the military didn't let me cross the border when i flashed my us passport .. so i didn't go again. i can't stand india and its people so no way will i visit there. my friend who is chinese and hindu just went back there .. pics look nice and all but yeah .. didn't attract me though. i was at a dali lama conference one time and was invited to nepal .. there's a program that you can join and go there to learn meditation, buddhism, or whatever related for about 6 weeks or so but it's PRICY. it's hard life too .. for that price .. hmmm .. didn't make sense to me. i have heard about the guan yin cave .. none of the statues moved or damaged when there was a big earthquake and everything around was destroyed .. am i right? is that the one you are referrring to??
Yeah visiting India takes alot alot of patience, if you know what I mean Be prepared to be rip off, grope and what not. Some friends of mine recalled some horrendous experience. Nepal is really nice. Been there before for treking. The town centres are slightly on the dodgey siide, but well, I guess we just take it in your stride if you need to go places like this Having said that, I met some of the most wonderful people in Nepal espeically up in the mountains where the teahouses are. Its an incredible experience. Back to the topic. I don't really trust any buddhist courses that comes with a hefty price tag. If it includes your air ticket etc, then perhaps it make sense. But for a 6 weeks crash course to learn buddhism .... mediation even.. golly... Its such a tourist package don't you think ? But who knows, I can't comment because if the teacher is really good, then it might work and prove itself to be beneficial. Okay check out this website. It gives you a breakdown of some of the sacred "mountains" in china where some of the most enlighten monks once made their practice. http://www.sacredsites.com/asia/china/sacred_mountains.html Putuoshan is just one of them cos its near to Shanghai where I would be visting. But I would love to go to Jiu Hua Shan actually. Most of the places now are highly commercialise. Unless you know someone who is familiar with the temples about, you be visting temples after temples. You can't really get a taste of the spirit of the place. I don't knowwhere you are located and I am curious, or are you chinese even with an okay command of Mandarin ? I can point you to some website if you are keen to further your explore Buddhism further There are alot of traditions and many sects of Buddhism, and I can assure you all is good and equal. I think the leanings towards any schools of buddhism will largely depends on your inherited karma. And if you have are keen that would only mean that you have open up the doors of a way to liberate yourself from the wheels of samsara. Buddhist call those who are show interest are the ones with "good roots". Nurture it and I am sure you will find delight and joy. The topics that Buddhism covers are pretty cynical at face value and to some, pretty morbid even. But once you have a taste, of the peace within and a taste of it and begin your journey to pry the doors slowly open of your wisdom gate, the joy you will experience is beyond words. So yes please, let me know what you are keen in exploring. If I am of any help, I will be most glad.
