Daily Buddhism - Latest Comments

Re: Becoming a Buddhist

DailyBuddhism — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 13:39:29 -0000

Thanks for pointing out the link problem, it's fixed now.

Your post is exactly what I meant. The rituals and vows themselves are not important; it's the effect they have on you that matters.

In Christianity, for example, you are making a vow to God-- it's a two-way arrangement, so the rituals must be done a certain way because God makes the rules. On the other hand, in Buddhism, at least in most varieties, it's really all about YOU. After you did took the Bodhisattva Vows, you felt like a real Buddhist. It was a mental shift inside you, nothing external.

I guess what I'm really trying to say is that you need to do whatever it takes to make you FEEL that something has changed. If you want a ceremony, then have a ceremony; if you want to read these words and commit to living a Buddhist life right now in front of the computer, that's just as acceptable. It's what YOU need.

Re: Becoming a Buddhist

Stephen Lasky — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 12:17:30 -0000

The link to issue 172 gives a 404 error. Just thought you would like to know.

On becoming a buddhist. I started following the New Kadampa lineage about 6 months ago. I chose that primarily because the temple is just down the street from my house, but it was a fortuitous choice, because its a good fit for me right now. As far as becoming a buddhist goes, I have been studying dharma and taking classes on dharma and it wasn't until I took the Bodhisatva Vows that I really felt like I could finally call myself a Buddhist. There was no secret initiation, the bodhisatva vows were just part of an empowerment service, but I felt like I had jumped a hurdle when we were finished. Now, I am a Buddhist. Hopefully I can be a good one. srlasky

Re: Prayer in Buddhism

Minerva — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 08:49:43 -0000

Thich Nhat Hanh has a good book on prayer (both christian and buddhist) and i think he too explains it very well.

http://www.amazon.com/Energ...

Re: Fear

Jeff in Michigan — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 08:59:14 -0000

I am reading "A Path With Heart" by Jack Kornfield and there are some excellent meditation excercises dealing with fear/anxiety. I have been over run with anxiety in the past and found this book a real help.

Re: Our Buddhist President: Politics and Religion

John — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 07:48:56 -0000

From the perspective of compassion, I do believe that both candidates believe that they will be doing what is best for people in general. I do believe both have honorable intentions.

From a Buddhist perspective, I think Obama has a better grasp of dependent arising. I think McCain is more likely to attribute actions and situations to individuals rather than seeking out the wider causes of the situation. His actions and policies will reflect that, as have the current president's.And to some degree, he sees those situations from a wide view, without really understanding how those events affect individuals.

I think Obama looks at situations differently, seeking (if not always seeing) the larger cause and effect of the situation, and will seek to address those root causes rather than just the current manifestation of those roots. I think Obama joins that larger view with a deeper awareness of how those situations affect individuals.

Not surprisingly, I'm an Obama supporter.

Re: Our Buddhist President: Politics and Religion

Timothy Hilgenberg — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 13:30:00 -0000

From a Buddhist perspective I don't think it makes any difference which way you vote. Everything changes, everything is in flux and we need to see beyond the illusion that we take for "reality". Do no harm is the maxim I live by as much as I can. My actions are my responsibility, voting for one or another of the candidates only supports the illusion of doing the "right" thing... you still have to do it, never mind which way you vote - easy for me to say as I'm prevented from voting, as by accident of birth I hold a UK passport.

Re: Our Buddhist President: Politics and Religion

Jo — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 13:05:26 -0000

I will be voting for Barack Obama. He is more inerested in bringing people together. He is supportive of programs that will help those in need of help. And he is not a warmonger. When I went to see him; his crowds were positive, upbeat and diverse. The opposite was true of McCain's crowds - they were angry and mean-spirited. The world needs no more of that. Mr.Mccain isan angry person and I don't want an angry person as my countries leader. Obama seems to better espouse my Buddhist views.

Re: Our Buddhist President: Politics and Religion

Stephen Lasky — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 11:08:27 -0000

The fact that TIbet had a political leader who was also a spiritual leader has nothing to do with the aggression of the Chinese Communist Party. How HHDL can maintain such compassionate acceptance just shows how committed to peace he truly is.

In our own election, it is hard to believe that anyone who is thinks of himself or herself as a Buddhist can be undecided this late in the process. Ever since Gingritch and his compatriots were elected in 1982 (I think), the republicans have been a mean spirited, devisive force in our government. Their trickle down economic policies led to the dire financial conditions we currently find ourselves in. Republicans controlled the White house and Congress until last year, except for the time that Clinton was in office. And that was the only time we have had a balanced budget and paid down the national debt. Both Raygun and now Bush have preached that deregulation and a hands off policy would lead to riches for all of us. The only people who got rich are the people who were in power, their friends and cronies, the rest of us have gotten poorer during the time republicans controlled the White House and Congress.

Plus, Bush got us into a war based on lies (the democrats were too wishy washy to call him on it then), and created an atmosphere where if you disagreed with his policies, you were called a liberal, leftist, socialist, Muslim, terrorist or supporter of terrorism. This country is more intolerant now than it was when I was growing up in in the late 50's and early 60's. The best thing about this country used to be the principled debates that took place in the senate and house. No more.

McCain is just another extension of Bush. He has no policies that differ from Bush's, and yet he calls himself an agent of change. Right. Plus, he is the oldest person to run for president. Just look at how people who are the head of the only legitimate superpower age while they are in office. He is starting out old. And then he picks someone who is totally unprepared to hold the highest office in the land. She is even guilty of ethics violations in Alaska although she incorrectly claims that the commission did not find any problems with her actions, legally or ethically. Which is a lie, it did find that she had committed ethical violations. Didn't we have enough of that with Gonzales (the head of the Dept. of Justice)? She is incapable of answering a question honestly; always running away from reporters who want to ask her questions. All they can do is to attack Obama for sitting on a panel with a former SDS/Weatherman terrorist. Who cares if he knew Bill Ayers. He didn't hang out with him while he was making bombs in 1969/1970. The guy is an honored professor at a University in Illinois, he's not a terrorist now, if he was a terrorist then. Weatherman were mostly terrorists in their own mind. I can speak with some knowledge about that, having been associated with them myself.

The republicans have convinced a large segment of the voting public that they should elect officials who look and act just like the average working Joe, even though, for the most part, the elected republicans are about as far from average working joes as you can get, but we don't need any more greedy people who are out to benefit themselves, nor do we need average joes as heads of our government. We need brilliant leaders who can inspire our nation, who have exceptional ablities, not just your average joe abilities. We don't need a hockey Mom as President or even VP, nor do we need someone who thinks that you aren't well off until you make 5 million dollars a year. Don't you remember when McCain said that? And he doesn't even know how many houses he owns. Come on, people.

Right now we are studying a section in the Lamrin about how everybody is our mother and how to have compassion and develop Boddhichita. I have been working very hard to try to feel that way about Palin and McCain, but a picture of her sitting with a group of her friends with a wolf pelt draped over her shoulders that was shot from a helicopter makes it very hard for me to think of her in a loving, compassionate way. That is my problem. I have to try to understand that they are like they are because of misconceptions, and it is not really their faults, and I should be able to feel compassion for them. I am trying, as a Buddhist, to feel that way, but it is very difficult. I will keep trying, and hopefully, when they fade into the background after the loss of this election, I will be able to think of them as people who deserve my compassion. It's very hard to do that when they could be the next leaders of the US. That is very frightening. Just the fact that people can think about Palin as a VP is very frightening. But, I will keep trying.

srlasky

Re: Our Buddhist President: Politics and Religion

Bill Zerbe — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 10:57:54 -0000

Lama Surya Das said that if Barack Obama were a Buddhist he would be known as Lama Obama. We need a little humor in this election.

Re: Our Buddhist President: Politics and Religion

AH — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 10:18:49 -0000

An interesting comment section this will become... To simply address this election in terms of Buddhist views, I will look to see who speaks in terms of enabling others. Both mainstream candidates have failed that test. If you feel that these are the only two choices, then you are truly blinded by the misconceptions that the media owners want you be blinded to. Even if our actual voting process were not corrupted by the lazy and manipulated digital voting machines (the distance between you and your vote is what? Use a pencil and paper for proof of processing), we unfortunately vote in the modern world with our dollar, not the ballot. Which one is even worth anything now? Neither, really. The beauty of Buddhism is that this approach to life helps to enable us; it is a very personal approach that yields the improvement of the self, and thus, society. Where is the benevolence or substantiality in false words and actions? I am greatly saddened that many, many people approach the election from the perspective of reading People magazine and celebrity approval, and not looking beyond their immediate hot button issues. Neither of these mainstream candidates addresses the factors that are impacting us all. What "change" are we really talking about, when only spending increases are advocated? How can you believe the "maverick" persona when that persona has been voting in favor of the things that have put this country in the horrible shape that it is in now? I would like to think that, if you study Buddhism, you will have a propensity to study (even if on a superficial level), the basic concepts of liberty, sovereignty, freedom, tyranny, individual enablement, and other such aspects that impact our existence, and that have always been a part of living in an ‘advanced’ society. I personally and humbly encourage any readers here to look beyond the commercialism and dig deeper into the causal relationships of the issues that are impacting us all. If you can do that, you will start to see the intricate web of deceit that is around us, and possibly a path to help change these circumstances for the better. Our presence on the Buddhist path helps to enable us, and only leaves room for tolerance and consideration. That, for me, is one of the beauties of Buddhism.

Re: Our Buddhist President: Politics and Religion

Grey — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 10:15:18 -0000

Obama is the more compassionate of the two, I think. He is also much more peaceful. In any election there will be some negative talk about the other candidate, but McCain has gone overboard with it. Obama seems to keep his composure much better (even in the midst of being verbally attacked), and he does not display anywhere near the amount of anger that McCain does. That man is just plain angry. Granted, he has had a hard life, but who hasn't? Obama is definitely who I want in charge of things. He is the more "Buddha-like" candidate in my opinion. Peace.

Re: Our Buddhist President: Politics and Religion

Jason — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 10:04:13 -0000

I had the pleasure seeing the Dalai Lama speak in Toronto last year and he talked about humanity from a 'secular' perspective. Meaning that he was speaking about the commonalities amongst ALL people, rather than divisions based on faith. In fact, he wouldn't speak about Buddhism at all when a question was posed along those lines. Is that why Tibet is now occupied? Who knows. Having spent some time in Thailand, where everyone from the King to the street meat vendor is a Buddhist I can say that the human condition is not a lot different there, but peoples attitudes towards it are. Now as a Canadian watching the US Presidential election from the sidelines, and as an incomplete and imperfect Buddhist, and as a compassionate human, I have to agree with 'Mike' here... Barack Obama appears to be the change I want to see in the world.

Re: Our Buddhist President: Politics and Religion

Mike — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 09:42:21 -0000

To me, Buddhism = compassion as a core teaching and philosophy. The only compassion I have heard has been from the ideals of Barack Obama and what he see's as injustices and inequality. Quite simply, any compassion I see from the GOP is for fiscal conservativeness and for increasing fear which goes against the idea and action of compassion. So, my vote with my buddhist ideals will be for Barack Obama - as I beleive he represents a positive change towards compassion for others, diplomacy, and exploring all options outside of war, and capitalism first.

Re: The Forty Meditation Themes, Part 1

DailyBuddhism — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 18:16:47 -0000

The foul objects are meditations that make you more familiar with the things we fear most and find most repulsive. I'm oversimplifying, but basically by becoming closer to those ideas you gain more familiarity with them and learn to accept them. By "embracing death" we lessen our attachment to life. It sounds pretty morbid, but it actually has a very positive mental effect and has worked for millennia. The recollections are basically remembering the positive things about the objects in question and gaining peace from them.

I was not familiar with the idea of vision boards, but it sounds like a good idea to me. From a classical Buddhist standpoint, you should try to train yourself not to need that sort of support mechanism, but my own opinion is that if it helps, it's a good thing.

Re: The Forty Meditation Themes, Part 1

Ron Towns — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 14:36:38 -0000

I'm new to meditating... what is the significance of the foul objects that you mentioned above? What about the 10 recollections? These are types of meditation?

The best resource I've used so far to help with mediation, visualization, and affirmation is John Assaraf's new book "The Complete Vision Board Kit." I downloaded one of the free chapters here I use mediation every single to relax and prepare my subconscious mind to soak in my vision's of a better lifestyle. However, I feel like I only slip into the "trance" for a brief moment. How do I stay in this moment for longer?

Another method I've been using lately is visualization with vision boards. Have you ever heard of them? They are images pasted on a board that represents your hopes, dreams, and goals. Studying these boards every days plants seeds of these goals within your subconscious mind.

Your subconscious mind is where all of habits are formed. Combine these visualizations with mediation and affirmations, and the seed in your subconscious mind will begin to grow, sprouting a newly developed habit that is oriented towards your desired outcome, or goal.

John Assaraf does a better job of explaining this and showing you how to do it in his new book "The Complete Vision Board Kit." I downloaded the free chapter here: http://tinyurl.com/56mfen and it was very helpful.

Re: Book: The Saint of Kathmandu, by Sarah Levine

Timothy Hilgenberg — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 12:09:42 -0000

re last sentence - I think there are two ways of looking at the question:
one is it an ability: if you are a marathon runner will you always be a marathon runner or does your ability fade?
two is it an understanding: once you know how to solve a puzzle you always know or does your knowledge fade?

Re: Buddhist Rosary Beads / Mala

Darren Littlejohn — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 20:26:59 -0000

Hi, I wrote an extensive article on this topic on my webstite: What is a Mala: How to use Tibetan Prayer Beads

http://the12stepbuddhist.co...

-d

Re: Buddha’s Ghostwriters and Hinduism

Babu — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 01:35:56 -0000

Did The Buddha simply rejected the Vedas? or asked his followers to follow it according to his understanding. i.e. giving a choice based on their understanding and not outright rejecting it. In other words, he foccused his followers attention on more practical down to earth issues rather than discuss about meta phyics.

Re: Buddha’s Ghostwriters and Hinduism

Dr Prabhat Tandon — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 12:13:14 -0000

Maybe someday I’ll do a multi-part series on Hinduism; it’ll give me a chance to get back up to speed on that material. Is there any interest in the subject?

I'm waiting for the series !
Now come to the basic question from the reader:

I like to believe Buddha as the ninth incarnation of Vishnu in the ten incarnations of Vishu....

Being a Hindu I understand the feelings of the reader. It's true Hinduism believes Buddha as the ninth incarnation of Vishnu . But on looking the Buddha's philosophy it's no near the Hinduism thoughts. Buddha rejects Vedas simply .There is good reference to correct History of India after Buddha & Ashoka....till now....
most important research is here:
http://www.ambedkar.org/amb...
&
http://ambedkar.org/books/d...
catid=27:articles-related-to-buddha&Itemid=19
&
http://arfalpha.com/SelfDis...

Re: Weekly Buddhism Issue 2

prabhat — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 22:29:50 -0000

Thanks for the issue !

Re: Meditation Part 1: Overview and Benefits

Jesse — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 11:58:40 -0000

Thanks,

I read about Monks. And of course you are right: each person must begin somewhere and Monks are on a path, with thorns and itches on the way.

A monk must improve unless improvement itself is a form of attachment.

As to lay persons, in traditions other than buddhism, an awareness of inner states and inner dangers is attached to meditation. Hence the need for a guide. Meditation maybe defined many ways but it is, in the end, a skill.

To be unskillful perhaps is to invite states of depression.

Re: Meditation Part 1: Overview and Benefits

DailyBuddhism — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 18:00:55 -0000

I had not heard of that before, but it wouldn't surprise me. When talking about depression, do you mean monks or laypeople? I could certainly see some monks suffering from depression; they try so hard to reach Nirvana that it might be rough seeing themselves failing day in and day out. Of course, that's still a form of attachment or grasping, but if they recognize it as sucj, they could try to work through it. Also, a monk in a monastery faces an entirely different lifestyle than a layperson. They are bound to become depressed when they think of the things they have given up. It's better for them in the long run, but I'm sure from time to time they miss having a "normal life."

If you mean laypeople become depressed after meditation, I'm not sure why that would be the case. Anyone?

Re: Meditation Part 1: Overview and Benefits

Jesse — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 15:52:15 -0000

Hi, read that meditative states can produce depressive symptoms. Clearly, the contrary is well-known: it may lift one out of depression and combat stress and anxiety.

I know from my own experience, long periods of meditation can be followed with a strained introspection, which remains until sleep or the next day.

Other times, it may be peaceful and light, soothing and calming. In passing, is it true that some monks suffer from depresion and, if so, though not necessarily so, is that related to meditative states of long duration?

I do not want to scare-monger. But we are dealing with the emotions and mind and this is an important issue to address.

Re: Meditation Part 4: Walking Meditation and Kinhin

DailyBuddhism — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 10:04:11 -0000

OK, yes, the video's a joke, but it's the best I could find. The only other videos about Kinhin didn't even show the guy's feet. The idea that they take tiny little steps very slowly as in the video is accurate. Just don't walk into any doors!

Re: Koan: The Muddy Road

Jesse — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 04:29:56 -0000

Lovely,

A nice, clear, and instructive explanation. I'm puzzling over the koan. I am uncertain how Echo may have found Enlightenment by it.

The idea we are individuals with certain specifics is not too different from liberal individualism. Maybe this aspect of Buddhism, is what some Christians or Monotheists find spiritually concerning.

Intuition-I guess- must, in the end, be quite personal.

Thanks Brian