Your thoughts on the Four Noble Truths and Noble Eightfold Path of Buddhism...
Four Noble Truths
- Life as we know it ultimately is or leads to suffering/uneasiness in one way or another.
- Suffering is caused by craving or attachments to worldly pleasures of all kinds. This is often expressed as a deluded clinging to a certain sense of existence, to selfhood, or to the things or phenomena that we consider the cause of happiness or unhappiness.
- Suffering ends when craving ends, when one is freed from desire. This is achieved by eliminating all delusion, thereby reaching a liberated state of Enlightenment.
- Reaching this liberated state is achieved by following the path laid out by *"a teacher"* (the Buddha).
Noble Eightfold Path
- Viewing reality as it is, not just as it appears to be.
- Intention of renunciation, freedom and harmlessness.
- Speaking in a truthful and non hurtful way.
- Acting in a non harmful way.
- A non harmful livelihood.
- Making an effort to improve.
- Awareness to see things for what they are with clear consciousness, being aware of the present reality within oneself, without any craving or aversion.
- Correct meditation or concentration, explained as the first 4.
Generally Agree
Side Score: 24
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Generally Disagree
Side Score: 13
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The best thing about the Truths and Path is that you don't need to be a Buddhist to believe in them. They are generally good rules for living, without overstepping the boundaries of what a religion should do. Also, Buddhism is one of the only religions whose policy is to defer to science in event of conflict. That's badass :] EDIT: Also like the Samsaric realms. Very elucidating to contemplate which realm you might be in. 279 days ago | Tagged As: Generally Agree
I always liked Buddhism because they approach is from a position of 1. not trying to force or guilt others into it, instead they simply live their lives. 2. they stay out of politics, which is kind of an extension of the whole live and let live credo. As for the 4 noble truths, they're awsome. A "religion" that actual is based on inherent facts of human life and nature is fantastic, as opposed to the obvious and inherent fallacy of every other religion. However, outside of these, and what everyone knows about Buddhism, I have no idea how their deity system works, and I am generally opposed to any deity anyway. That said though, again you don't have to believe in Krsna, Budha, etc. in order to really get something out of Buddhism. Buddhism = calm, interspective, peaceful Christianity, Judaism, Muslim, Mormon, Protestant, Catholic, etc. = inner turmoil, self-hate through self guilt, fear of death, fear of afterlife, pressure to conform Yeah, if I ever decide I need to make believe in a religion, Buddhism is definitely the route to take. 279 days ago | Tagged As: Generally Agree
Buddhism isn't a religion, it's a philosophy. People often call it a religion, and some aspects of Buddhism deal a lot with the idea of "spirits", and beings that live forever as stars, etc. But Buddhism, especially Zen Buddhism deals with pragmatic ideas, like these, specifically. Even though those beliefs are held by some Buddhists, they don't force it upon other people like religion does, it's just a theory to them. Not TRUTH, like spirits and demons and God is to the typical American Christian. You can't be saved by following parts of the Bible that don't have anything to do with God or Jesus. If you don't accept them as real and your father, etc. you won't even be considered. One of the main ideas in Buddhism is that there are many paths to the summit, meaning that there are different ways to reach enlightenment. This is why "making an effort to improve" is so important. So long as you working your way to the summit, you're doing good. I think you're right though, Religion is unhealthy and if you need structure in your life turn to Buddhism for your help. 279 days ago | Tagged As: Generally Agree
I see. That makes sense. But surely there are some branches that are religious? My only interaction was with one of those monks at an airport during a layover, really cool guy, but the book he gave me was literally full of deities which I assumed meant it was religious on some level. 277 days ago | Tagged As: Generally Agree
on the answer of a deity, they are actually more agnostic. They just believe that "it is what it is". They believe in Karma and Darma, though, which I don't believe in (since it insights that we're being watched or something). As for the other religions... most people who are very religious (that i meet at least) are very happy... you should probably stop hanging out with such depressed people. 279 days ago | Tagged As: Generally Agree
They believe in Karma and Darma, though, which I don't believe in (since it insights that we're being watched or something). I think they look at Dharma more as a natural force than an entity. most people who are very religious (that i meet at least) are very happy... I'm just nitpicking, but how do you know? I live in San Antonio, so nearly everyone's Catholic. The highly religious ones here give off very happy vibes, but knowing some of them shows that they're generally the exact opposite. I think the rules of religion are inherently suppressive of human nature, so the ones who are truly happy might be the aberrant ones. This is an agnostic speaking out his ass, mind you. But does your experience match mine? 279 days ago | Tagged As: Generally Agree
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Buddhism is a philosophy, or at least that's the closest Western equivalent, but often its tenets are held as dogma. For example, my friend's Buddhist mother told her that if she violated such rules, angry spirits would haunt her. I do not generally disagree to the principles of Buddhism, and actually abide by most of them, albeit independently. However, no tenants of any Eastern religion should be followed distinctively, rigorously, and most especially, uncritically. If Buddhism is a philosophy, then we can modify it. A Zen Master, Lin Chi, is attributed to saying, "If you meet the Buddha, kill the Buddha." In one's own particular path to enlightenment, whether it be spiritual, or intellectual, sometimes you have to break the rules, and "kill" your patriarchs. 279 days ago | Tagged As: Generally Disagree
I disagree with Noble Truth #3. True suffering comes from physical or emotional pain. A broken arm, loneliness or enslavement are all potential sources of suffering. This suffering can never be eliminated because it is an integral part of what makes us human. I agree with the Eightfold Path except for the part about not causing harm. It is human nature to compete and competition by definition must cause some degree of harm to the losers. 278 days ago | Tagged As: Generally Disagree
I disagree with Noble Truth #3. True suffering comes from physical or emotional pain. "Pain" is not synonymous with suffering. The word "suffering" is used to highlight a metaphysical point of the self-degenerating nature of yearning or "desire". It is human nature to compete and competition by definition must cause some degree of harm to the losers. Speaking of "a nature" is a philosophically easy thing to do - and permits us to talk about behavior axiomatically without having to question the verity of our claims. But whether or not it allows us to talk about things as they are is another question altogether. People do compete; it doesn't mean that it is in our nature to compete any more than smoking cigarettes is in our nature just because people do it. Behavior is a contingency, resulting from the development of an overarching vocabulary. So is the notion of "competition" a part of this greater vocabulary. But that's it. The fact that you nor anyone else has to compete and can consciously choose not to compete suggests that on the one hand it is a contingent behavior and on the other hand can be abstained from such that you are not doing harm. But, even the latter isn't necessarily a part of the consideration of the suggestion to do no harm or that competition does cause harm. 278 days ago | Tagged As: Generally Agree
Wikipedia says suffering is synonymous with pain. Metaphysical? I'm no philosopher, but that word sounds suspiciously close to "supernatural", which in turn sounds suspiciously close to "bullshit." Evolution has given us a genetic predisposition to compete. This disposition is manifested through basic emotions such as anger and greed. This is what I mean when I say something is in our nature. Evolution doesn't predispose us toward as specific an activity as smoking cigarettes, so that comparison is invalid. True, we can choose not to harm others, but this usually results in exploitation by those who are willing to harm others. Competition does not itself cause harm, but it frequently results in harm being done, both through the conflict itself (e.g. war) and through the resultant deprivation for the loser. 278 days ago | Tagged As: Generally Disagree
Buddhist philosophy is worthy of respect. However like all philosophical/religious constructs it is due criticism. Here are my thoughts (starting with the four noble? truths?) #1.Suffering and uneasiness can be beneficial. I don't think the avoidance of suffering is a goal that should be at the forefront of "enlightened" philosophy. #2. I am not convinced that craving or attachment is the sole or even main cause of suffering. Certainly it is a component of many problems. I would say wisdom is in large measure the ability to let go AND hold on when appropriate. #3. Right!? Don't desire anything and you will be freed from suffering. Enlightened Buddhists shouldn't swim under water then because while trying to conquer their desire for a breath of air they may drown. LOL I have desires, areas of discontent, ie hopes. I am motivated to action by them. My curiosity, my favored form of discontent which I cherish, would "enlightenment" quench? I hope not. In my opinion they (desires) like everything else can get out of hand if left un-moderated or obsessed upon. I think a better target for elimination (instead of desire) would be obsessiveness in general. But then there are even times where obsessing could be beneficial. #4. I would say... Don't seek a teacher....ask yourself solemnly realistically and regularly...What do I want to make of my life? AKA What are my priorities Now to the noble eightfold path (Buddhists have somewhat of an attachment to these no?) #1. Understand that you CAN be deceived is how I would put it. Trust but don't take it too far you/they/it may fail - This would fall under the humility category I am happy if the statement provokes deeper examination of things beyond initial appearances but I'm irritated by the wording in that it implies that we can completely avoid delusion. I think we must necessarily battle it. #2. Isn't intention much the same as desire? If you intend to renounce as much as you can I sure wouldn't leave any of my valuables under your care. And intending freedom and harmlessness? I agree with those #3. #4. #5. #6. Well I agree with that but that's not at all unique to Buddhism #7. Blah Blah Blah #8. I would not give a recipe for meditation and expect the recipe to work for anyone and everyone. The shoe that fits one pinches another. Can you believe that Buddhism is one of my favorites? LOL 213 days ago | Tagged As: Generally Disagree
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