by skeeter1 27 Replies latest social entertainment
on mediation...
I think the Buddhist does meditation to help him look inside himself. To ponder the question within. To see the problems and aswers is to help bring about change in the world through changing oneself.
THe Jehovah's Witnesses are not unlike other Christian groups who preach against Yoga and meditation. I think it's becuase they see the problems and solutions as outside themselves.
Skeeter
(hmmmmmmmm)
Cynical me...there was one part of this documentary where they show boys, perhaps 9 or 10, that were becoming monks (therefore, taking the celebacy oath). I wonder if these boys are abused by the older monks. One of the older monks that was on this documentary seemed a little in his sandals , , ,
(I don't mean to offend, but I am so jaded against religion after being a JW)
Hah, yes, I understand, Skeeter1...
Cynicism is an inevitable result of being hurt by the Watchtower Society...
When I first left the (B)org, I learned that Buddhism is around 600 - 700 years older than Christianity. It is quite probable that Buddhism made its way into Greece and Rome, long before Christianity appeared on the scene...
The fact that there are similarities between the two religions' mythology, and that Buddhism is clearly older, indicates that Christianity's development was probably influenced by Buddhism...
Thanks for posting that link.
Zid
ziddina
The fact that there are similarities between the two religions' mythology, and that Buddhism is clearly older, indicates that Christianity's development was probably influenced by Buddhism...
Although your comment is interesting, in order for you to analyze that, you have to understand first that there are "Hinayana Buddhism" and "Mahayana Buddhism" in Buddhism.
The story that the Buddha performed miracles, blah-blah-blah ... is mainly this "Mahayana Buddhism."
It is interesting that "Mahayana Buddhism" was formed around the 1st century AD.
At that time, the disciples of Jesus had gone to India.
India has a record that there was Christian, around A.D. 52.
http://godpresencewithin.web.fc2.com/pages/zatsugaku/isseiki.html
Well, IMO, in early ages, the Christianity (Bible) itself is influenced by
"Code of Hammurabi",
"Epic of Gilgamesh",
"Zoroastrianiam",
"Ugaritic mythology",
"Brahmanism",
and "Bhagavad Gita" (especially "Krishna") , etc.
http://godpresencewithin.blog86.fc2.com/blog-entry-58.html
possible
Well well well... I'll have to look into that, Possible...
Yes, the bible writers plagiarized much of their mythology from older religions...
In addition to the ones you mentioned, there is also the mythology of the Goddess Inanna... Queen of the Sumerians...
And Dionysus, Greek god of wine, 'scapegoat' king who 'died' that humanity may 'live'...
And the Elysian mysteries...
And probably more that we are both unaware of, like Mithras or Mithra... and so on...
Zid
"Hinayana Buddhism" and "Mahayana Buddhism"
Ok, so what are the similarities and the differences in a nutshell?
Are there other forms of Buddhism?
How does Buddhism view self defense as opposed to agression?
I don't mean to sound stupid, but this is a new area for me. If there's a web page you can point me to that would be great.It is interesting that "Mahayana Buddhism" was formed around the 1st century AD.
It is interesting that "Mahayana Buddhism" was formed around the 1st century AD.
At that time, the disciples of Jesus had gone to India.
India has a record that there was Christian, around A.D. 52.
http://godpresencewithin.web.fc2.com/pages/zatsugaku/isseiki.htmlWell, IMO, in early ages, the Christianity (Bible) itself is influenced by
"Code of Hammurabi",
"Epic of Gilgamesh",
"Zoroastrianiam",
"Ugaritic mythology",
"Brahmanism",
and "Bhagavad Gita" (especially "Krishna") , etc.
http://godpresencewithin.blog86.fc2.com/blog-entry-58.html
That is so cool! Thanks. I have a new area to look at.
skeeter1.
Ok, so what are the similarities and the differences in a nutshell?
That I have to say to you first, I do not speak English at all.
Therefore, even if I wanna say something, I cannot explain to you especially using technical terms.
(If you understood my poor English somewhat, that is the evidence in which I did my best.)
Moreover, I'm not a Buddhist.
Well, since I explained to you using the name of "Mahayana Buddhism", probably you can search by Google.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahayana
They have separated to many denominations/sects and I'm familiar only about one denomination/sect (the Nichiren sect of Buddhism) of them.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nichiren_Buddhism
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5o0GH4mb5Q
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpH0BKSHE_g
Are there other forms of Buddhism?
It is "two" when that is divided roughly.
That is, "Hinayana" and "Mahayana."
But there are about 5000 sutras in Buddhism.
That is NOT packed/collected into one volume like the Bible.Their doctrine changes with sutras which they choose.
And they become what is called "sects/denominations."
For instance, in the Nichiren sect, only the "Lotus Sutra" is the basis of that doctrine.
It is because they believe "only the Lotus Sutra is the true teachings of the Buddha."
And, in Japan, this Nichiren sect has the most believers.
How does Buddhism view self defense as opposed to agression?
possible
San,
I am greatly enjoying our talk together. You are most enlightening.
Agression is being a really mean person or animal that always starts the fights. A person who uses agression would be the first person to hit someone else. Agression is a personality trait of the person that causes the fight by throwing the first punch.
Self defense is the second person who throws the punch to stop the first person.
In Christianity, self defense is considered an ok use of force. Agression would be wrong in Christianity.
I was wondering how this worked in Buddha.
skeeter1.
Agression is being a really mean person or animal that always starts the fights. A person who uses agression would be the first person to hit someone else. Agression is a personality trait of the person that causes the fight by throwing the first punch.
Self defense is the second person who throws the punch to stop the first person.
Ah, I see.
Thank you for the explanation.
Well, the fundamental doctrine of Buddhism has so-called "Five Precepts."
That is explained like this on the following websites.
1) To undertake the training to avoid taking the life of beings.
This precept applies to all living beings not just humans.
All beings have a right to their lives and that right should be respected.
http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/budethics.htm
Since they have the above doctrines, they do not admit violence fundamentally.
If you look into the history of India, since they were persecuted from Muslims, you will know that the Buddhism has been destroyed totally almost in India. (around the 13th century)
It is because they did not resist an attack at all, IMO.
Well, the Buddha was said as follows. ("The Dhammapada", Verses 3-6. The Dhammapada is an early sutra most.)
When you read the words of that Buddha, probably you may be impressed.
3. "He abused me, he beat me, he defeated me, he robbed me,"--in those who harbour such thoughts hatred will never cease.
4. "He abused me, he beat me, he defeated me, he robbed me,"--in those who do not harbour such thoughts hatred will cease.
5. For hatred does not cease by hatred at any time: hatred ceases by love, this is an old rule.
6. The world does not know that we must all come to an end here;--but those who know it, their quarrels cease at once.
("The Dhammapada", Verses 3-6) http://www.maithri.com/dhammapada.htm
http://www.holyebooks.org/budhism/dhammapada.html
But, in my personal opinion, I think that a state (a head of state) is obligated to protect that people/citizens.
And in the country ruled by law, violence should be judged severely, IMO.
possible
But, in my personal opinion, I think that a state (a head of state) is obligated to protect that people/citizens.
And in the country ruled by law, violence should be judged severely, IMO.
Agreed. Thanks for all your help. You helped to educate me.
