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Originally Posted by Baraka_Guru
Yes there have been and, I'm sure, are violent Buddhists, but they aren't following Buddha's teaching, now, are they?
Although I wouldn't bash Christianity, I would like to point out that there is a difference between looking at the Buddhas teachings and looking at the Bible. First of all, there are far more contradictions in the Bible. Second, the Bible is far more convoluted, metaphoric, and dependent on parables. I wouldn't say that Christians couldn't heal the world, because I believe they could. What I am saying is that Buddha teaches a straightforward, realistic approach to fixing the world's problems. If you disagree, please convince me how the dissemination of this knowledge, whether one knew it was Buddhist or not, wouldn't at least help stop wars:
Four Noble Truths:
1. The Nature of Dukkha: All life is suffering. This is the noble truth of "dukkha": the word "Dukkha" is usually translated as "suffering" in English. Birth is dukkha, aging is dukkha, sickness is dukkha, death is dukkha; union with what is displeasing is dukkha; separation from what is pleasing is dukkha; not to get what one wants is dukkha; to get what one does not want is dukkha; in brief, the five aggregates subject to clinging are dukkha. This first Noble Truth reflects on the nature of suffering. It comments on types of suffering, identifying each type in turn. A more accurate simplification of this truth is "Life is full of suffering."
2. The Origin of Dukkha (Samudaya): Suffering is caused by desire. This is the noble truth of the origin of dukkha: It is craving which leads to renewed existence, accompanied by delight and lust; that is, craving for sensual pleasures, craving for existence, craving for extermination. The second Noble Truth reflects on the sources of suffering (Dukkha.) Put very simply, it states that suffering results from expectations linked to our desires, and our attachment to those desires themselves.
3. The Cessation of Dukkha (Nirodha): To eliminate suffering, eliminate desire. This is the noble truth of the cessation of dukkha: It is the remainderless fading away and cessation of that same craving, the giving up and relinquishing of it, freedom from it, and non-reliance on it. The third Noble Truth reflects on the belief that suffering can be eliminated. It asserts that it can be done, and that it has been done.
4. The Way Leading to the Cessation of Dukkha (Magga): To eliminate desire follow the Eightfold Path. This is the noble truth of the way leading to the cessation of Dukkha: It is the Noble Eightfold Path.
Eightfold Path:
1. Right View
2. Right Intention
3. Right Speech
4. Right Action
5. Right Livelihood
6. Right Effort
7. Right Mindfulness
8. Right Concentration
Source: Wikipedia
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Yes exactly. In the same way that the Buddhists act violently and make war are going against Buddha's teachings is the same way that "Christians" who act violently and make war (and there are plenty!) are not following Christ's teachings.
The same goes for Islam. Some take it to the extreme and others are peaceful.
For all the Christian war mongers, there are plenty of peaceful Christians engaged in humanitarian activities and charities.
That was pretty much the point I wanted to make. I am not opposed to Buddhism mind you. My objection was in the broad generalization.
I think the problem lies even more basic than religion. It goes back to the human element. If war is the extension of politics, then religion is the excuse or reason some politicians would seize upon to make their war. So I am inclined to believe that it is not religion that is the problem, but rather the people in power or the politicians.
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Originally Posted by dksuddeth
will, was this a tacit admission that the threat of violence is a deterrent to violence? or the threat of war is a deterrent to war?
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Actually, DK, I brought that up. And yes, for me, deterrence is certainly ONE way to frame the idea. It is an intriguing idea, I am still thinking it through. Seems like en endless loop.