Buddhism anyone?

2/24/2008 9:05:01 AM	Buddhism anyone?
charmie Glasgow, MT age: 61	I am a practicing Buddhist and am looking for others to begin a thread for chatting, discussing practices and other things...like meditation, yoga, gurus, Ashrams and retreats. Anyone out there??
2/24/2008 9:39:42 AM	Buddhism anyone?
deathmetalman77 Crescent City, CA age: 34	I am very interested in the spiritual aspects of Buddhism. It seems like a good way to balance oneself through meditation and such. Please help enlighten me/us.... Oh yeah! Welcome!!!!!!
2/24/2008 12:23:06 PM	Buddhism anyone?
charmie Glasgow, MT age: 61	The best way to discover your path to Enlightment is to begin by learning the basic precepts of Buddhism. There are many forms to practice, and reading about them wil help you to choose the path that suits you and your lifestyle and beliefs. Basically, Practice begins with the Four Noble Truths: 1. Life means suffering. Because we all have suffering on some level in our lives---it is unavoidable----life is not perfect nor is the world we live in, we will suffer either physically, mentally or emotionally. We buy things, enter relationships and have children. Over time our possessions disappear,relationships end or change, and if we have children or pets, they will leave us at some point. So our suffering is caused by attachement to things, people and situations.... 2. The origin of suffering is attachment. This is the attachement to the things and people mentioned above. Because we cannot let go of some of these possessions---and especially relationships-----we really suffer. Think about your last 'love' relationship....when it ended how much did you run things over in your mind, how much emotional suffering did you go through because the relationship you THOUGHT was real actually fell apart----so nothing is forever; everything is in change. The only thing 'real' in life is the NOW : this moment, and oops->it's gone! 3. The cessation of suffering is attainable. This is tough. Usually this is done through devoted practice of meditation and study with a guru. It can be done by oneself if the mind is ready and strong enough to actually know, precieve and decide to lose attachement. It is a dispassionate way of being, but does not make us perfect right away, does not make us cold and indifferent----in fact this dispassionate way of being makes us more loveable, giving and caring because we know we have nothing to lose---we are not attached to the situation or the outsome of the situation. We just let it be. And then we are alllowed to let ourselves be----happy, free and decisional about the life we want to live. 4. The path to the cessation of suffering. The Eightfold Path is the next step to the path of Enlightenment. This means we do not put ourselves in a position of great attachement or need, clinging or grasping, but it also does not lead us to the other end of the spectrum: totally giving up the self. As you learn, your progress is made in baby steps; one day you will see yourself not killing the fly, or not flipping off the other driver....things like that. Gradually you begin to see the Way, and as you study and learn and practice with present mind, you will atain a higher plane of living while on this earth, this day, the NOW. Entering the Eightfold Path is called the Middle Way, the Way the Buddha practiced.
2/24/2008 3:06:39 PM	Buddhism anyone?
deathmetalman77 Crescent City, CA age: 34	Ok, so far so good. But I do have a couple of questions... 1.) How do we escape physical suffering such as disease? 2.) How do we prioritise or figure what is most important to accomplish in life with out attatchment? 3.) How do we decide which actions are positive and which ones are negative if everything is "just is, in the now, and now is the only time that matters." Thank You!!!
2/24/2008 4:44:24 PM	Buddhism anyone?
charmie Glasgow, MT age: 61	Hmmm, quite a lot to think about...so I copied your questions here and will give 'em a shot--------- Ok, so far so good. But I do have a couple of questions... 1.) How do we escape physical suffering such as disease? Being that we have a physical body, an organic being if you will, there is NO escape from illness, disease and finally the death of the body-----just the body, not the soul.The soul, in Buddhism, is presumed to go on, a Universal ball of cosmic energy that is recycled lifetime after lifetime. This is done so that the soul finally learns enough on the earthly plane to become "enlightened", and enlightment leads to Nirvana, the state the Great One achieved. You can only become enlightened when you have reached a certain place in your spiritual development and this is mainly losing the need for attachment. Ah, but it is a sticky wicket. 2.) How do we prioritise or figure what is most important to accomplish in life with out attatchment? Attachment is a need of the ego to have things, own things and have a 'committed' relationship with another. It is also a way of thinking: i.e. the 'I' in the ego says gotta have it, need her in my life, want a special breed of pet,want this career, yadda.Your spirit will lead you to the path of life accomplishment. All of us have particular talents, desires to heal, make art or whatever. Let your busy mind take a break and just let things be for a bit, sit,meditate and your life's work will show itself when the time is right. Example: Neil Young, still picking and singing and not a great singer but he is doing exactly what he wants...and he always has. He cannot NOT do it. His love of his art draws me to him and makes me so happy...therefore he is successful. I am listening to him now and here are some words that just clicked: "Yes, I'll miss you but I never want to hold you down; you might say I'm here for you."----------->no attachment to the situation or the outcome thereof. Everyting you want to accomplish in life is important on one level or another. The most important (to you) will show themselves in time. Just let it be and you will see. 3.) How do we decide which actions are positive and which ones are negative if everything is "just is, in the now, and now is the only time that matters." One thing--time is linear, it has no place in the real world...the Now. Time is only important when you have an appt to get to, or need to show up at your own wedding, or death. Every moment is the Now, so every moment of negitive thought, action, verbalization, treatment of other lives and thought patterns you have and do will absolutely bring to you what you put out. Believe me, I have experienced this firsthand, but it only took me 40 years to pay attention!! Buddhist monks will remove an earthworm from their path of digging and place it in a safe place and then continue their work. ALL life is valued. As the moment flows into the next and the next and the next......life unfolds, decisions are made, morals are heightened, the bar on your life actions is raised if you are conscious and are following the Path. As far as "deciding" which actions are right or wrong, the Universe will handle that for you. As a human being, you are born with a conscious, and your soul will not let you over ride right action, at least on a large scale. You know who you are deep inside. Work with that and do the rest of the work of paying attention to the things you do on a moment to moment basis during your daily routine. This is called Paying Attention. It is very difficult and requires your mind to step outside of itself (something like lucid dreaming) and watch what you are doing, saying and how you are treating the world. Ah, Grasshopper, you are work, but worth the trouble.
2/25/2008 5:28:05 PM	Buddhism anyone?
knittinkitten Lady Lake, FL age: 71	Charmie: Your words are fascinating....I'm hanging on to them...and will repeat what I've read. I now can see things that I never even thought of at a young age.....I have come sooooo far....but, am not naive enough to think that I don't have a much greater distance to go. Thank you...I want to hear more.....AND learn. Sincerely, Knittin Kitten
2/25/2008 5:48:51 PM	Buddhism anyone?
charmie Glasgow, MT age: 61	Awww, Kitten, thanks! The Eightfold Path is the next literal step, and may be practiced and melded with the Four Noble Truths.
2/25/2008 6:06:24 PM	Buddhism anyone?
charmie Glasgow, MT age: 61	This is the prologue to a novella I am working on. It is about Buddhism and a family in the Sanskrit world... I have included terms and explanations for those not too familiar .... Carlylyn is a published writer of short stories, flash fiction and poetry. She lives happily in Montana with her dog, Morrie, and three cats. She stays busy writing, caring for her pets and enjoying the wonderful state of Montana. Bodhi carlylyn coe Long ago and far away in a land of Never To Be Forgotten, was borne to the planet a girl child, named Is-Ness by her people. She was not the usual child but a Blessed One destined to lead others on the Path of Future Longings. Her childhood was magical. She was sprinkled with the Sands of Times Past by her Godmother Lotus and her Godfather Maha when she took her first earthly breath. This would aid her in recalling other lives she had experienced. She grew up surrounded by a family of many cousins, Aunties and Uncles, all who were also magical and mystical. Most were artists and shamen of one bent or another. Her Auntie Gassho could tell other humans of their past lives and why they became again on this earthly plane. Cousin Gedo had super-natural powers and was always sought by practictioners for his healing abilities which he gladly and lovingly rendered. Is-Ness was most affected by her mother, Sutta, a true master and teacher to all. Her desire was to be just like Sutta and teach all who came into her life the lessons of the Great One, the Buddha. Is-Ness grew rapidly to young womanhood, always remembering and drawing upon the teachings of her mother and the Buddha. Sutta strung jewels of wisdom on a fine golden thread for Is-Ness to wear around her neck, showing her daughter how to pull the wisdom from the jewel by the power of her mind. Sutta explained to Is-Ness that one day she would need all the wisdom that each jewel contained. Is-Ness folded her hands and bowed to her mother, honoring her in this manner. Each jewel Sutta strung on the thread held powers and contained wisdom. The first jewel to be strung was the Pearl, infused with pure love for humankind, regardless of status or morality. Is-Ness pondered on this lesson long and hard: did not a bad deed make a difference in one's life? She decided that love would conquor all. The Emerald was filled with forgiveness and strung on the golden thread next to the Pearl. It glowed richly green and this teaching was understood immediately by Is-Ness. Rubbing the Emerald gave her the knowledge that nothing can change without forgiveness for mistakes made. So she knew love and forgiveness walked hand in hand and could not do without the other. Ruby shone bright as a Cardinal's wing with Ren, which Is-Ness knew to be the power of compassion. If compassion is not present in one's life than there can be no forgiveness or love, so Is-Ness held tight to Ruby. The last three jewels to be strung were the Three Treasures. Most valuable of all, they contained everything Is-Ness would need to learn and Sutta strung them gently as possibly, but secured them tightly. The Buddha, first of the Three Treasures, was The Way, the Enlightened One. In following his lessons Is-Ness would always walk in wisdom and knowledge. The second of the Three Treasures, the Dharma, was the word of the Buddha, the absolute law, always to be kept dear to her heart. The final jewel, but not the least of importance, was the Sanga, the community. In this Is-Ness she knew she would have to depend for her well being in the future. The Sanga would be there for her in times of need. She would repay the community of her people by the power of the jewels Sutta had sown onto the golden thread she wore around her neck. Is-Ness knew that each member of the Sangha would need love, forgiveness, compassion and the teachings at some time. On her journey of Enlightenment she would draw upon the powers of her jewels and give their strength to all whose paths she crossed. Author Notes A glossary here for those of you not familiar with Buddhist terms and the Pali language. Is-Ness means someone in the immediate state of the now, such as our heroine. Lotus is purity and perfection, Is-ness' Godmother Maha literally means Greater Gassho is the raising of one's hands in prayer position to show gratitude, respect and humility Gedo is a non Buddhist Zen super-natural power Sutta means to sew...to sew a thread and to sew a thread of teachings. Ren is the principle of humaneness Dharma is the absolute teaching of the Buddha; the law of the teachings. Sangha- the community of like minded Buddhists or people. Since I follow the Path, I wanted to do something that would be non invasive to all, but imaprt some gentle teachings to everyone. Hope you all like it and understand it in a way that makes the world better. Nameste' [Edited 2/25/2008 6:07:34 PM]
2/26/2008 9:18:11 AM	Buddhism anyone?
deathmetalman77 Crescent City, CA age: 34	Wonderful!!! Thanks!!! I am learning a great deal. Another question.... Respect for all life is wonderful, but what if that life wishes you harm and will not be "loved" into not attacking. We should logically defend ourselves right? Or should we just let it be? What if there is a black widow in your house? Should you risk injury to capture it and set it free. Or let it be? What if a violent man attacks a woman and refuses to stop? Or even vice versa? Shall we sit and watch or intervene? I am not trying to be sarcastic.... Thank you. For me the answer would be to protect me and my family at all costs. I just see our Western modern world as having some adaptation problems with Buddhism. Personally, I think that it is fascinating.
2/26/2008 3:13:51 PM	Buddhism anyone?
queenofhearts61 Seymour, IN age: 62	I have a problem with the very first concept Charmie, not critizing here just giving my prospective. I do not see life as suffering, I think life is a wonderful gift. I have enjoyed more of my life than I have suffered. A lot of my suffering was of my own bad decisions. One beautiful desert sunset is enough to be grateful to have a life with eyes to see. Holding my babies, watching them learn and doing it all over again with grand and great grand children. I guess I would have too much of a cup half full outlook to accept Buddhism in that sense.
2/26/2008 3:24:03 PM	Buddhism anyone?
deathmetalman77 Crescent City, CA age: 34	I think the idea is that since we are in physical bodies, we can experience pain and joy. Joy is not a problem, it is a blessing. Pain is a problem, thus it is important to relize how to minimize pain.For ourselves and others.
2/26/2008 5:04:55 PM	Buddhism anyone?
charmie Glasgow, MT age: 61	Another question.... Respect for all life is wonderful, but what if that life wishes you harm and will not be "loved" into not attacking. We should logically defend ourselves right? My ans.--- Defend yourself by all means, but try to do so in a non-violent manner. Call for help, intervene and try to calm the attacker down...not easy. Nowhere is it written that we should walk away from defending our own right to life. Or should we just let it ----------> you could choose to let the karmic path take over..but instinct tells us to defend What if there is a black widow in your house? Should you risk injury to capture it and set it free. MY ans.--- Many bugs, spiders and snakes have entered my home and property and I find a safe way to set them free. It simply does not occur to me to kill a small creature; I find it impossible. Or let it be?---------> or you could choose to let it be What if a violent man attacks a woman and refuses to stop? Or even vice versa? Shall we sit and watch or intervene? My ans... Intervene in some way that makes you feel right about the conditions. Call for help, and if you feel good enough about the scene, jump in. Do you not know if the man is defending himself against the woman? The situation may be unknown to you as to origin. Again, follow your instincts and do what your heart tells you. The Universe will check in and the correct paths will be fullfilled. I am not trying to be sarcastic.... Thank you. For me the answer would be to protect me and my family at all costs. I just see our Western modern world as having some adaptation problems with Buddhism. My ans... I see the Western world as having difficulty with not getting instant gratification. I see the WW as having problems with hard answers that take work from the individual. I see me and you (generally) not raising the bar on demanding our leaders to live green and demand it from all companies that directly and knowingly harm the environment. I see the WW as not willing to give up so that our children and future geerations may live. I see the WW creating children who are indolent, disrespectful and grasping. (Of course this does not include ALL parents and children of the WW.) What do you see from all this, what is your take on your life, your morals and your accountabily? Anyone??? Namaste'
2/26/2008 5:43:44 PM	Buddhism anyone?
charmie Glasgow, MT age: 61	Queen-- By saying that life is suffering does not mean in the physical sense necessarily. Suffering takes many forms for each of us. There is physical suffering brought on by disease there is mental suffeing brought on by many factors, including inheirted diseases of the mind there is emotional suffering of the ego, tellling the individual that without the "whatever" they will not be as good as their neighbor, co-worker , etc. there is the suffering of attachemnt: to people, possessions and a position in life. Think about it this way: In Sanskrit there are the five kleshas---the root causes of every form of suffering. 1...Not kowing what is real-----attachment to possessions which are not real as they eventually pass away (do you stil have that first coffepot?) 2...grasping and clinging to the unreal---------->making possessions more important in your life than people, having the fear that if a thing is lost to you, you will be threatened in some manner 3...being afraid of the unreal and recoiling from it---->the ultimate goal to be real, is to experience life itself. The full promise of your life, each day, is to know how to just be. The you in you gets lost when you start substituting it with 'I need, I do this, I own that, and I have a preference of one thing over another.' 4...identifing with an imaginary self-> life demands more from us all the time. Your false self image is everything that has gone wrong in your life. Your negative "can't, won't or don't all flow from this klesha. 5...fear of death------>this is the biggie. Everyone does it and can't help it. We are afraid that if we didn't worship correctly here on earth; what then? We are afraid of the end of the being of who we think we are here on earth; how will the world go on without me? What will my kids DO??? The truth is that we will go on, but we don't know how and that is scary. Give up the clinging and the fear--cause its gonna happen anyway--------to death. Until I had a Near Death Experience (NDE) I was constantly lining in fear of death, and therefore not LIVING! My NDE gave me the answers needed to make it possible to not fear death. I now know I am going on to another plane. I'm pooped. All this typing and thinking has made me want to cling to my new overstuffed chair with ottoman and watch American Idol-----------so there; a contradiction in terms, that's me, the human. I leave you with Namaste'
2/26/2008 5:47:37 PM	Buddhism anyone?
charmie Glasgow, MT age: 61	Not to deny pain, but to accept it and the lessons it teaches us about our own strength. Joy is good, but don't love it too much (attachemnt!!) for that devil of pain is right around the corner. Learn to deal with both on a joyful level..... A guru will give you these lessons and ask the hard questions
2/26/2008 7:11:20 PM	Buddhism anyone?
queenofhearts61 Seymour, IN age: 62	I guess I must have already done that [learned to have joy]. Because right now I am in a lot of physical pain, inherited depression, inability to walk and cannot take my pain meds now, because they cause bleeding, and surgery is only 32 hours away and I am petrified. I still think life is a wonderful gift. [Edited 2/26/2008 7:11:42 PM]

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