A View on Buddhism

[Rich999]

It's not just Western parents who seriously damage their children! I know a Cambodian family which is completely dysfunctional, because of the father's obsession with his own pursuit of Enlightenment. He has followed his own path to the detriment of his family. Not only that, but he is oblivious to the suffering and damage he has caused to his wife and 6 children.

Religious obsession in any faith can cause damage to others, not least of all Buddhism. A pious ego can never excuse cruelty or lack of compassion. We all have to follow our own path to Enlightenment, but within the constraints of the life and circumstances we have created around ourselves. If one produces a child, that child must take priority over your religious needs. Indeed, it should become part of those needs and be included in your daily practice.

What good is an ambulance arriving at a hospital in time to save a sick man, when it has been involved in several accidents on the way, killing and injuring numerous people?

Most parents have no idea WHO their children are, they only mistakenly assume they are the same as them!
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I am currently living peacefully in Thailand.
"Everything you say and do is like a pebble thrown into a pond and you have no control over the rippling effect it has on others!" - Tim Blake

[rudyh01]

Yes and no...
Of course, we should try to take care of our children properly when we chose to have them, but people are people...

According to Buddhism we are all dysfunctional and have mental problems; with some people we simply notice them more then with others. Some people live so much in confusion that they simply can hardly take care of themselves, let alone their children, or be anything like a reasonable example for them; it's just the way many people are.

Interestingly enough, the Buddha left his own wife and child (be it safely in a comfortable palace) for his spiritual quest to sort out the problem of suffering once and for all. That may iniitially not have been easy for his wife and child, on the long run though, he was able to help them immensely on their spiritual path, including millions of people to this day.
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Love & clear light,
Rudy

[Rich999]

[rudyh01]

Of course, but we can't simply change the will of others...
We can only hope they are willing to learn and accept.
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Love & clear light,
Rudy

[Rich999]

That's my point! lol!
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I am currently living peacefully in Thailand.
"Everything you say and do is like a pebble thrown into a pond and you have no control over the rippling effect it has on others!" - Tim Blake

[matt]

Hi Rich,

Welcome to the forum, I have always wanted to visit Thailand. The closest I have come is Northern Malaysia, and I loved Malaysia. I remember a long time ago (26 years, wow) spending a week in the rat-race of singapore, and the moment I crossed over into Malaysia, everything slowed down, and it was so beautiful.

I noticed that your signature changed. I am all for simplifying our lives so that we can focus more on our practise, but it isn't really easier, is it? At least not at first.

There is an old saying: wherever you go, there you are. All the momentums we have accumulated and reinforced since beginingless time travle with us. All the karma, the ignorance, anger, jealousy, greed, hatrid and desire.

The self is overwhelmed at the prospect of facing and resolving these habits. How much easier to do what we have always done, project them onto others.

Buddha has not escaped anything. Buddhism does not offer us a way out of anything. Rather, through non-duality it offers us a way directly into our problems, and endless skillful means to resolve them.

I hope you have a wonderful day, my friend, but even in wonder, a compassionate being can sense the suffering of others.
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I want to be more compassionate, humbel and loving.

[Rich999]

Hi Matt!

Thank you for your welcome!

I couldn't agree with you more! It is only treading the Middle Way, as The Buddha did, that we can BEGIN to pare away the layers of Karma and stuff we have accumulated upon ourselves. In my experience, only by constantly simplifying our lives, reducing and letting go, can we feel the true affect of The Buddha's teachings. But as a parent, carer or guardian, we have to discharge our duties with compassion, before thinking of ourselves. The Buddha left his wife and child in great luxury, but I often wonder if his son ever saw his Father again, after he'd reached Enlightenment!

Rich
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I am currently living peacefully in Thailand.
"Everything you say and do is like a pebble thrown into a pond and you have no control over the rippling effect it has on others!" - Tim Blake

[rudyh01]

[gnossos]

I wonder... was the Buddha a big disappointment to his parents?

[Mitch White]

The details are here :

http://www.buddhamind.info/leftside/arty/his-life/home.htm


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"Investigate Right Where You're Standing"
Master Chu-hung

[rudyh01]

Great link Mitch, thanks! I added it to the webpage on the Buddha's life.
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Love & clear light,
Rudy

[gnossos]

thanks Mitch... I wonder when the movie version will be coming out

[Mitch White]

In fact there is a book called the "Buddha's wife", which has been turned into a stage play.

http://www.buddhaswife.com/


_________________
"Investigate Right Where You're Standing"
Master Chu-hung

[beginners mind]

The author is one of my friends on Facebook!

Small world..........
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“When you realise how perfect everything is you will tilt your head back and laugh at the sky”

Buddha