Feb 16, 2012 -- 8:44PM, Bob0 wrote:

Tune in to the election coverage and watch the arguments between democrats and republicans. Do you take a side? Most people do. Then look at all the conflict in the world. This is again, folks going to the extreme to change "things as it is". Look at the monks in Burma and Tibet self immolating. And all the people who attach feelings to their actions because they want the world to be different than it is.  Do you enjoy paying taxes, approve of the way the government spends your money?  Were your parents great or lacking? How about your boss or boyfriend? How about brothers and sisters? I can keep going.

 

Most people suffer because they want the world different than it is. Both liberals and conservatives, make a living off this dukkha. So do the governors of Afghanistan and Iraq. This is why I say take a look around and also look within. What made you want the house that had the leaky toilet that caused you to desire a plumber? Was it a husband, children, a dog, a father that you wanted to impress, greed of investment rather than paying rent? On and on dukkha. How to we arrive at dukkha? Learned behavior. Because of this, that. Desire or craviong =dukkha.

I am content with my life and the world the way it is.  I don't think I have a clue as to how to improve it. 

You don't have to study Buddhism to be content with your lot in life.

Feb 16, 2012 -- 8:01PM, Bob0 wrote:

Bob the L, we need to talk. I know a little about Nicheren but I'm not an expert. Do you acknowledge the Buddha's teachings of the Four Nobel Truths and the Eightfold Path? Specifically do you acknowledge the wisdom of Right Speech? Most of my knowledge of the Dharma comes from Theravada.

"And what is right speech? Abstaining from lying, from divisive speech, from abusive speech, & from idle chatter: This is called right speech."— SN 45.8

"It is spoken at the right time. It is spoken in truth. It is spoken affectionately. It is spoken beneficially. It is spoken with a mind of good-will." AN 5.198

"It is spoken at the right time. It is spoken in truth. It is spoken affectionately. It is spoken beneficially. It is spoken with a mind of good-will." AN 5.198

Personally I find right speech to be the hardest of the Eightfold Path to follow. Often through old bad learned habits I lash out in anger and frustration. I realize that it can be frustrating discussing held beliefs with others, especially non-Buddhists but this is part of our practice. At least this is what I believe.

That said these comments cause me to wonder:

Post 22 "However, I for one do not have some sick idea like Mother Theresa that suffering is a good thing.

post 26 "Then I would suggest you are a poor researcher." Possibly selective would have been a better word.

post 31 "This isn't that complicated....well, maybe it would be for a troll lol."

Hi Bob, I'm sorry you feel I don't represent Buddhism well in some of my responses.  I am just a human being, and a lousy Buddhist at the moment.  The eightfold path is not a core part of our theory.   Nor are there any rules (other than continue chanting).  This makes sense to me as when I am practicing correctly-there's no need for any rules or "mindfulness".  And while there are trolls on this thread, perhaps you are right that I should not point it out...  

And I am no stranger to speaking to non-Buddhists about Buddhism, but usually they have a slight interest in Buddhism and dialog.

One point though-what I said about Mother Theresa is true.  And she has biblical backing:  When enough suffering has occurred, THEN and only then will Jesus return.  So she saw suffering as a great thing-I do find that "sick".

Thanks. Yes it did clarify. And we seemed to be able to communicate without being nasty to each other. Our Buddhisms are quite different and must be very confusing to non-Buddhiusts.

Wishing you small tranquil days,

Bob