discuss .

http://www.asia.msu.edu/seasia/Laos/religion.html

This is a good resource that really helped with my initial understanding of buddhism.

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Ok, much of what I've read about their teachings makes sense. Tho I don't get into some of the heavy stuff, and the different terms for things, I avoid that part. So I can't get very technical.

What they say, suffering is caused by being separated from things that one wants (to want something one doesn't have), or be in the company of things one doesn't want (the desire to be away from something).

The reason we want things is cuz we're ignorant. If we were wise, we wouldn't want all these baubles, and then we would be happy. It's the constant want of things that makes us unhappy. We're never whole.

If we do get something we want, we quickly feel a new desire (like rich people, they always want more, no matter what they got) ... which means we spend much of our time trying to get the new thing ... and so on. A vicious circle.

So we are supposed to observe, and meditate and see these things for what they really are, that they are temporary and we don't need em. That's the part I like .... I also like the theory about the Ten Worlds, which is part of Nichiren Buddhism I think, I like that a lot ... it makes a lotta sense. If you want me to explain it, I will.

Thing is, I don't chant and that, Buddhists are supposed to meditate and chant, chant, chant ... and I don't do that. I have tried sometimes and get bored with it. So I must be still very ignorant.

i think someones glass is half empty

Well in Tao half empty is a pessimist ... half full is an optimist ....

A Buddhist would say that the glass and water don't exist. Heh. I read that here:

http://www.taoism.net/living/2001/200104.htm

There they also say stuff like empty is good cuz it means there's room, and u can pour in anything. A full glass can't accept another drop.

Different takes on it ...

I was actually reading a flyer today on Buddha (in uni), it was a brief introduction. Funny coincidence reading this thread.

I've studied Zen Buddhism in particular in the past. Somehow I lost touch with the basics, due to a lack of dedication maybe. I find it hard to hold on to a certain belief living in a western society that's preoccupied with consuming. Though today I realized that buddhism might be my answer to find inner peace and cope with my demons. I want to find my path, but I lack discipline.

I think buddhism is the most effective way of life.

yeah I agree! why be a productive member of society when you can sit around in a temple and meditate all day.

Your sarcasm is totally unnecessary plus you misinterpretated what I said.

I wasn't referring to you specifically

Oh sorry then.

Step 1: Learn to spell "Buddhist" correctly.
Step 2: Start talking about dead dogs and stuff.
Step 3: Wait for an answer.

I say if your thirsty drink half of whats in the glass

yes it IS difficult in the western world
i mean, i see so many people claiming to be buddhists and whining because they dont have the latest model iPod...

I mean, I grew up in the Shinto temples in Japan. I loved it. And right now I'm agnostic/atheist just because I've gone through deep depression for years and just lost touch.

I went though paganism for about 6-7 years also. I really like the religion and took it very seriously. It made me feel calm and content with myself.

I'm trying to find a religion again. I look everyday.

say a guy forgot to fill up his canteen a few miles back he gets to a well and its tapped out so he curses the well. then another comes and tells the good news he hurriedly drank all the water because in his discernment he found signs of gold below that if the other helps digging he will share the find. so he says your lucky day you see the dry well has created opportunity for us to buy workers for 100 wells. to the one who is overcome by thirst theres is no digging in mind until the need is met til the craving is overcome.

if instance you learn from your desires where they comes from and accept them for what they are you can begin to work with them and transform a bad habbit into a healthy desire.

thawng

You dont sound ignorant at all. I think its just hard for us to focus when we have so much crap going on in our heads.

You can be productive member of this society by being obedient. That doesn't mean anything other than yer a good doggy.

See, that's what I was saying, when people don't got any faith in anything, they simply follow whatever authority is in power, and they get their right and wrong from their bosses. You proved it right there, in yer comment. Didn't you?!

Thx!!

You said it. Ya, definitely, I got loads of stuff distracting me. Actually they talk about that, 'rituals,' I think they call it, when people think the same thoughts, day in, day out, working out in their heads the same things, not solving the problems, just thinking about the problems ...

there is no problems
only thawng