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'Society'

meh_meh_
edited April 2011 in Buddhism Basics
It shapes the way in which many people behave and interact with each other, the clothes that they wear - and what it is and isn't acceptable to say. How does buddhism view this idea of society?

Comments

  • ShiftPlusOneShiftPlusOne Veteran
    That you should not associate with negative elements of it. I think that's kind of the point of the Sangha. Also, in the Dhammapada, there's quite a bit of emphasis on the type of company you should keep.
  • federicafederica Seeker of the clear blue sky... Its better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubt Moderator
    With wise compassion coupled with detachment.
  • meh_meh_
    Im just thinking though - to coexist with others in this world, you have to be a part of society though, how does one do this - and yet remain detached?
  • federicafederica Seeker of the clear blue sky... Its better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubt Moderator
    edited April 2011
    I'm sorry, I find this to be a kinda "dumb" question.... in that, you ARE a part of society already. You just exist amongst others mindfully, and observe the 5 precepts. It little matters what society around you does. Your preoccupation should be solely with yourself. And the guidelines the Buddha left us are all you need...

    Or, excuse me if I'm missing your point..... :)

    EDIT TO ADD:
    You remain detached in precisely the same way you remain detached from anything - and anyone - else....
  • meh_meh_
    Hmmm... fairplay - I kinda meant, the 'laws of society', as in what is and isnt socially acceptable. Are these relavent?
  • ShiftPlusOneShiftPlusOne Veteran
    From Gil Fronsdal's Issue at hand:

    A question of this kind propelled my early Zen practice: "How can I be alone in the company of others?" In other words, how can I interact socially without fear and ego? This question loomed in importance after a period of solitude in which I discovered a freedom and peace that was unsurpassed by anything I had experienced before. Rather than turning toward solitude as a solution to my difficulties in the world, the question prodded me to keep exploring and practicing in social life.

    ...

    I did not look to my teachers to answer these questions. Nor were these questions that called for pat answers. They were to be discovered anew in each situation.
    I think the point is you've got to answer the question for yourself.
  • ShiftPlusOneShiftPlusOne Veteran
  • federicafederica Seeker of the clear blue sky... Its better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubt Moderator
    Hmmm... fairplay - I kinda meant, the 'laws of society', as in what is and isnt socially acceptable. Are these relavent?
    Could you be more specific? What would you personally classify as socially un/acceptable?

    And what do you mean by 'relevant'?

  • meh_meh_
    ShiftPlusOne - Thanks for that link there - This man is amazing !!!!
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