Discussion or Debate?

BuckyG

Hi,
Is there a difference between discussion and debate? Not so much in general meaning, but in the context of this forum? I feel like this place is for discussion as opposed to debate, and feel that for a discussion forum, there's too much debate here. It doesn't bug me too much; just more of an observation.
May all beings find the causes of true happiness within.
BuckyG

genkaku

Bucky -- Discussion, at best, focuses on the issue. Debate freights discussion with personal persuasions, biases, beliefs, etc. Since most of us wouldn't be Buddhists if we didn't have an ego problem, and since a discussion devoid of personal points of view is all but impossible ... well, I guess we might as well just go with the flow and mind our manners.

vinlyn

I would say both. There are some in the forum whom I would class more as debaters. And others I would class more as "discussers". For me it depends on the degree of how intense the making of a point is, whether it's wondering or stating, and so forth.

BuckyG

Thanks gen and vin,
I have debatey moods and discussy moods and all shades between.

Manners! Brilliant. Add: Civility, Politeness, Anger management, Restraint, Courtesy, Kindness, Fighting fair....

BuckyG

Hi folks,
I believe a couple of Ajaan Lee quotes might be relevant:

"No matter how much you know, you have to act as if you know nothing, because this is the way people with good manners normally act."

(Keeping the Breath In Mind [Section "The Art of Letting Go"]; http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/thai/lee/inmind.html#art

"It's the nature of mature adults that they cooperate."

-Inner Strength [Section "The Direct Path."]; http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/thai/lee/strength.html#direct

Jeffrey

I think its like meditating. We keep catching ourselves in bad behaviour. And we just let it go and return. Resolving to remove the causes of suffering for yourself and others you can see where you are stuck. It feels fake to me, but that is because I am still stuck. No judgement just keep practicing.

BuckyG

Hi Jeffrey,
I agree. It is like meditating. What's the point of meditating and studying if it doesn't help treat people better?
May all beings find the causes of true happiness within.

Dakini

I would say both. There are some in the forum whom I would class more as debaters. And others I would class more as "discussers". For me it depends on the degree of how intense the making of a point is, whether it's wondering or stating, and so forth.

Yes, I think it depends on the personality. I like laid-back discussing, mostly.

Thanks gen and vin,
I have debatey moods and discussy moods and all shades between.

Manners! Brilliant. Add: Civility, Politeness, Anger management, Restraint, Courtesy, Kindness, Fighting fair....

Quite a breakthrough concept--manners! Thoughtfulness, kindness (we're Buddhists, after all...)

But also: forgiveness of those who aren't into manners. Good Buddhist practice, that. Can be challenging sometimes. And if all else fails, flag the not-into-manners person's post

BuckyG

But also: forgiveness of those who aren't into manners. Good Buddhist practice, that. Can be challenging sometimes. And if all else fails, flag the not-into-manners person's post

Hi Dakini,
Thanks for the forgiveness reminder. Interpersonal conflicts can be great for providing opportunities to practice forgiving, including forgiving myself. I forget my manners and act like a jerk at times too.
bucky