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How much Buddhism do you know?

jlljll Veteran
edited July 2011 in Buddhism Basics
I debated with myself whether to post this or not. Because I know
I will offend some people by writing this. But in the spirit of free discussion,
I will step on some toes.
Many people come to this forum totally new to Buddhism.
Some of the opinions expressed on this forum are totally contrary to buddhist
teachings yet they are stated as though it is the accepted Buddhist view.
I just hope (wishful thinking?) that if you are just expressing
your personal opinion, dont make it sound as though it is what the Buddha said or
taught.

Comments

  • StaticToyboxStaticToybox Veteran
    edited July 2011
    It would probably be more helpful if you pointed out why you think such opinions are contrary to Buddhist teachings, when you see them, rather than posting vague threads about it.
  • jlljll Veteran
    edited July 2011
    I would not have time to do anything else if I did that every time.
    Also, I am not an expert on Buddhism.
    I just know enough to recognise some of the errors.
    It would probably be more helpful if you pointed out why you think such opinions are contrary to Buddhist teachings, when you see them, rather than posting vague threads about it.
  • JeffreyJeffrey Veteran
    None of the statements on this forum are from buddha. Quotations might be innapropriate even for the situations.

    All of the comments on this forum are: opinions, what was heard, what was read, what was speculated, what someone thought was true, etc
  • jlljll Veteran
    Perhaps, a solution is to add 'WISIMPOAICBTAWBT' (what i say is my personal opinion and it could be totally against what Buddha taught) at the beginning of every post. lol.
  • StaticToyboxStaticToybox Veteran
    I would not have time to do anything else if I did that every time.
    Also, I am not an expert on Buddhism.
    I just know enough to recognise some of the errors.
    If you see a post that you truly believe be in error then point it out and state why you feel it's in error. You might even help that person or someone else in their understanding. Making threads such as this, on the other hand, accomplishes nothing.
  • aMattaMatt Veteran

    Also, I am not an expert on Buddhism.
    I just know enough to recognise some of the errors.
    Sounds like a great time to let go of the need to see perfect things. Anatta after all.
  • VincenziVincenzi Veteran
    I suggest you reply to posts that you think are contrary to Buddhism...
  • DaltheJigsawDaltheJigsaw Mountain View Veteran
    None of the statements on this forum are from buddha. Quotations might be innapropriate even for the situations.

    All of the comments on this forum are: opinions, what was heard, what was read, what was speculated, what someone thought was true, etc
    Exactly!
  • 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
    .....
    I just hope (wishful thinking?) that if you are just expressing
    your personal opinion, dont make it sound as though it is what the Buddha said or
    taught.
    Conversely, if you are claiming that 'the Buddha says', or 'Buddhism says'...then you definitely, inarguably have to supply a reference as to where you obtained the information. All claims to be citing a particular teaching or quotation should be accompanied by a supporting reference.


    I thank you.

  • thickpaperthickpaper Veteran
    Conversely, if you are claiming that 'the Buddha says', or 'Buddhism says'...then you definitely, inarguably have to supply a reference as to where you obtained the information. All claims to be citing a particular teaching or quotation should be accompanied by a supporting reference.
    I agree. And we should also accept that even if the information is in 50 suttras that still does not mean that it is authentic/accurate or for sure what the Buddha taught.

    IMO, The singular orthodoxy of "New Buddhists" should be that there is no Buddhist orthodoxy. With this shared in agreement we will all be more skilful as communicators here.


    Peace

  • 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
    Better to follow with a reliable link or reference, rather than have many people think "Oh yeah, sure....you just made that up!"

    And while the information is in 50 suttas, if they all say the same thing, then it's pretty sensible to equally consider that it means it is authentic/accurate or for sure what the Buddha taught.

  • thickpaperthickpaper Veteran
    And while the information is in 50 suttas, if they all say the same thing, then it's pretty sensible to equally consider that it means it is authentic/accurate or for sure what the Buddha taught.
    I disagree for obvious historical reasons, but unto each their own.
  • DaozenDaozen Veteran
    edited July 2011
    Still a doubt-ist thickpaper?

    :)

    Namaste
  • thickpaperthickpaper Veteran
    Still a doubt-ist thickpaper?

    :)

    Namaste
    I just think Buddhism isn't about scriptural literalism. To me the scriptures are pointers down the path, they don't need to be accurate or authentic, they are bigger than that.

  • SpinyNorman2SpinyNorman2
    I just think Buddhism isn't about scriptural literalism. To me the scriptures are pointers down the path, they don't need to be accurate or authentic, they are bigger than that.
    I think you're right, but I also think it's important to go the source. Otherwise you can end up with somebody's interpretation of somebody else's opinion.

    Spiny

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