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disrespect and non disrespect towards Buddha
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If I were to talk to someone from one hundred fifty years ago, there is a good chance that we would have trouble with understanding each other about many things.
No, I like to think that the Buddha was a guy who was awake and knew when cursing would get his message across and when to refrain from cursing because he might offend someone.
This is why there is argumentative issues between theravada and mahayana.
What continues to surprise me is how many overlook what I stated above. if we are to claim being buddhists then what do we follow? what and where did buddhism come from? You see, its about what we know, what is the physical "thing" we can look at that stamps itself as original?
All christians share the bible and agree it to be the "word of god" if they had as many different bibles as we have "buddhisms" they would be in the same boat as us...and the question would be the same. Whats the origin of this religion?
Gotama, according to the suttas, is responsible for buddhism.
All traditions agree..why cant we all agree then, that what we should be practicing is found in the *proven* original texts?
otherwise we are just buffet buddhists. Myself included from time to time.
In regard to buffet Buddhism. What so bad about it?
1. The first book about Buddhism I ever read I bought in Thailand after visiting several Buddhist temples. It was a Theravadan book translated from Thai. To paraphrase its preface: {As you read this book, consider each of its teachings. Accept those you can and incorporate them into your life. Set aside those you cannot yet accept; later in your journey you may still find they ring true}.
2. Isn't complaining about buffet Buddhism really a subtle way of saying someone isn't a real Buddhist, when in reality we each have to find our own path?
3. If a totally amoral person picked up a book about Buddhism and said, "I am moved. I am going to adjust my behavior and follow 7 of the 8 noble truths." Would you say, "I'm sorry. You'll have to remain totally amoral. With Buddhism it's all or nothing at all."
I'm going to be honest with you, anyone who simply accepts 100% of anything -- including Buddhist thought -- isn't really thinking.
The fact is we don't live in isolation from others, so our thoughts and behavior are not just about us, and even our silence can have an impact but it can also be used unskillfully. Speaking out has the potential to make derogatory comments less socially acceptable, at least in our immediate social environments like the home or workplace, but it is often a risky and a difficult thing for one to do, especially when you represent a minority voice, so it is easier to remain silent of which I'm far more than I should be.
'relatively' positive thing because they are elevating these belongings. If I buy a guitar but never play it I still may in the future learn to play. Likewise if you do not practice (study, meditate) the shrine could be like that guitar some day. I also don't see any harm in a non-Buddhist admiring some quality of Buddhism such as serenity and then putting up a statue.
We still debate today on what is exactly meant by certain things.
I try to refrain from swearing but am not always successful. Never when it may offend, however.
Thanks much! Seems mostly to hinge on whether what we say is of positive value, i.e., Beneficial.