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Buddhist View on buying a car

ChristyebethChristyebeth
edited November 2010 in Buddhism Basics
Hello,
I have a question that was asked of me recently...

If someone was about to buy a new car, and asked a Buddhists opinion on purchasing one, what might they say in response?
Thanks

Comments

  • shenpennangwashenpennangwa
    edited November 2010
    Christyebeth wrote: »
    Hello,
    I have a question that was asked of me recently...

    If someone was about to buy a new car, and asked a Buddhists opinion on purchasing one, what might they say in response?
    Thanks
    Its ok to have a new car, just make sure your are driving it and its not driving you.
  • ShiftPlusOneShiftPlusOne Veteran
    edited November 2010
    Lol, I would imagine it's similar to the Christian view on buying a toaster - there isn't one.

    Does the person have a current working that doesn't cost more to maintain than a new car would cost to buy? Does the person need a car to get around or will public transport do?

    I was going to buy a new motorbike, but then realised I don't need to. The one I have now costs very little to run, gets me wherever I need to go. It has depreciated about about a grand since I got it, so I would need to spend an extra three thousand dollars to get the bike I want (but don't need). I recognised it as craving and desire and no longer feel like I have to buy it.

    On the other hand, I would like to be able to transport things. There have been times when I had to borrow cars to get objects from A to B, so I think I do need to buy a cheap car for the purpose. However, I won't as long as public transport and borrowing are viable options.

    The point of the story is that it depends. Recognise the difference between want and need as well as between should and must. There's nothing in Buddhism saying you must not buy stuff (unless you choose to follow the 'other precepts'). It's an individual choice, not a religious choice.
  • tarikitariki
    edited November 2010
    Talk to me, my long lost friend,
    tell me how you are
    Are you happy with
    your circumstance,
    are you driving a new car
    Does it get you where you wanna go,
    with a seven year warranty
    Or just another
    hundred thousand miles away
    From days that used to be. <!-- end of lyrics -->

    (Neil Young, lines from "The Days That Used To Be")

    :lol:
  • ChristyebethChristyebeth
    edited November 2010
    If they are buying for the simple purpose of wanting a new one, or because it is faster or the newest model, that would be suffering would it not?
    But if they were purchasing one that, for example that was, environmentally friendly, for that reason alone (meaning their current one is fine, just not economically friendly) That would not be suffering, correct?
  • shenpennangwashenpennangwa
    edited November 2010
    Christyebeth wrote: »
    If they are buying for the simple purpose of wanting a new one, or because it is faster or the newest model, that would be suffering would it not?
    But if they were purchasing one that, for example that was, environmentally friendly, for that reason alone (meaning their current one is fine, just not economically friendly) That would not be suffering, correct?

    not really.
    Its just a car. There is nothing wrong with enjoying things. Whats important is how our minds react to the situation.
  • SherabDorjeSherabDorje
    edited November 2010
    Get the CARFAX.
  • ShiftPlusOneShiftPlusOne Veteran
    edited November 2010
    Would this someone happen to be a Buddhist or not?

    If not, I'd say it's a personal choice. Saying "you shouldn't buy a new car because it will lead to suffering" isn't going to mean anything.

    I think this story is relevant:
    http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/mn/mn.054x.than.html

    You can use that as an example.
  • ShiftPlusOneShiftPlusOne Veteran
    edited November 2010
    At the end of the day... it's just a car, so there's really no reason to be so cautious about it.
  • MountainsMountains Veteran
    edited November 2010
    The car has no inherent existence. It is not real. And what we perceive as the car is impermanent anyway, so it really doesn't matter.

    Maybe you should tell him to buy an (wait for it...) Om-mobile? Okay, that was a stretch on "Oldsmobile", but it was the only dharma related car pun I could come up with on short notice.

    Or maybe a a ToyOmta? Sorry, that's even worse isn't it?

    I wonder what the Taoist perspective on buying a wristwatch might be? Or the animist perspective on buying lettuce?

    :)
  • SherabDorjeSherabDorje
    edited November 2010
    Mountains wrote: »
    The car has no inherent existence. It is not real. And what we perceive as the car is impermanent anyway, so it really doesn't matter.

    Maybe you should tell him to buy an (wait for it...) Om-mobile? Okay, that was a stretch on "Oldsmobile", but it was the only dharma related car pun I could come up with on short notice.

    Or maybe a a ToyOmta? Sorry, that's even worse isn't it?

    I wonder what the Taoist perspective on buying a wristwatch might be? Or the animist perspective on buying lettuce?

    :)

    Good thing you're a nurse instead of a comedian.:)
  • Mr_SerenityMr_Serenity Veteran
    edited November 2010
    When you buy a used car you're usually buying someones trouble.
  • nanadhajananadhaja Veteran
    edited November 2010
    Try to work out how much of the car is solid(conventionally speaking)and how much is space.If you decide it is say, 90% space,try to get a 90% discount.:lol:
  • BonsaiDougBonsaiDoug Simply, on the path. Veteran
    edited November 2010
    nanadhaja wrote: »
    Try to work out how much of the car is solid(conventionally speaking)and how much is space.If you decide it is say, 90% space,try to get a 90% discount.:lol:
    So Bhikkhu, where does that red Ferrari you want fit in? ;)
  • nanadhajananadhaja Veteran
    edited November 2010
    Maybe I can get it cheap.Tell them its 97% space and 3% solid content and try get my 97% discount on the monk mobile:cool:
  • IronRabbitIronRabbit Veteran
    edited November 2010
    Much like our bodies are our "trucks" to haul us around in this life - a car is a conveyance (a convenience too) that's about it. Buy it new and finance it or buy it used and repair it as needed it is still just a nifty contraption to haul you and maybe a few others around on trips and errands. Since it involves funding it is probably wise to consider the best value in terms of cost, gas mileage, reliability, comfort and ease of operation. In the end, it sits in the driveway while we sit on the cushion.
  • 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 November 2010
    "Does it come with SatNav?"
  • tarikitariki
    edited November 2010
    federica wrote: »
    "Does it come with SatNav?"

    ah, at last we are getting down to the heart of the question.....:cool:
  • MountainsMountains Veteran
    edited November 2010
    federica wrote: »
    "Does it come with SatNav?"


    I believe it's "SitNav" isn't it? :)
  • 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 November 2010
    Ba-da-bum!
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