Howdy, Stranger!

It looks like you're new here. If you want to get involved, click one of these buttons!

Sign In Register
Examples: Monday, today, last week, Mar 26, 3/26/04
Welcome home! Please contact lincoln@icrontic.com if you have any difficulty logging in or using the site. New registrations must be manually approved which may take several days. Can't log in? Try clearing your browser's cookies.

When it comes to being offended...

thelavenderlotusthelavenderlotus
edited January 2011 in Buddhism Basics
Hello all! I need some insight on being offended in Mahayana Buddhism. If we hear offensive words (racial slurs, or other words that degrade any intersectionality) should we try not to be offended?

Comments

  • aHappyNihilistaHappyNihilist Veteran
    racial slurs? what do those have to do with Mahayana Buddhism? I really can't think of any slurs used to degrade buddhism particularly.

    but no, of course don't be offended. laugh about it. our religion can't really be attacked considering there isn't much to attack it on, we don't hurt anyone, we don't take ourselves to seriously, all they can really say is monk robes look silly. but even if they could insult us, so what? what do insults do?
  • FoibleFullFoibleFull Canada Veteran
    As it is explained to me by my teachers, we do not stop being offended ... we stop being "hooked" by the feeling of being offended. This involves opening up to the feeling that lies behind the feeling of being offended.

    I think the best teachings about this that are available through media are the teachings of Pema Chodron. She said something to the effect that behind the anger (which is what offended is), lies pain and fear, and behind that lies the open blue sky, which is the openness of enlightenment.

    I'm not a teacher, and it's not something that can be quickly laid out, but the teachings are available (book, cd, downloads) for those who are curious.
  • [DeletedUser][DeletedUser]
    edited January 2011
    Mahayana Buddhism is that interconnectedness of peace loving heart (formless) that all share together. In the offensive words, it lies this peace loving presence - according to the Shurangama Sutra, and this sutra is the elicitation and enlightenment of this presence :banghead: (dear, why u banging your head to such an extent) and in this presence, it is the ultimate emptiness of loving kindness :orange:
  • RogerRoger
    edited January 2011
    Have compassion for people who try to insult you or don't care if they insult you. I consider them as mental patients who can't help it. Do what little you can to lessen their stress and confusion.

    The above is simplistic and silly but it's __portable and easy to remember__ for when it happens "in the field." :D
  • DazzleDazzle
    edited January 2011
    Hi Lavender-lotus,

    if you are a Tibetan Buddhist practitioner and hear offensive words, you could try repeating Chenrezi mantra to yourself as well as practising loving kindness meditation.
    It has been said (in TB) that you should think of all sound as being the sound of the 6 syllable mantra (Chenrezi mantra).

    In general, being on the receiving end of the ill will of others can be a good opportunity for Dhamma practice.

    Kind wishes,

    D.

  • ShiftPlusOneShiftPlusOne Veteran
    What good does being offended do? I don't identify myself by any label, so racial slurs mean absolutely nothing to me.
Sign In or Register to comment.