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#1
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Walking in circles?
The subject of religion/philosophy has been broached here. Please forgive me if I offend.
One thing about myself that I am sure about is that I do not fear death. I do, however, fear suffering (as in pain). But I have it on pretty good authority that existence is suffering. Do I fear existence? Or am I just walking in circles? Please explain my error to me, as I am honestly puzzled. |
#2
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Re: Walking in circles?
Existence is not suffering, not in the sense of identity and not as a predicate. Apparently, despite my name, I am not a Buddhist. The overcoming of suffering is gratitude.
[ QUOTE ] I have it on pretty good authority that existence is suffering. [/ QUOTE ] Never believe anything just because an "authority" told you it was so, at least not if you're trying to think clearly. |
#3
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Re: Walking in circles?
Thank You.
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#4
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Re: Walking in circles?
Buddhism does not say existence is suffering. Buddhism states there is impermanence, there is suffering due to craving, there is an end to suffering, the end to suffering is the path. That is different then the statement existence is suffering.
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#5
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Re: Walking in circles?
I apologize for the misrepresentation. I'm never quite sure how to represent the religion because it's taken on every possible metaphysical position that I know of in 3 thousand years.
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#6
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Re: Walking in circles?
The only position it really takes are those "four noble truths". The way I had it explained to me as far as appearing to speak on all sides of the philosophical questions is that the only goal is enlightenment. If you are giving instruction to multiple individuals you need to give different directions. If an individual is on the right side of the the goal, you tell them to turn left. If they are on the left side of the goal, you tell them to turn right. If they are in front, you tell them to walk forward. If they are behind, you tell them to move backwards. That is why they say you should be careful if you are just reading the texts. You don't know who the target audience is.
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#7
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Re: Walking in circles?
There many colors to each word, depending on individual perception and situation. I dont recommend reading Buddhism-related material (life is suffering) without having the practice to go with it. Enlightened texts serve as a guide to those attempting to approach that stage.
To answer you question, life is considered suffering because of two things. One, since a person who is unawakened (that is, in a fully concsious state, not self-actualized) is considered to be in perpetual suffering from everyday lives, chores and people. One must practice deep meditation, contemplation or zazen in order to "wake up" and realize suffering to be an illusion. The second and more practical reason that life is suffering is that its a learning ground, without suffering there is no intellectual growth, adaptation, life lessons and memories. Some people even prefer suffering over non-suffering because they realize the importance of progressing. That is not to say that these peple literally like to suffer pain but instead indicates that one's perception is relative to the mindset of the individual. If you believe you are suffering, you are, if you believe you are not, you will not be. Boris R. http://www.TheLeagueNY.com |
#8
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Re: Walking in circles?
And thank you.
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#9
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Re: Walking in circles?
Thank you all, and in advance to any future posters. It seems I used my extremely shallow knowledge of buddhism to put a move on myself, if you will. My little puzzle is solved, but deeper questions remain...
I will read and think about the answers you have given me. |
#10
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Re: Walking in circles?
[ QUOTE ]
My little puzzle is solved, but deeper questions remain... I will read and think about the answers you have given me. [/ QUOTE ] I'd like to get some feedback on the above. Is it: a) the cheesiest quote on the forum so far this year. b) the cheesiest quote on any forum ever. c) a direct quote from a 60's sci fi TV show. d) deep and meaningfull |
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