What Buddhists think about relationships

[Guest Guest]

When I learnt about the Buddhist perspective on relationships, frankly, I didn’t like it.

I wasn’t fond of it…because it was correct. It left me bewildered and thoroughly reticent. At first, it was startling to be hit with the truth so hard. But, with time, and after many ordeals, I became fascinated with how Buddhists view romantic relationships.

When I was in India, I attended many Dharma talks. One discourse, however, was about love and relationships.

In Buddhism, they talk a lot about love and compassion. But the kind of love they talk about involves wishing all sentient beings to be equally happy—-everyone, with no exceptions and no conditions; it is limitless.

In contrast, romantic relationships are limited. An unfathomable variety of emotions exists within them. Additionally, emotions are painful. They always depend on someone and something.

In relationships, there are a great deal of assumptions and expectations. Thus, they always leave us vulnerable.

In the discourse, the Buddhist monk explained how we are dependent on condition, how we have no control over anything, especially our feelings.

That being said, Buddhists believe that romantic relationships are within the realm of suffering.

We likely pursue them to attain happiness and to find our other half, as if we are not “complete.”

In Buddhism, romantic relationships are not taught as an institution that you need in your life. However, they are taught as an establishment that causes suffering.

Furthermore, relationships are viewed as an impermanent phenomenon; like everything else in this life. They have us operate out of a belief in permanence, holding on onto our partner even more.

Dzongsar Khyentse, the Buddhist Rinpoche, once said: “If you go through the Sutras or Shastras, there is no mention of a marriage ceremony. I always say that if I were to make a marriage ceremony, it will be something like the couples standing in front of me and I say, ‘Oh, well you know… things are impermanent… it might not work after few days.’ More likely, Buddhists would have a divorce ceremony.”

In another passage, Dzongsar says: “Personal relationships are the most volatile and perfect examples of assembled phenomena and impermanence. Some couples believe that they can manage their relationships ‘until death do us part’ by reading books or consulting with a relationship doctor. To a certain extent these small understandings may help create temporary peace, but they don’t address the many hidden factors that are part of the relationship’s assembly.”

But Buddhists aren’t “anti-relationship.” They believe that if we choose to pursue a relationship—which we all want to do—we must create space, not be attached and refrain from having any sort of expectation. Additionally, we should be aware of not falling into the trap of vulnerability.

In my estimation, Buddhists provided us with the correct description of a relationship. I know many of us won’t admit that relationships are associated with suffering. Even if we are enjoying the perfect relationship, we anticipate permanence and “forever after.”

In our modern life, it is hard to avoid entering a relationship or staying away from anything that has to do with love. However, when we do, we should take into consideration a Buddhist’s advice.

We should not fall for the illusion of permanence. Dzongsar, again, puts it this way: “Parting moments are often the most profound in a relationship. Every relationship must end eventually, even if it is because of death. Thinking this, our appreciation for the causes and conditions that have provided each connection is heightened. It is especially powerful if one partner has a terminal illness. There is no illusion of ‘forever,’ and that is surprisingly liberating; our caring and affection become unconditional and our joy is very much in the present moment.”

Taking this into consideration, I think we should have enough awareness to escape—as much as possible—the chains of suffering. Even when the relationship does end, we should realize that it is life acting through us.

Let’s bear in mind that emotions are indeed pain and impermanence is out there waiting to take place. Most importantly, let’s not fail to remember to “consciously” love.

 

http://www.elephantjournal.com/2015/11/what-buddhists-think-about-relationships/

 

[doncoin]

Attachment is suffering  

[wilfgene]

11 hours ago, doncoin said:

Attachment is suffering  

Unless you check out the Taoist scripture of Laozi Annihilating The Barbarians.

Was outside the Temple of Blue Dragon on 21st birthday.

[RobbieW0203]

Hi bro Guest.. thx for yur sharing.

 

My personal learning from some of the Buddhism teaching is that life is messy n happy mashed together.. this world is called world of courage.. why? Bcoz every person has to be so brave in facing life problems and our wild emotions. So if u want to find peace, dun look for fantasy world.. embrace messiness of life.. look into samsara instead of finding nirvana.. then u can have less suffering. 

 

But having said that.. it is not easy to decide wat kind of decisions that are considered embracing messiness.. is it to be true to yurself n love yurself more as u only live once? Or just accept yur current situation in life n appreciate yur marriage, love from spouse n yur kids n thus  u must stop fooling ard? Watever decision u choose, hopefully god will show us the light n right path in making our life more fulfilling. Then u can offer even more compassion n love to others. 

 

Just my sharing of my own view.. any constructive feedback is welcomed. 

[fab]

The objective of a Buddhist is to seek cessation of reincarnation. Hence the dharma discourages any attachment to relationship as it is a form of obstacles to the path of practice.

 

@RobbieW0203 may i ask how long ve u been learning Buddhism?

[RobbieW0203]

16 minutes ago, fab said:

The objective of a Buddhist is to seek cessation of reincarnation. Hence the dharma discourages any attachment to relationship as it is a form of obstacles to the path of practice.

 

@RobbieW0203 may i ask how long ve u been learning Buddhism?

Hi @fab...thx for yur sharing too.. but at tis point detachment just seems so impossible since im a married man.. i started learning by myself since mid last year.. y?

How abt u? 

[fab]

58 minutes ago, RobbieW0203 said:

Hi @fab...thx for yur sharing too.. but at tis point detachment just seems so impossible since im a married man.. i started learning by myself since mid last year.. y?

How abt u? 

 

I ve been learning for 6 yrs.

 

The reason i asked is bcos u seem to have grasped the basic learning incorrectly. In buddhism theres no god, theres only karma that dictates all rewards n punishments. The closest higher being to god is perhaps amituofo but hes only a teacher who helps us out of sufferings. He doesnt get involved with the operations of karma.

 

Much as i dont advocate u to be detached from your family at this point in time, may i share that there r many noble men n women who have become monks n nuns. This is cos buddhism in particular mahayana, promotes big love, i.e. love for all above personal love.

 

Have a buddhaful day.

Edited August 3, 2016 by fab

[Guest Guest]

1 hour ago, RobbieW0203 said:

..but at tis point detachment just seems so impossible since im a married man.. 

 

Detachment in Buddhism doesn't mean to get rid of your responsibilities or comitments. 

 

It is about how to maintain peace within no matter what is happening to you externally 

[RobbieW0203]

28 minutes ago, fab said:

 

I ve been learning for 6 yrs.

 

The reason i asked is bcos u seem to have grasped the basic learning incorrectly. In buddhism theres no god, theres only karma that dictates all rewards n punishments. The closest higher being to god is perhaps amituofo but hes only a teacher who helps us out of sufferings. He doesnt get involved with the operations of karma.

 

Much as i dont advocate u to be detached from your family at this point in time, may i share that there r many noble men n women who have become monks n nuns. This is cos buddhism in particular mahayana, promotes big love, i.e. love for all above personal love.

 

Have a buddhaful day.

I just want to detach tis bi things.. so suffering sometimes. Thx for yur advice btw sifu.. lol.

As for god, i believe their existence n i also strongly believe in karma too.. thats y cannot help feeling guilty. But i altedi accepted myself as a bi. 

[RobbieW0203]

30 minutes ago, Guest Guest said:

 

Detachment in Buddhism doesn't mean to get rid of your responsibilities or comitments. 

 

It is about how to maintain peace within no matter what is happening to you externally 

That is hardest part le as a married bi. Siggh.. but thx anyway bro.

[Guest 1278]

Walk the middle path, not extreme left or extreme right.  You can't detached completely but when it's time to let go, then let go.  

[RobbieW0203]

38 minutes ago, Guest 1278 said:

Walk the middle path, not extreme left or extreme right.  You can't detached completely but when it's time to let go, then let go.  

U alredi let go? 

[fab]

1 hour ago, RobbieW0203 said:

I just want to detach tis bi things.. so suffering sometimes. Thx for yur advice btw sifu.. lol.

As for god, i believe their existence n i also strongly believe in karma too.. thats y cannot help feeling guilty. But i altedi accepted myself as a bi. 

 

不敢当 as a shifu. 

 

No offence but your biggest unwholesomeness is promiscuity which is a form of lust n hence a greediness which is 1 of the 3 poisons, the other 2 being anger n ignorance. 

[Guest 南无观世音菩萨]

since this is regarding Buddhism, i guess its okay if i share something from the sutras.

 

"无尽意，观世音菩萨摩诃萨威神之力，巍巍如是。若有众生多于淫欲，常念恭敬观世音菩萨，便得离欲。"

 

"若有女人，设欲求男，礼拜供养观世音菩萨，便生福德智慧之男；设欲求女，便生端正有相之女，宿植德本，众人爱敬。 "

from 【普门品】。

 

“ 四者，我得佛心，證於究竟。能以珍寶種種，供養十方如來，傍及法界六道眾生。求妻得妻，求子得子。求三昧得三昧。求長壽得長壽。如是乃至求大涅槃得大涅槃。 ”
from  【大佛頂首楞嚴經觀世音菩薩耳根圓通章】。

 

 

[Salt&Pepper]

@RobbieW0203 I agree with fab that ur understanding of Buddhism is off. I understand u r from Malaysia and I dun know ur grasp of the Chinese language, but I would like to recommend u watch this short 5 episode series if you can understand Chinese. It will give you a good overview of the Buddhist value system and how "discourage attachment and letting go" fits into the Buddhist macro scheme of things.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xaiyJGlwmu8&list=PLwGCaAoxiqFvFtFy3YaqvPmd-MXVENKPw

 

The following link is to the article that I found many years ago and it helped me a lot. Anyone interested can download it; it is a long read but very well worth it. It may help you too RobbieW0203, if not now, no worries just keep a copy. One day it will, when your karma ripens.

 

Buddhism and Sex by M.O’C. Walshe

 

Namo Amitabha.

Edited August 3, 2016 by Salt&Pepper

[RobbieW0203]

15 hours ago, fab said:

 

不敢当 as a shifu. 

 

No offence but your biggest unwholesomeness is promiscuity which is a form of lust n hence a greediness which is 1 of the 3 poisons, the other 2 being anger n ignorance. 

Hi @fab.. no offence taken bro.. if i could learn somethg out from this forum, it will be awesome. 

Talking abt promiscuity, im aware of my lust n greediness. I felt that even browsing gay porn or fantasising a guy alredi considered betrayal to my spouse. But i aware i cant escape from my desires for m2m, thus promiscuity to find release. 

So lets brainstorm on options to stop promiscuity:

1) Stay true to my own identity- meaning separate with my wife. her happiness as well as my kids n my family will be crushed. She may get suicidal too. Selfish way n painful in short term but long term u dun hav to feel guilty anymore. 

2) Strong self-control - meaning buck-up as a man n abstain from the m2m activities. Of coz that is one of the 7  precepts preached by Buddhism. Selfless act but in long run maybe u could suffer psychologically. Worse scenario will be u lose self control n attempts even more dangerous avenues to release yur m2m desires. 

 

Kindly share yur opinion. 

Also in case of no. 2, wat is the best Buddhism way to obtain strong self control the Buddhism way? 

[RobbieW0203]

13 hours ago, Guest 南无观世音菩萨 said:

since this is regarding Buddhism, i guess its okay if i share something from the sutras.

 

"无尽意，观世音菩萨摩诃萨威神之力，巍巍如是。若有众生多于淫欲，常念恭敬观世音菩萨，便得离欲。"

 

"若有女人，设欲求男，礼拜供养观世音菩萨，便生福德智慧之男；设欲求女，便生端正有相之女，宿植德本，众人爱敬。 "

from 【普门品】。

 

“ 四者，我得佛心，證於究竟。能以珍寶種種，供養十方如來，傍及法界六道眾生。求妻得妻，求子得子。求三昧得三昧。求長壽得長壽。如是乃至求大涅槃得大涅槃。 ”
from  【大佛頂首楞嚴經觀世音菩薩耳根圓通章】。

 

 

Thanks bro for the excerpt but im a banana.. i will try google translation but if dun mind kindly share the important msg here. Tq. Sadhu. 

[RobbieW0203]

10 hours ago, Salt&Pepper said:

@RobbieW0203 I agree with fab that ur understanding of Buddhism is off. I understand u r from Malaysia and I dun know ur grasp of the Chinese language, but I would like to recommend u watch this short 5 episode series if you can understand Chinese. It will give you a good overview of the Buddhist value system and how "discourage attachment and letting go" fits into the Buddhist macro scheme of things.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xaiyJGlwmu8&list=PLwGCaAoxiqFvFtFy3YaqvPmd-MXVENKPw

 

The following link is to the article that I found many years ago and it helped me a lot. Anyone interested can download it; it is a long read but very well worth it. It may help you too RobbieW0203, if not now, no worries just keep a copy. One day it will, when your karma ripens.

 

Buddhism and Sex by M.O’C. Walshe

 

Namo Amitabha.

Thx bro for sharing.. i will read it later on n watch the video too.. hope we can do more brainstorming or sharing later. Sadhu. 

[lovehandle]

i think a real religion should be accepting
and buddhism is a good one to start with

 

[fab]

On 8/4/2016 at 9:02 AM, RobbieW0203 said:

Hi @fab.. no offence taken bro.. if i could learn somethg out from this forum, it will be awesome. 

Talking abt promiscuity, im aware of my lust n greediness. I felt that even browsing gay porn or fantasising a guy alredi considered betrayal to my spouse. But i aware i cant escape from my desires for m2m, thus promiscuity to find release. 

So lets brainstorm on options to stop promiscuity:

1) Stay true to my own identity- meaning separate with my wife. her happiness as well as my kids n my family will be crushed. She may get suicidal too. Selfish way n painful in short term but long term u dun hav to feel guilty anymore. 

2) Strong self-control - meaning buck-up as a man n abstain from the m2m activities. Of coz that is one of the 7  precepts preached by Buddhism. Selfless act but in long run maybe u could suffer psychologically. Worse scenario will be u lose self control n attempts even more dangerous avenues to release yur m2m desires. 

 

Kindly share yur opinion. 

Also in case of no. 2, wat is the best Buddhism way to obtain strong self control the Buddhism way? 

 

My bad for the late reply. I tot i had replied already. Much as i notice u stop visiting this forum since 2017. Hope u will happen to drop by n see my reply.

 

According to Buddhism, always use wisdom to handle your problems. In cases where you can't decide what's right or wrong, use your compassion.

 

Option 1 definitely doesn't sound right i.e. Walking out of your family to seek  your m2m sexual gratification, at least not at this point. Very irresponsible behaviour that will generate more negative karma for yourself.

 

Option 2 sounds wise. One way to improve self control is to get rid of your ignorance, i.e. 1 of the 3 poisons. By charting The Heart Sutra, u will be able to get more wisdom.

 

Hope all is well with u.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[LeanMature]

At the very least, Buddhism did not discriminate homosexuality. 

[snowball]

cos teaching are Buddha word's and quotes, but what we know is, bible are written by humans, that's the different. 

諸佛菩薩羅漢是要人們認清真相，世間萬物沒有永恆不變的，一切因緣都是條件聚足才產生，因此也沒有永恆不變的苦難，地獄天堂也可以在一念間。無法放下，就繼續扛著做好人的本分，就此而已。

Edited August 4, 2018 by snowball

[LeanMature]

16 hours ago, snowball said:

cos teaching are Buddha word's and quotes, but what we know is, bible are written by humans, that's the different. 

諸佛菩薩羅漢是要人們認清真相，世間萬物沒有永恆不變的，一切因緣都是條件聚足才產生，因此也沒有永恆不變的苦難，地獄天堂也可以在一念間。無法放下，就繼續扛著做好人的本分，就此而已。

 

But be prudent.  Many fake quotes nowadays that are not from the Buddha.

[publicoutdoorcbt]

On 8/5/2018 at 1:50 PM, LeanMature said:

 

But be prudent.  Many fake quotes nowadays that are not from the Buddha.

Agreed.

 

Try listen to this audio and you will at least have the actual guideline of Buddha and Buddhist and will not easily being cheated or scam by fake Buddha that claim they are following buddha believe.

http://jeffhck.blogspot.com/2018/09/explanation-of-ksitigarbha.html

 

Sadly only in cantonese dubbed. But is good for those just started to know Buddha, or have lots of confusion on Buddha, or those have bad experience with fake Buddha. After listen to this audios, you will at least know how to determine which is fake and which is real and what is buddha actually teach in their believe....

[publicoutdoorcbt]

On 8/4/2018 at 9:22 PM, LeanMature said:

At the very least, Buddhism did not discriminate homosexuality. 

Buddha never discriminate anything. They will not force or make you do things you do not like or do not want. But they will tell you what is the karma and result of doing it, in return, you need to bear the consequences and not blaming others. Your act, you responsible for it LOL...

 

And Buddha actually allowed for sex, but is normal sex behavior in  normal couple LOL...

[publicoutdoorcbt]

On 8/4/2018 at 9:31 PM, snowball said:

cos teaching are Buddha word's and quotes, but what we know is, bible are written by humans, that's the different. 

諸佛菩薩羅漢是要人們認清真相，世間萬物沒有永恆不變的，一切因緣都是條件聚足才產生，因此也沒有永恆不變的苦難，地獄天堂也可以在一念間。無法放下，就繼續扛著做好人的本分，就此而已。

Sutra is same as Bible, all written by human and it shows and stated clearly who is the person and in history books, you able to find that person and all is real not fake. It is just many people do not understand the real meaning of Buddha.... In fact, some Sutra stated and written in clear where heaven is devided to many level and also who is the person that able to go there and even Hell also many different types and level, and yet clearly says what and how you will make yourself going into that place. And I believe, none of other got stated such details LOL...

[publicoutdoorcbt]

On 8/3/2016 at 1:59 PM, fab said:

The objective of a Buddhist is to seek cessation of reincarnation. Hence the dharma discourages any attachment to relationship as it is a form of obstacles to the path of practice.

 

@RobbieW0203 may i ask how long ve u been learning Buddhism?

Basic 5 rules of Buddhist and one of it is "No sexual misconduct". It is not forbidden for sex.

 

Forbiddent is set by human and not Buddha teaching.

 

And of coz, if you wish to be a monk you have certain additional rules to follow in order to get your final goal.

 

For example, if you wish to go to be BUDDHA and that is your final goal, YES, is better you control yourself and not having sex at all...

 

But if you are aiming to relax and stay in some heaven for certain period of time before you finally want to set your goal to be  Buddha, well, normal sex between husband and wife is allowed. But not misconduct like example, oral, anal, BDSM and etc... LOL

[publicoutdoorcbt]

On 8/3/2016 at 3:14 PM, fab said:

 

I ve been learning for 6 yrs.

 

The reason i asked is bcos u seem to have grasped the basic learning incorrectly. In buddhism theres no god, theres only karma that dictates all rewards n punishments. The closest higher being to god is perhaps amituofo but hes only a teacher who helps us out of sufferings. He doesnt get involved with the operations of karma.

 

Much as i dont advocate u to be detached from your family at this point in time, may i share that there r many noble men n women who have become monks n nuns. This is cos buddhism in particular mahayana, promotes big love, i.e. love for all above personal love.

 

Have a buddhaful day.

Sorry to tell, many monk think they follow the right path but end up might not knowing they end up drop to hell instead of going to Amitaba place. So, how many years you learning Buddha did not mean you are good or following the right path. As Buddha is a bit tricky during this period of time where there is no BUDDHA living in Human World now a day.

 

During the time Sikamoni Buddha staying in Human World, there are few so call Buddha believer hide and stay low and waiting the chance to come out back to teach wrong buddha concept. And after according to Sikamoni and his greatest follower "Annan" (I do not know his english or indian name), this group of people will come out again during the time Human World do not have living Budha. So, Sikamoni Buddha did tell Anan to write down all his teaching, the correct and actual Buddha teaching, and request all Buddha believer NOT TO FOLLOW PEOPLE, but follow the words and sentences written in the Sutra (Buddha Bibble) because, human might miss-intemperate and did not aware they teach the wrong things.

 

Like for example, Sikamoni Buddha clearly say and written down in Buddha teaching, Alcohol is totally forbidden. But there will be other monk or believer says alcohol is OK as long as not drunken.

 

So, not got no BUDDHA around to asked for the right answer. But the only thing Sikamoni Buddha left for us is the rule saying it is totally forbidden. So, you think yourself lor, following Sikamoni or those monk that are only hum,an being without god/buddha power...

 

And there are many record shows late comer might be more skillful then old dogs that learning Buddha for long period of time. All this is depend on a person Karma and "yuen"...

[kinoz]

Thank you guys for this post. Yes, the Mahayana scriptures expounded that the 3 'worlds' consist of 31 planes of existence

(one of them which I believe is so called the GOD's world).

But ALL of these still fall within Dukkha Sacca (Samsara) meaning the sea of impermanence.

 

Anada was one of Shakyamuni Buddha's principal disciples of who recollected the Buddha Dharma.

We are really thankful for this to happen.

 

I follow closely the Theravada more than the Mahayana Scriptures for the reason of simplicity and focus.

Thus the Four Noble Truths & The Eight-fold Path is good enough to guide me through.

 

Please correct me if my understanding of the Buddha dharma is incorrect.

[Guest Koropok]

Unlike other religion, Buddhism to not talk much about sex.  It sees sex as another form of human attachment on worldly things whether you are hetero of LGBT.  Thus it tries to teach people to meditate and learn to accept life as transcient.   Whereas other religion like Islam and Christian like to harp  Lang Jiao and Chow Chee Bye a lot, and than used it to attack people who do not conform to their sex activities, which is very unlike Jesus when he did the preaching. 

[fab]

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism_and_sexuality

 

[Guest pakiam mataa]

According to the Buddhist leaders here, they have said that it is imperative that Buddhist are law abiding citizens of any country they live in,

 

so if govt decides on any policy, a buddhist just have to follow, 

 

End of story.

 

It is as simple as that, even other religions besides Buddhism, their followers also have to follow the law of that country,

 

otherwise they will appear to be contradicting the governemnt and then will confuse the followers, should they follow the religious teachings or appear to be contra to the laws of the country.

 

No need to go so deep as to whether Buddhism allows or dont allow certain partnerships, relationships, pairings.....

 

if you ask them to make a public statement, or press conferrence, they will always say we follow the laws of the country

 

End of story.

No need to say who say what, during what dynasty, which master said what.

 

 

End of story.

 

[fab]

1 hour ago, Guest pakiam mataa said:

According to the Buddhist leaders here, they have said that it is imperative that Buddhist are law abiding citizens of any country they live in,

 

so if govt decides on any policy, a buddhist just have to follow, 

 

End of story.

 

It is as simple as that, even other religions besides Buddhism, their followers also have to follow the law of that country,

 

otherwise they will appear to be contradicting the governemnt and then will confuse the followers, should they follow the religious teachings or appear to be contra to the laws of the country.

 

No need to go so deep as to whether Buddhism allows or dont allow certain partnerships, relationships, pairings.....

 

if you ask them to make a public statement, or press conferrence, they will always say we follow the laws of the country

 

End of story.

No need to say who say what, during what dynasty, which master said what.

 

 

End of story.

 

 

I haven't heard of The law obeying part b4.

 

I only read that shakyamuni encouraged his followers not to follow his teaching blindly. He welcomed them to challenge his teaching n learn only what they think is right.

 

 

[fab]

16 hours ago, kinoz said:

Thank you guys for this post. Yes, the Mahayana scriptures expounded that the 3 'worlds' consist of 31 planes of existence

(one of them which I believe is so called the GOD's world).

But ALL of these still fall within Dukkha Sacca (Samsara) meaning the sea of impermanence.

 

Anada was one of Shakyamuni Buddha's principal disciples of who recollected the Buddha Dharma.

We are really thankful for this to happen.

 

I follow closely the Theravada more than the Mahayana Scriptures for the reason of simplicity and focus.

Thus the Four Noble Truths & The Eight-fold Path is good enough to guide me through.

 

Please correct me if my understanding of the Buddha dharma is incorrect.

 

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahayana

 

[Steve5380]

9 hours ago, Guest pakiam mataa said:

According to the Buddhist leaders here, they have said that it is imperative that Buddhist are law abiding citizens of any country they live in,

 

so if govt decides on any policy, a buddhist just have to follow, 

 

End of story.

 

It is as simple as that, even other religions besides Buddhism, their followers also have to follow the law of that country,

 

otherwise they will appear to be contradicting the governemnt and then will confuse the followers, should they follow the religious teachings or appear to be contra to the laws of the country.

 

No need to go so deep as to whether Buddhism allows or dont allow certain partnerships, relationships, pairings.....

 

if you ask them to make a public statement, or press conferrence, they will always say we follow the laws of the country

 

End of story.

No need to say who say what, during what dynasty, which master said what.

 

 

End of story.

 

 

Why  do you care about the "Buddhist here"?

If you are a good Buddhist, you care for the philosophy of the Buddha,  not what so many generations of professional Buddhism have concocted with their ego.

It is the same with Christians. Countless Christian churches have twisted and stretched Christian dogmas to their likeness.  In reality, all what should concern a Christian is Jesus' philosophy as described in the four Gospels.  Not that these four are special, but they are the usual source of this philosophy.

[kinoz]

Thanks fab for the link on history of Mahayana.

[LeanMature]

On 9/16/2018 at 2:08 AM, kinoz said:

I follow closely the Theravada more than the Mahayana Scriptures for the reason of simplicity and focus.

Thus the Four Noble Truths & The Eight-fold Path is good enough to guide me through.

 

Please correct me if my understanding of the Buddha dharma is incorrect.

 

I think so too.  For lay Buddhists, the 4 Noble Truths and 8 Fold Path is good enough.  It is the basic but also the most important.   Buddha talk and taught according to each level of understanding.  He did not expect or required his followers to know everything. 

[kinoz]

3 hours ago, LeanMature said:

I think so too.  For lay Buddhists, the 4 Noble Truths and 8 Fold Path is good enough.  It is the basic but also the most important.   Buddha talk and taught according to each level of understanding.  He did not expect or required his followers to know everything. 

Appreciate your input, LeanMature.

[kennethchung]

i think just dont harm people