Buddha Was Not An Irresponsible Man
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Originally posted by Dawnfirstlight:
A dharma sister shared with us her encounters with non Buddhists who were from the heavenly religion. These non Buddhists said Buddha was an irresponsible man because he left his wife and son to seek enlightenment. I believe this thought is being input by their "teachers". It is another misconception that Buddhists need to correct or rebutt.
Of course Buddha was not an irresponsible man. He was a Great man who had saved countless sentiment beings including his wife and son from the suffering of rebirth cycle.
Well, what the heavenly religion point out is true in a certain way from the view point of family. How you defend is from the point of Shayamuni religious work-universal salvation for all mankind.
However, as we could point out to them that Shayamuni did not leave the family in a state of begging instead they were living in luxury as queen and prince. On the contrary, Shayamuni is living as a beggar. Given a choice for modern woman, I think they will choose the former with tonne of material benefit at their disposal. Secondly, the family did reconcile after a few years which imply that Shayamuni is concern for their well being. As you have point out they become their disciple. In fact, in Lotus Sutra, Shayamuni propheised that they will become buddha.
Perhaps we as Buddhist can turn around and check with them about biblical stuff. Jesus also leave the family to preach the gospel for 3 years. There is no biblical reference if Jesus provide for them for 3 years until his death. One thing for sure the family is not well to do. To leave the old folks in order to pursue an idea. Isn't it unfillial and selfish?
Hence, in comparison of family responsibility, I think Shayamuni has did a better job. At least, the family will not need to worries when the next meal will arrive.
Finally, if we put both man on par, we can said for sure, both man was born with a mission to save mankinds from self destruction. Sometime in order to accomplished their calling, they will need to sacrifice their family ties.
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Aiyo. Why so many ppl have misconceptions abt buddhism is cos buddhists did not share effectively with others.
Common misconceptions abt buddhism
My friend thought buddhists worship buddha as a diety.
Some think buddhists cannot eat beef.
Some even thing buddhists cannot eat meat.
Some think buddhists drink ash water.
Some think no self in buddhism mean nothing exists.
Some think monks became monks to escape from society.
Some think pureland chanting is for ppl about to die or are already dead.
Some think karma means fatalism.
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Originally posted by Dawnfirstlight:
A dharma sister shared with us her encounters with non Buddhists who were from the heavenly religion. These non Buddhists said Buddha was an irresponsible man because he left his wife and son to seek enlightenment. I believe this thought is being input by their "teachers". It is another misconception that Buddhists need to correct or rebutt.
Of course Buddha was not an irresponsible man. He was a Great man who had saved countless sentiment beings including his wife and son from the suffering of rebirth cycle.
If I meet these people, I will tell them that someone up there was also very irresponsible because he did not keep those forbidden apples out of the reach of humans. Responsible parents will keep dangerous drugs out of the reach of their children.
You know why society have many misconceptions of buddhism. One ppl say wrong thing never verify share with people, people share with more people.
This is some of the common misconceptions.
Buddhists cannot eat beef.
Buddhists must be vegetarians.
Buddha is a diety
Monks become monks to escape from society
Chanting sutra/amtf is for old people or dead people during funeral.
All people must take five precepts before taking refuge.
These are all the common ones I heard before.
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Originally posted by Almond Cookies:
You know why society have many misconceptions of buddhism. One ppl say wrong thing never verify share with people, people share with more people.
This is some of the common misconceptions.
Buddhists cannot eat beef.
Buddhists must be vegetarians.
Buddha is a diety
Monks become monks to escape from society
Chanting sutra/amtf is for old people or dead people during funeral.
All people must take five precepts before taking refuge.
These are all the common ones I heard before.
Many can't be bothered to find out what is Buddhism. Some are innocent but some are out to slander Buddhism or mislead others on purpose.
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I have even met monk/nun who teach others wrong things. Yes, laypeople may even have more and proper knowledge than the buddhist monk/nun when they bother to read and research.
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Be a thinking buddhist
instead of a blind follower. Don't believe everything that is lay before you. Be open hearted to learn from others.There is a Zen story, how a monk keep pouring tea into a disciple's cup when they were having tea. The disciple tell the master, " is everything alrite? can't u see my cup is full." The master answered, " Because your cup is full so when I pour in the tea, it will overflow instead being hold by the cup. Hence in the same manner so is your mind. Because your mind is full of self opinion and ego. Therefore, it cannot accept the thinking of others."
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there is one golden mean...to know and practise wih HIS golden heart
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_/\_
When the Buddha left his wife and child and set off to sit at the feet of the great religious teachers of the day and to learn from them, he was 29. He was a Prince who had wealth and luxury but eventually found that worldly comforts and security do not guarantee happiness. Buddha had a choice, dedicating himself to his family or dedicating himself to the world. In the end, his great compassion made him give himself to the whole world and the whole world still benefits from his sacrifice. The Buddha was not irresponsible. This is the most significant sacrifice ever made.
Wisdom will not unfold for those who do not eradicate their greed, anger and ignorance. In order to attain true comprehension of the Dharma, one must first practice yourself, and then may you have genuine attainment. Emulate the good and ignore the bad. Keep your senses of right and wrong to yourself. Unpleasant circumstances are propitious for the practice of forbearance. Practice is not about judging who is right and who is wrong or who has more reason. Rather the strength of practice lies on whether you can remain undisturbed under challenge.
I grew up in a family of atheists. My soul mate’s families are all Christians. When I started to practice, there were so many criticisms from others that I almost give up. Then, there were spiritual obstacles, spiritual burnouts and spiritual standstills, to name a few of the poison arrows!! However, there was one single thing that did not change in me, determination to find the truth. I found the truth.
Before one attain Buddhahood and deliver all sentient beings, we must work on our own salvation first so that we may acquire the ability to deliver others. This is what the Buddha realised.
The first step is to forgo our desire to eat, dress, and live lavishly, and to forsake our secular affections, attachments and our incessant pursuit of wealth and fame. Only when our mind and bodies become pure and free of hindrance can we begin to talk about preaching Buddhadharma for the benefit of all sentient beings. Otherwise, with our own minds enslaved by secular attachments, how can we help to free others from such bondage? This is what the Buddha has achieved. This is what we are still struggling to achieve.
The reason why we need to know about the life and nature of the Buddha is to learn how a unique human being was self-enlightened. The Buddha laboured to find the truth. He renounced His position , wealth, promise of prestige and power, and a life filled with love in exchange for the difficult search for Truth which no one had found although many in India for thousands of years.
With Metta, _/\_
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Originally posted by Emaho:
_/\_
When the Buddha left his wife and child and set off to sit at the feet of the great religious teachers of the day and to learn from them, he was 29. He was a Prince who had wealth and luxury but eventually found that worldly comforts and security do not guarantee happiness. Buddha had a choice, dedicating himself to his family or dedicating himself to the world. In the end, his great compassion made him give himself to the whole world and the whole world still benefits from his sacrifice. The Buddha was not irresponsible. This is the most significant sacrifice ever made.
Wisdom will not unfold for those who do not eradicate their greed, anger and ignorance. In order to attain true comprehension of the Dharma, one must first practice yourself, and then may you have genuine attainment. Emulate the good and ignore the bad. Keep your senses of right and wrong to yourself. Unpleasant circumstances are propitious for the practice of forbearance. Practice is not about judging who is right and who is wrong or who has more reason. Rather the strength of practice lies on whether you can remain undisturbed under challenge.
I grew up in a family of atheists. My soul mate’s families are all Christians. When I started to practice, there were so many criticisms from others that I almost give up. Then, there were spiritual obstacles, spiritual burnouts and spiritual standstills, to name a few of the poison arrows!! However, there was one single thing that did not change in me, determination to find the truth. I found the truth.
Before one attain Buddhahood and deliver all sentient beings, we must work on our own salvation first so that we may acquire the ability to deliver others. This is what the Buddha realised.
The first step is to forgo our desire to eat, dress, and live lavishly, and to forsake our secular affections, attachments and our incessant pursuit of wealth and fame. Only when our mind and bodies become pure and free of hindrance can we begin to talk about preaching Buddhadharma for the benefit of all sentient beings. Otherwise, with our own minds enslaved by secular attachments, how can we help to free others from such bondage? This is what the Buddha has achieved. This is what we are still struggling to achieve.
The reason why we need to know about the life and nature of the Buddha is to learn how a unique human being was self-enlightened. The Buddha laboured to find the truth. He renounced His position , wealth, promise of prestige and power, and a life filled with love in exchange for the difficult search for Truth which no one had found although many in India for thousands of years.
With Metta, _/\_
Yeah, I admire your determination to find the truth and stand by the truth. There are many Buddhists who are in the same situation as you (including me) but we do not give up because it is not easy to be born as humans. Since we are "lucky" to be born as humans in this life, we should cherish and practice hard not to be reborn again. Don't be like others, �人间白走一趟。
人身难得今已得，
佛法难闻今已闻，
æ¤èº«ä¸�å�‘今生度，
更待何生度æ¤èº«ã€‚
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Hi Dawn
Thank you for your kind words. True, with our modern lifestyles, it is a real test of determination. It’s really a choice all Buddhist practitioners make … to change themselves in a way that is to benefit all living beings, not just their “Self”.
Both the path of the Bodhisattva and the Arahant lead to the end of suffering.
Bodhisattva … Arahant … Enlightenment … Nirvana … The Wisdom of Emptiness … The End of Suffering … Ultimately, the choice is in yours!
_/\_
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@ Dawn
Those who can bear insult without resentment will attain genuine wisdom. Others who attack us actually provide us with adverse conditions that can help our endeavours. Easier said than done though. I suppose we have to constantly remind ourselves that no matter how we feel, our sentiments are nothing but distinctions made by our minds.
_/\_
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Originally posted by Almond Cookies:
You know why society have many misconceptions of buddhism. One ppl say wrong thing never verify share with people, people share with more people.
This is some of the common misconceptions.
Buddhists cannot eat beef.
Buddhists must be vegetarians.
Buddha is a diety
Monks become monks to escape from society
Chanting sutra/amtf is for old people or dead people during funeral.
All people must take five precepts before taking refuge.
These are all the common ones I heard before.
Hi, Hypocrite
http://sgforums.com/forums/3949/topics/432820
Originally posted by Almond Cookies:I want to plank in church.
Promote christianity at the same time.
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Originally posted by Almond Cookies:
I am determined to be a christian.
I just burnt all my buddhists books and stuffs in Jesus name.
Reduced to ashes.
If Jesus saves my whole family, I will destroy the buddhists idols and books that does not belong to me at my house in Jesus's name.
They havent convert.
Help me pray for their salvation
Originally posted by Almond Cookies:
I am determined to be a christian.I just burnt all my buddhists books and stuffs in Jesus name.
Reduced to ashes.
If Jesus saves my whole family, I will destroy the buddhists idols and books that does not belong to me at my house in Jesus's name.
They havent convert.
Help me pray for their salvation.
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I was almost conned by this forum.
Shanfan don't post here. Wait the buddhists and christians fight in forum.
I don't post christian thing in a satanic forum.
This forum is satanic.
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I think you are satanic, Almond Cookies. You are toxic.
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Originally posted by Almond Cookies:
I was almost conned by this forum.
Shanfan don't post here. Wait the buddhists and christians fight in forum.
I don't post christian thing in a satanic forum.
This forum is satanic.
please! wake up! use your brain, Buddhism was founded earlier than Christianity. if want to say "satanic", it should be the other way around! got something correct come out first then "satan" come to destroy it. if it's already wrong what for "satan" want to destroy? who come out first? good or bad? u mean 'satan' already know God will come out later after created Buddhism and the other older religions? it's a no brainer logic. 'satanic' idea logically should be after Christianity, where 'satan' want to delude people from Christianity. this concept is like the Mara(demon) concept where Buddhism slowly become degenerated/confused/destroyed by Mara(demon). it is the correct idea of "demon".fyi, u destroy sutra with hatred, also go to avici hell.
if they don't want u, and if God love is conditional and do not accept u because of ur sins, then that's very selfish God. but Buddhas, bodhisattvas' love/compassion is uncondtional, they will not forsake sentient beings no matter what. Amitabha will save u according to His vow and if u repent sincerely.
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Hahahha, either way he goes to hell la. What a loser! hehehehehhehe
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Originally posted by sinweiy:
please! wake up! use your brain, Buddhism was founded earlier than Christianity. if want to say "satanic", it should be the other way around! got something correct come out first then "satan" come to destroy it. if it's already wrong what for "satan" want to destroy? who come out first? good or bad? u mean 'satan' already know God will come out later after created Buddhism and the other older religions? it's a no brainer logic. 'satanic' idea logically should be after Christianity, where 'satan' want to delude people from Christianity. this concept is like the Mara(demon) concept where Buddhism slowly become degenerated/confused by Mara(demon). it is the correct idea of "demon".fyi, u destroy sutra with hatred, also go to avici hell.
if they don't want u, and if God love is conditional and do not accept u because of ur sins, then that's very selfish God. but Buddhas, bodhisattvas' love/compassion is uncondtional, they will not forsake sentient beings no matter what. Amitabha will save u according to His vow and if u repent sincerely.
I am going to heaven not buddhism's temporary heaven but eternal heaven.
Judaism is older than buddhism.
That time christianity havent founded only got judaism which is old testament.
That time Judaism is the only true religion during old testament days.
Buddhism,hinduism all is satanic.
Judaism is the first recorded religion which God revealed himself.
I don't count the genesis in bible where God revealed himself.
Buddha is getting his punishment in hell.
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Originally posted by shanfan:
Hahahha, either way he goes to hell la. What a loser! hehehehehhehe
If u accept Jesus as personal saviour and Lord u go to heaven.Eternal life.
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Originally posted by Almond Cookies:
I am going to heaven not buddhism's temporary heaven but eternal heaven.
Judaism is older than buddhism.
That time christianity havent founded only got judaism which is old testament.
That time Judaism is the only true religion during old testament days.
Buddhism,hinduism all is satanic.
Judaism is the first recorded religion which God revealed himself.
I don't count the genesis in bible where God revealed himself.
Buddha is getting his punishment in hell.
bro, hinduism older than Judaism de. den why u not in Judaism? Buddhism can say is a 'reform' of hinduism. hard to say the real age of Buddhism as Buddha never consider time and space as real like Einstein. hence during then they never use date. the chinese calender took it to be 3000++ back.
heaven of all religions are temporary. as its sign of ordinary happiness. Nirvana/pureland is "eternal" which is the sign of pure bliss and peace.
Earth store pusa is not afriad of hell let alone Buddha. He's saving beings in hell show boundless compassion instead of cowardice.
best u both sides also don't offend and keep quiet rather than anyhow slander. be good can liao. good bye, bro.
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Ordinally happiness when ended, suffering occur there after.
Know that suffering is real, and happiness is false. As suffering don't become happiness, but happiness can become suffering.
Example, when eating good food. Eating your favourite food is happiness. But, if you were to continue to eat bowl after bowl of the same food, it becomes a suffering. This is how happiness become suffering. happiness if continuous become suffering. But suffering if continue does not become happiness.
Example, when hungry, i am experiencing suffering. If one continue to stay hungry for 7 days, one will experience more suffering, not happiness. So suffering is real, and happiness is false.
Now neither suffering nor happiness is a good experience/realm. But one cannot sustain this state as time waits for no man.
Example when we are born, we are already walking towards the deathbed. Who can stop moving? None.
But it's said that in Nirvanic Bliss(Ulitmate Joy), there's no all above three forms of sufferings.
In this samsara world there's duality. Suffering and joy is Prejudiced view for one side or the other. If Ulitmate Joy has no suffering, then Joy is also gone. As it's on the same side with suffering. One gone, the other is gone too. It's when both suffering and joy is ended that bring forth the Ulitmate Reality of Nirvana (aka 極樂, Ulitmate Bliss). Thus called True bliss/joy. If there's joy, then joy is suffering and False. Ulitmate Joy is indeed inconcievable! Inconcievable mean cannot be said, nor cannot be think nor cannot be percieve.
Samsara is dimension of matter/karma controlling, you can't have your own wish or doing, hence suffering. Nirvana is a state/dimension of Mind/will/vow controlling, hence no suffering. There's this Utimate reality Buddha discovered.
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Originally posted by sinweiy:
bro, hinduism older than Judaism de. den why u not in Judaism? Buddhism can say is a 'reform' of hinduism. hard to say the real age of Buddhism as Buddha never consider time and space as real like Einstein. hence during then they never use date. the chinese calender took it to be 3000++ back.
heaven of all religions are temporary. as it sign of ordinary happiness. Nirvana/pureland is "eternal".
Earth store pusa is not afriad of hell let alone Buddha. He's saving beings in hell show boundless compassion instead of cowardice.
best u both sides also don't offend and keep quiet rather than anyhow slander. be good can liao. good bye, bro.
/\
Yes hinduism is older than Judaism.That time God did not reveal himself in any world's religion.
God began revealing himself in Judaism. Why I not in Judaism now new testament times not old testament.
Before judaism, Abraham,eve,noah,adam for example all worshipped God.
But Judaism is the only true religion in old testament times.
Now is christianity cos new testament.
In our christianity concept, heaven is eternal.
Hinduism is the world's strangest religion. Monkey God, elephant God coconut God.
It's a cult.
We are humans and why worship animals as God.
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@ Almond Cookies
Originally posted by Almond Cookies:
I am determined to be a christian.I just burnt all my buddhists books and stuffs in Jesus name.
Reduced to ashes.
If Jesus saves my whole family, I will destroy the buddhists idols and books that does not belong to me at my house in Jesus's name.
They havent convert.
Help me pray for their salvation.
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Have you really done the above things to make buddhists angry ? 阿弥陀佛....
You have reserved a space at Avici Hell....
You can try relying on Jesus this time round... Good luck Cookies....
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Originally posted by Almond Cookies:
Yes hinduism is older than Judaism.That time God did not reveal himself in any world's religion.
God began revealing himself in Judaism. Why I not in Judaism now new testament times not old testament.
Before judaism, Abraham,eve,noah,adam for example all worshipped God.
But Judaism is the only true religion in old testament times.
Now is christianity cos new testament.
In our christianity concept, heaven is eternal.
Hinduism is the world's strangest religion. Monkey God, elephant God coconut God.
It's a cult.
We are humans and why worship animals as God.
If Judaism is the original religion, why should xtianity, a heretical religion be given any position?
your logic is flawed
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Cookies: for you to read
Extract from Di Zang (Ksitigarbha) Sutra:
The Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha then addressed the Holy Mother, saying, "In southern Jambudvipa, the retribution for various sins is as follows: If someone should fail to fulfill his filial duty toward his parents or, at worst, kill or harm them, he will fall into Avici Hell, where he will remain for thousands of myriads of millions of kalpas without a date for release. If someone should shed the blood of a Buddha, ridicule the Three Jewels or fail to respect the sutras, he, also, will fall into Avici Hell, where he will remain for thousands of myriads of millions of kalpas without a date for release. (万æ»ä¸‡ç”Ÿï¼Œè‹¦æ— é—´æ–)
Lady Maya addressed Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha again, asking him, "What is that hell known as Avici?"
Ksitigarbha replied, "O Holy Mother, the hells of various worlds are situated inside the great Cakravada (ring of iron-enclosed mountains). There are eighteen major hells. Also, there are five hundred secondary ones with different designations, and there are, in addition, hundreds of thousands of lesser ones, each one having a different designation as well. One of these is the unique hell which is known as Avici. As for Avici Hell, its dreadful walls circumscribe more than eighty thousand miles, are ten thousand miles high and are made entirely of iron. Fiery flames shoot out of these walls, covering them entirely from top to bottom and, again, from bottom to top. Iron serpents and iron hounds spit out fiery flames and chase about, running along the hellish walls in an east-west direction.
http://www.buddhistdoor.com/oldweb/resources/sutras/Ksitigarbha/sources/ksitig3.htm