Anyone into Buddhism?

blissed · 22-08-09 14:56:47

Like many of my favourite songs that I don't know any of the words too, but I just pick up on the vibe of the song and like it, for years I've just picked up the vibe of Buddhism and liked it but never really read any of the words.

So obviously I turned to youtube
1st video on the 4 noble truths was very official, but apparently the 1st truth is
all life is suffering?!! that doesn't feel right, here's the link just for reference
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2XuDX06XzQ

Luckily in the youtube sidebar was my new spiritual leader (it's not just because she's hotter ) to explain and in her videos she gives us a quick, good, free basic guide to Buddhism.

The 4 noble truths/observations
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJh7LNHL … annel_page

Buddhism is unique
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuL08yD2qT0&NR=1

So do you agree with her view, because to me it seems to fit the vibe I've got from Buddhism. Anyway, are you into Buddhism? or do you have a view on it?

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Arcticnick · 01-12-10 05:24:20

blissed wrote:

Like many of my favourite songs that I don't know any of the words too, but I just pick up on the vibe of the song and like it, for years I've just picked up the vibe of Buddhism and liked it but never really read any of the words.
So do you agree with her view, because to me it seems to fit the vibe I've got from Buddhism. Anyway, are you into Buddhism? or do you have a view on it?

I live in Thailand where the majority of people actively practice Buddhism.
Like you Blissed, I too kind of like the vibe but know little about it.

All I really do know is that because of their belief in Karma it is deemed unlucky if they check for oncoming traffic more than once, before turning onto a highway. There are a billion small motor bikes in Thailand (well it seems like that) and so there are endless opportunities for folk to pull out straight in front each other and me. There are endless stories of horrific accidents, and the signs are everywhere.

Cars, trucks and buses just pull out into oncoming traffic and overtake in the least likely of places, like on a blind bend or when cars, and bikes, and everything else you could possibly imagine, are coming in the opposite direction.

To be honest I think this attitude to life and death is rather cavalier.

If I suddenly stop contributing here you will know why...
Actually it will probably be because I just forgot to renew my IMF membership;)

I don't practice Buddhism but it still has a daily effect on my life. I intend to make certain though, that it doesn't also play a part in my death.

Last edited by Arcticnick (01-12-10 09:42:42)

oceaneyes · 03-01-11 07:50:53

i am interested in buddhism. sort of like tides are interested in ebb and flow.

but words can be misleading. zazen master dogen (and many others i am sure) was fond of the analogy of the image of the moon on water. as long as we understand that the image is not the real thing, we know that the real thing is yet to be seen. the same goes for words.

because of this, i am always careful not to believe too strongly in the truth even of my own words... this is what comes to mind when i think about discussing buddhism with others.

kypris · 22-01-11 12:47:38

@Arcticnick
I know from what you’re talking about, I am nearly every year a few months in Thailand. Sometimes, I have a feeling that the Thais are really in a hurry to get into their next life.
In my past I practised Japanese Zen Meditation (not in a temple) for about three years. It was an interesting experience.

artist_kitkat · 23-02-11 05:41:52

Hee hee, Arcticnick, yes that's Thailand for you.. It doesn't hurt to go and make a wish in Buddha's footprint, the monks will pray for you and add power to your determination to live . Myself, I agree with your perception of cavalier. I was teaching at high school and one of the students was killed on a weekend, knocked off the back of his friend's scooter and killed instantly, by a hit and run driver in one of those huge utes that they love so much to tear around in. The other boy was unhurt. I was shocked and appalled by the whole situation, and expressed my sorrow to my fellow teachers (who had told me the news over lunch, like a piece of gossip). Their response was to tell me that I was too serious. I personally think the concept of reincarnation and karma fosters a lack of respect for death and a lack of care in many things. Mai pen rai.. but I would be interested to see how it operates in other countries - I was living in a Muslim community for a while and the religion was decidedly more relaxed then in other countries, and I thought that was a manifestation of the Thai national spirit, more than anything. But perhaps the national character is influenced by the religion (it certainly is a big part of life here) and that has then in turn rubbed off on the interpretation of Islam? It seems to me though, Blissed, that Buddhism is a religion for the mind, and I think for westerners not raised in it (among my friends, anyway) it can lead to a tendency to lack heart or true feeling, or a denial of them rather. I think the concepts are hard to understand if you come at it from a foreign language. I think a lot of the concepts are bound in language and the translation in English is cold and makes us so. Just a personal observation. But I will check out your links and see how your person interprets and shares it.

#1 22-08-09 14:56:47

Anyone into Buddhism?

#2 01-12-10 05:24:20

Re: Anyone into Buddhism?

#3 03-01-11 07:50:53

Re: Anyone into Buddhism?

#4 22-01-11 12:47:38

Re: Anyone into Buddhism?

#5 23-02-11 05:41:52

Re: Anyone into Buddhism?

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