Buddhism cannot be discussed openly?
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I think the correct analogy is this.Originally posted by An Eternal Now:Again what you said makes sense and theoretically nothing wrong with it.
But however if you find Buddhism is useful, you may want to put your focus on learning and practising Buddhism. Unless you really got that kind of time to go around Singapore to all sorts of places.
Just like university - there are a lot of different subjects. You only need to major in one particular kind - i.e, Engineering. Although if you study engineering you still can study a bit of other subjects, your major is still your major.
Otherwise there will be little results coming out of it - and you will not be able to receive your graduation certificate because you cannot complete one particular course - but machiam a bit of everything.
This same advise goes not only to different religions - but different followers of different schools of Buddhism that focuses on different aspects and practises. Because Buddha taught 84000 dharma doors, it may be needed that you only focus on some or one.
There are many different schools where you can learn how to become an engineer.
Just because you learn learn how to become an engineer does not mean that you become an engineer. All the schools teach the students how to become an engineer. They all insist that if you study at their schools you will learn how to become an engineer. The teachers have lots of knowledge about how to become an engineer, but they are not engineers. They themselves have not become engineers.
Those who become engineers go back to the schools, any school and every school and realise that in all these schools, the students can become engineers. But few if any becomes engineers.
Instead of training the students to become engineers, the schools train the students the method in how to become engineers. The students become expert in how to become engineers but never become engineers. -
I'll tell you why my analogy is better.Originally posted by casino_king:I think the correct analogy is this.
There are many different schools where you can learn how to become an engineer.
Just because you learn learn how to become an engineer does not mean that you become an engineer. All the schools teach the students how to become an engineer. They all insist that if you study at their schools you will learn how to become an engineer. The teachers have lots of knowledge about how to become an engineer, but they are not engineers. They themselves have not become engineers.
Those who become engineers go back to the schools, any school and every school and realise that in all these schools, the students can become engineers. But few if any becomes engineers.
Instead of training the students to become engineers, the schools train the students the method in how to become engineers. The students become expert in how to become engineers but never become engineers.
Different schools teach different subjects. For example, although the monotheistic religions teach people to do good and avoid evil - they never teach people about Purifying their minds. Another example - although the monotheistic religions teach people about going to heaven in an afterlife, Buddhism teaches people that liberation is possible from every single situation in our current life.
You cannot compare them because they teach different subjects. -
There is only 1 subject and they are all teaching the same subject. That is the path to a spiritual life. The schools teach different ways or paths... some by purifying the mind; some by doing good and avoiding evil.Originally posted by An Eternal Now:I'll tell you why my analogy is better.
Different schools teach different subjects. For example, although the monotheistic religions teach people to do good and avoid evil - they never teach people about Purifying their minds. Another example - although the monotheistic religions teach people about going to heaven in an afterlife, Buddhism teaches people that liberation is possible from every single situation in our current life.
You cannot compare them because they teach different subjects.
To be more specific, Buddhism came out of Hinduism.
Do you know why Buddhism is not popular in India? Because Hinduism was there but not in China and SEA.
Do you know why Roman Catholism is so much bigger than all the protestent churches combined?
Buddhism and the Protestent churches were rebels. Rebels are people who think that they know better. But they are simply restating the original in another way.
Do you know why in a Buddhist country like Thailand; the 4 face Hindu God is the most popular; not only in Bangkok but in the whole region?
Think about it and detach; detach... you will be enlightened sooner. -
See the form in the emptiness and the emptiness in the form. Form is emptiness and emptiness is form.
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1 Peter 1:22 (New International Version)Originally posted by An Eternal Now:I'll tell you why my analogy is better.
Different schools teach different subjects. For example, although the monotheistic religions teach people to do good and avoid evil - they never teach people about Purifying their minds. Another example - although the monotheistic religions teach people about going to heaven in an afterlife, Buddhism teaches people that liberation is possible from every single situation in our current life.
You cannot compare them because they teach different subjects.
22Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart.[a] -
hmmm...just read yesterday's ST and I have a feeling nowadays buddhists are pushing their beliefs more aggressively, and the other side which they usually against are Christians......is it just me that feel like that?Originally posted by An Eternal Now:Yes I agree Christianity in its essence and purest form is also a wonderful teaching. However Buddhism also has many things that Christianity lacks of. Anyway it is entirely up to the seeker's descisions. I shall not discuss it here[/i]
This is not really good..... -
The 4 face Hindu God from what I know grants a lot of people wishes so it is popularOriginally posted by casino_king:Do you know why in a Buddhist country like Thailand; the 4 face Hindu God is the most popular; not only in Bangkok but in the whole region?
BUT if you don't return the wish back to it when it grants your wish.....I heard dreadful things will happen
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I notice that you tend to talk "nonsense." It is nonsense becauseOriginally posted by laoda99:hmmm...just read yesterday's ST and I have a feeling nowadays buddhists are pushing their beliefs more aggressively, and the other side which they usually against are Christians......is it just me that feel like that?
This is not really good.....
1. Your post seemingly has nothing to do with what is being discussed presently.
2. You only see things from your own perspectives or Christian perspectives.
Please try to be more open minded. It was Jesus who said not to judge the speck in other's eyes when there is a log in yours. Remove your log and see from the other's perspective. -
Hmm.....u mean u dun see things from ur own perspective?Originally posted by casino_king:I notice that you tend to talk "nonsense." It is nonsense because
1. Your post seemingly has nothing to do with what is being discussed presently.
2. You only see things from your own perspectives or Christian perspectives.
Please try to be more open minded. It was Jesus who said not to judge the speck in other's eyes when there is a log in yours. Remove your log and see from the other's perspective.
Thanks for being politically correct for the first "nonsense" but not the second nonsense....
oh yes....who knows...the things u write maybe "nonsense" in some other eyes also....
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No doubt it is that. But there is a deeper spirituality behind Hinduism then what you see on the outside.Originally posted by maggot:The 4 face Hindu God from what I know grants a lot of people wishes so it is popular
BUT if you don't return the wish back to it when it grants your wish.....I heard dreadful things will happen
There is a reason why there are Hindus temples and lots and lots of Hindu Gods.
The outsider looks at it and laughs. Monkey god, elephant god and what not. It is like are these people mad or what?
Do you think that they are mad? Do you think that they don't know how "stupid" it looks? All these are for the seekers. When they are ready for the "enlightenment" they will get it.
In Roman Catholism it is the same. The protestents protests that they are idol worshipers because they have statues where they do the cross and pray in front of. They protest that they pray to Mary and calls her mother of God.
You see, those that make fun or the Hindus and those that protest against the Roman Catholics are missing the whole point and they have a log in their eyes... so they cannot see.
Yet I tend to think that the individual Roman Catholic have more likelihood to know God than the protestant. More likelihood and not the only way, because there are many paths to spirituality and protestanism works for some.
The Buddha says it best. Form is emptiness and Emptiness is form. -
Originally posted by casino_king:
What you say makes no sense.
There is only 1 subject and they are all teaching the same subject. That is the path to a spiritual life. The schools teach different ways or paths... some by purifying the mind; some by doing good and avoiding evil.
That's like saying 'all university subjects are ACADEMIC SUBJECTS' and the path of 'ACADEMIC LIFE'
But what help is it by saying 'all of them are academic subjects' and 'the path of academic life' when every single subject deal with DIFFERENT THINGS? You only can choose one to be your major. -
That is more like 'purifying sins' by avoiding evil. It does not speak of 'purifying the mind'.Originally posted by laoda99:1 Peter 1:22 (New International Version)
22Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart.[a]
By having faith in Jesus Christ does not necessarily mean one can be completely detached from all sentient thoughts. Purifying the mind is not just a matter of doing good and avoiding evil. -
This is another analogy. The aim of going to the university is to train you in critical thinking. Sure you can do engineering or medicine.Originally posted by An Eternal Now:What you say makes no sense.
That's like saying 'all university subjects are ACADEMIC SUBJECTS' and the path of 'ACADEMIC LIFE'
But what help is it by saying 'all of them are academic subjects' and 'the path of academic life' when every single subject deal with DIFFERENT THINGS? You only can choose one to be your major. -
Why are you replying with my quote?Originally posted by laoda99:hmmm...just read yesterday's ST and I have a feeling nowadays buddhists are pushing their beliefs more aggressively, and the other side which they usually against are Christians......is it just me that feel like that?
This is not really good.....
I am merely replying to Casino King's statement about Christianity.
No choice, he always talk about Christianity.
If he talked about Islam, I would also have said that 'Islam in its purest form...' etc etc. -
Come on Eternal, 2000+ yrs has passed since buddha, everyone trying to be completely detached from all sentient thoughts, but how many have succeeded besides Gautama Buddha?Originally posted by An Eternal Now:That is more like 'purifying sins' by avoiding evil. It does not speak of 'purifying the mind'.
But having faith in Jesus Christ does not necessarily mean one can be completely detached from all sentient thoughts. Purifying the mind is not just a matter of doing good and avoiding evil.
We all can try as much as we can to be faithful to our beliefs, but we are still human. -
Nothing against u by replying with ur quote, I know u have nothing against Christianity, but it is just a thought when I read today's ST. Saw the banners those youths were carrying along Orchard Road and just want to express my thoughts.Originally posted by An Eternal Now:Why are you replying with my quote?
I am merely replying to Casino King's statement about Christianity.
No choice, he always talk about Christianity.
If he talked about Islam, I would also have said that 'Islam in its purest form...' etc etc.
Casino King is against every belief and faith, from what he posted at EH, BWB and the Islamic forum. The only belief he has is his own which comes from a parchment of all sorts. -
See the log in your eye?Originally posted by laoda99:Casino King is against every belief and faith. The only belief he has is his own which comes from a parchment of all sorts.
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I disagree that Buddhism came out of Hinduism - since the fundamental teachings are at heart different. Even Reincarnation is not shared by Buddhist. We speak of Rebirth.Originally posted by casino_king:There is only 1 subject and they are all teaching the same subject. That is the path to a spiritual life. The schools teach different ways or paths... some by purifying the mind; some by doing good and avoiding evil.
To be more specific, Buddhism came out of Hinduism.
Do you know why Buddhism is not popular in India? Because Hinduism was there but not in China and SEA.
Do you know why Roman Catholism is so much bigger than all the protestent churches combined?
Buddhism and the Protestent churches were rebels. Rebels are people who think that they know better. But they are simply restating the original in another way.
Do you know why in a Buddhist country like Thailand; the 4 face Hindu God is the most popular; not only in Bangkok but in the whole region?
Think about it and detach; detach... you will be enlightened sooner.
It is true that Buddhism is a reformation of the Indian religion. At that time, it was NOT called Hinduism. Hinduism was formed 1000 years after Buddhism came about, after the Muslims invaded India. At that time, Hinduism gained a lot of influence of Buddhism, almost absorbing it to be part of Hinduism as a sect. But Buddhism left just before that happened.
The main religion of Buddha's times is Brahmanism. But there is not only Brahmanism - the religions that exist in Buddha's period has 60+ kinds. Each of them teach very very different things. All sorts of teachings are there - so you cannot say something like 'Buddhism came out of Hinduism' - it doesn't make sense at all.
As to 'why 4 Face Brahma' is so popular in the region, very simple. Because of Brahmanistic influence in the region. -
Pls refer to the other thread my reply to u.Originally posted by casino_king:See the log in your eye?
Only u dun have log i know. Good 4 u. -
I also talk about Hinduism. see 13 May 2006 · 11:12 PM aboveOriginally posted by An Eternal Now:Why are you replying with my quote?
I am merely replying to Casino King's statement about Christianity.
No choice, he always talk about Christianity.
If he talked about Islam, I would also have said that 'Islam in its purest form...' etc etc. -
Oops sorry. I glanced through because I was halfway playing my need for speed.Originally posted by casino_king:I also talk about Hinduism. see 13 May 2006 · 11:12 PM above
Yes, I also agree that Hinduism has a deeper spirituality than on its surface.
To be more specific - the Advaita Vedanta tradition of contemplatives. The one that focuses on realising the the union with Brahman/Self/God. -
Originally posted by An Eternal Now:
I am surprised that you can talk of the essence of Christianity and not the essense of Hinduism.
I disagree that Buddhism came out of Hinduism - since the fundamental teachings are at heart different. Even Reincarnation is not shared by Buddhist. We speak of Rebirth.
It is true that Buddhism is a reformation of the Indian religion. At that time, it was NOT called Hinduism. Hinduism was formed 1000 years after Buddhism came about, after the Muslims invaded India. At that time, Hinduism gained a lot of influence of Buddhism, almost absorbing it to be part of Hinduism as a sect. But Buddhism left just before that happened.
The main religion of Buddha's times is Brahmanism. But there is not only Brahmanism - the religions that exist in Buddha's period has 60+ kinds. Each of them [b]teach very very different things. All sorts of teachings are there - so you cannot say something like 'Buddhism came out of Hinduism' - it doesn't make sense at all.
As to 'why 4 Face Brahma' is so popular in the region, very simple. Because of Brahmanistic influence in the region.[/b]
To me the essence of Hinduism and Buddhism and Christianity is the same. That is why I never ask people to leave their faith. All I am trying to do is giude the believers within their faith towards the essence.
There is so much that Buddha taught. The Buddhist then apply what the Buddha taught to everything else except Buddhist teaching. Form is Emptiness my friend. There is a higher truth in Buddhism then the practice of Buddhism. -
Countless.Originally posted by laoda99:Come on Eternal, 2000+ yrs has passed since buddha, everyone trying to be completely detached from all sentient thoughts, but how many have succeeded besides Gautama Buddha?
In Buddha's era ALONE, there is at least a few THOUSAND arhants - those who is completely liberated from samsara.
Even today there are enlightened people - even in sgforums, I shall not name
We all can try as much as we can to be faithful to our beliefs, but we are still human.
In Buddhism, faithfulness itself does not lead to Liberation. The key is in mindfulness and awareness practise - and that is peculiar to Buddhism alone. -
Originally posted by casino_king:
Pls see my previous post. I said I glanced through and missed bcos im playing game.
I am surprised that you can talk of the essence of Christianity and not the essense of Hinduism.To me the essence of Hinduism and Buddhism and Christianity is the same. That is why I never ask people to leave their faith. All I am trying to do is giude the believers within their faith towards the essence.
If you compare Advaita Vedanta with Christian Mysticism, then I say yes. -
I be the first to put my name down in Not Enlightened People listOriginally posted by An Eternal Now:Countless.
In Buddha's era ALONE, there is at least a few THOUSAND arhants - those who is completely liberated from samsara.
Even today there are enlightened people - even in sgforums, I shall not name