Brilliant quote (Creator, tradition, Buddhism, beliefs, homosexuality)

[Opethian]

Nice quote. I would like to add a part to it though:

Don't believe in something simply because you want to believe in it.

[Scarlett Wampus]

Originally Posted by Master Vigil

Yes, it is writings like this that make me wonder if I would be more peaceful following buddhism.

Taoism and Buddhism have never been bad neighbours. If there was a stronger Buddhist community where I live then I would probably become Buddhist out of practical consideration. As it is the Taoists (or 'Students of Tao' in strict keeping with the Taoist traditions) far out-number the Buddhists here.

[Adstar]

Originally Posted by Sunstone

Do you think it's possible the Buddha was aware of the fallibility of human reasoning? Or, do you think he naively assumed human reasoning is perfect?

He was all about working to achieve perfection wasn't he? that through buddhism people could achieve nirvana (is that the right word?) The belief that one can achieve perfection is the ultimate delusion human will never achieve perfection.


All Praise The Ancient Of Days

[Master Vigil]

Originally Posted by Scarlett Wampus

Taoism and Buddhism have never been bad neighbours. If there was a stronger Buddhist community where I live then I would probably become Buddhist out of practical consideration. As it is the Taoists (or 'Students of Tao' in strict keeping with the Taoist traditions) far out-number the Buddhists here.

Sometimes I wish I lived in the east. They have such a different outlook on "practice" of religion and philosophy. They are Taoist, Confucian, Buddhist, and Christian all at the same time. Why must we only be confined to one?

[Master Vigil]

Originally Posted by Adstar

He was all about working to achieve perfection wasn't he? that through buddhism people could achieve nirvana (is that the right word?) The belief that one can achieve perfection is the ultimate delusion human will never achieve perfection.

Buddha does not mean perfect, and nirvana is not a state of perfection. Buddha means enlightened, and Nirvana... well... that depends on what buddhist tradition you are speaking of. However, my personal understanding of it is that nirvana is a state of oneness. Bliss, peace, etc... Not much unlike the concept of heaven, except less romantic.

[c0da]

Human observation is fallible.
Human analysis is fallible.
Human reasoning is fallible.

Therefore the decision made at the end of this process cannot be trusted.

Neither can the decisions made by blind faith.

He was all about working to achieve perfection wasn't he? that through buddhism people could achieve nirvana (is that the right word?) The belief that one can achieve perfection is the ultimate delusion human will never achieve perfection.

Nirvana is not the acheivement of perfection, it is what Master Vigil said and more. It is the cutting off of needless attatchments and desires and the ending of negative feelings that arise from hatred, greed and ignorance.

[michel]

Originally Posted by Sunstone

Do you think it's possible the Buddha was aware of the fallibility of human reasoning? Or, do you think he naively assumed human reasoning is perfect?

I know that was addressed at adstar; I am personally convinced that Buddha was aware of the fallibility of human reasoning, even his own.

[d.]

Originally Posted by Master Vigil

Why must we only be confined to one?

we don't. 'the more, the merrier.'

actually, the more religious people investigate and even mix with other spiritual traditions, the less likely religious conflicts are to occur - or so i believe.

[Sunstone]

Originally Posted by Adstar

He was all about working to achieve perfection wasn't he? that through buddhism people could achieve nirvana (is that the right word?) The belief that one can achieve perfection is the ultimate delusion human will never achieve perfection.


All Praise The Ancient Of Days

The Buddha was not "about achieving perfection." His concern was with release from Dukkah. Dukkah is a word that is usually translated as "out of jointedness" or "suffering". Seeking to be released from Dukkah is quite different than seeking "perfection".

Nirvana is a word that is usually translated as "cessation". It originally referred to the snuffing out of a flame, such as a candle flame. Again, it has nothing to do with "perfection". Many, perhaps most, Buddhists would tell you that nirvana is not the goal of their practice of Buddhism.

BTW, where did you get this notion that the Buddha was "all about perfection"?

[Sunstone]

Originally Posted by michel

I know that was addressed at adstar; I am personally convinced that Buddha was aware of the fallibility of human reasoning, even his own.

I agree.