Emotion Dictates us

[waitasec]

Originally Posted by The Sum of Awe

Then why do almost all philosophies/religions: Stoicism, Buddhism, Epicureanism, Hinduism, etc. try to find a way around suffering? Isn't that all that these are based on (except Hinduism, it seems to be focused on a bit more than just suffering)?

i would imagine reaching a state of bliss is the carrot ...but getting the carrot has always been satisfying until the next carrot comes along (which is almost immediately followed, for me that is.)


the point is to enjoy the ride, not the destination

Sure they may call it a different thing, they may say the point of these philosophies are to become enlightened, but really what's the difference between being enlightened and lacking suffering?

i think becoming enlightened just brings on more suffering...
until there is another point of enlightenment...

[Nowhere Man]

Originally Posted by The Sum of Awe

I always thought everyone was always so focused on getting out of suffering.

Thats exactly why you suffer.

[The Sum of Awe]

Originally Posted by Nowhere Man

Thats exactly why you suffer.

So what is the goal of Buddhism, as many told me it was to become enlightened.

[Willamena]

Originally Posted by The Sum of Awe

This is not implying to be Nihilistic, although it kinda brings one to the neutralist viewpoint that a true Nihilist has.

Hate nothing, love nothing, care for nothing. Interest and focusing on something else will make us swerve off the side of the road.

It's like texting and driving; Life is the road, living is driving, and texting is the emotions.


I'm not saying take things negatively, because I'm obviously against that too. I'm saying don't take things for anything more than what they are, don't add any form of relationship with it, negative OR positive, because it will create a weak spot, and life is always throwing rocks at you, once it hits that weak spot, you're in pain!

I'd say, take everything as it is, including emotions and their associated relationships, like weakness. And pain. Don't miss out on any of it; it's all life.

[The Sum of Awe]

Originally Posted by The Sum of Awe

So what is the goal of Buddhism, as many told me it was to become enlightened.

I kinda want to bump this question, anyone is free to answer it.

[Gjallarhorn]

Originally Posted by The Sum of Awe

So what is the goal of Buddhism, as many told me it was to become enlightened.

The thing is, the harder you try the longer it takes. It's not always possible to avoid pain. Love is only a source of suffering if it is based on permanence.

[Shuddhasattva]

Originally Posted by Gjallarhorn

I would rather be Achilles than a stone.

Would you rather be a stone or Sisyphus?

[Gjallarhorn]

Originally Posted by Shuddhasattva

Would you rather be a stone or Sisyphus?

Hmm...toughy...and reminds me of Camus...

Then again, this is assuming emotions must cause suffering.

[Indira]

Originally Posted by The Sum of Awe

Then why do almost all philosophies/religions: Stoicism, Buddhism, Epicureanism, Hinduism, etc. try to find a way around suffering? Isn't that all that these are based on (except Hinduism, it seems to be focused on a bit more than just suffering)?

Sure they may call it a different thing, they may say the point of these philosophies are to become enlightened, but really what's the difference between being enlightened and lacking suffering?

i view suffering as necessary, as a vehicule of the universal teachings. As a Buddhist I don`t fear suffering but use it as a learning tool. i do try to `ease` suffering for myself and others but that`s not the same as the concept you seem to have, that would be grasping, which is something i try to avoid..this is also something that should be avoided in love for another to be in balance with reality.

[Indira]

Originally Posted by The Sum of Awe

So what is the goal of Buddhism, as many told me it was to become enlightened.

That is not the goal but the end result for some..we, or i should say i, seek the knowledge of our Buddha Nature through the Buddha`s teachings and for for me, i study all the Universal teachings. Love and compassion open the doors to that possibility.