The Angry Monk: Zen Practice for Angry People
Courtesy of link provided by Dukkhagirl. This is great reading for anyone anyone who works or lives with anyone!
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Monday, October 11, 2010
OMG! Mahayana Buddhists with Sharp Pointy Teeth!!
I was lucky enough to arrive at an article through a favorite blog, The Reformed Buddhist (adult content advisory). Thanks, Kyle for bringing up the topic and pointing to Murderous Mahayana, a blog article written by Barbara O'Brien.
This critique on critique rebuts a profoundly disturbing thesis by a scholar who asserts that Buddhism is inherently violent. As military or police Buddhists, we may face some the arguments put forth in the attached article. Not to fear, however, Ms. O'Brien's rebuttal is solid. Enough of me, go read the article.
This critique on critique rebuts a profoundly disturbing thesis by a scholar who asserts that Buddhism is inherently violent. As military or police Buddhists, we may face some the arguments put forth in the attached article. Not to fear, however, Ms. O'Brien's rebuttal is solid. Enough of me, go read the article.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Ink, Budhism under cover
The movie is Ink.
One of the few examples in modern cinema of profound teaching. Bai Bow
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Precepts for Warriors: Part IV, On Sexual Misconduct
"I will abstain from sexual misconduct and prevent abuse to others"
On the surface, once again, this Mindfulness Training seems obvious. Specifically it is generally accepted that the training against sexual misconduct can be broken down into the following admonishments:
1. No sex with children
2. No sex with someone who is married (not to you)
3. No sex with someone who is not your spouse (if you are married)
4. No sex with someone who is unwilling
Essentially, we are not to cause harm through our sexual conduct. These trainings do not advise against sex in general, but ask us to avoid conduct which can damage another person.
I don't think it is necessary to explain how exploiting children sexually, or raping anyone for that matter is cruel and unjustifiable. If this cannot be understood at face value, then just obey the law, period.
When we make a commitment to another person, a marriage for example, we commit more than just our sexual fidelity. We commit our loyalty, honesty and integrity. We commit our lives to this person so as a unit we are stronger and happier. We do this so we can raise children in a happy and healthy home. Mindfulness during intimacy with our spouse generates greater trust, respect and love and is a great practice for us householders.
To violate the trust of our spouse is to create karmic consequences that will ripple through our lives, and the lives of our families. We feel we have to hide the affair creating anxiety that we will be discovered. This creates tension that intrudes on our presence in the home, and darkens our relationships with the ones we love. If discovered, our betrayal is like a blow to our spouse and child.
TBC
On the surface, once again, this Mindfulness Training seems obvious. Specifically it is generally accepted that the training against sexual misconduct can be broken down into the following admonishments:
1. No sex with children
2. No sex with someone who is married (not to you)
3. No sex with someone who is not your spouse (if you are married)
4. No sex with someone who is unwilling
Essentially, we are not to cause harm through our sexual conduct. These trainings do not advise against sex in general, but ask us to avoid conduct which can damage another person.
I don't think it is necessary to explain how exploiting children sexually, or raping anyone for that matter is cruel and unjustifiable. If this cannot be understood at face value, then just obey the law, period.
When we make a commitment to another person, a marriage for example, we commit more than just our sexual fidelity. We commit our loyalty, honesty and integrity. We commit our lives to this person so as a unit we are stronger and happier. We do this so we can raise children in a happy and healthy home. Mindfulness during intimacy with our spouse generates greater trust, respect and love and is a great practice for us householders.
To violate the trust of our spouse is to create karmic consequences that will ripple through our lives, and the lives of our families. We feel we have to hide the affair creating anxiety that we will be discovered. This creates tension that intrudes on our presence in the home, and darkens our relationships with the ones we love. If discovered, our betrayal is like a blow to our spouse and child.
TBC
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