Might and the Meatless

I love my wife! I've been a Buddhist (officially, LOL) for five years and it was not until she decided to go vegetarian that I had the cojones to try it myself. Yes, I read all the same books about our meat supply and how really nasty it is, how much waste goes into its production, all the hormones used in growing the cattle, etc etc. I still held out because I believed that the only way to stay fit was to eat meat.

I believed that in order to fulfill my boddhisatva vow to save all sentient beings, I had to eat a few sentient beings now and then, because it was necessary to maintain muscle strength so I could carry big guns and wear a heavy equipment whilst carting rather surely characters to the pokey. Then one day my wife said she abandoned meat because it was like eating suffering. Wow, that was like getting hit in the face with a plank! She never took the precepts nor the boddhisatva vow, but I swear she is a better buddhist than me!!

So, after picking around the edges, I decided I could no longer eat animals. Thanks to the wonders of Google I found a number of web sites profiling vegetarian athletes.

ESPN has an excellent article entitled: "Who says you have to eat meat to be a successful athlete?" by Jonah Keri. Mr. Keri Profiles a variety of successful professional athletes who also happen to be vegetarian. My personal favorite is the profile of Mac Danzig, MMA pro.

Researching Mac Danzig lead me to Mike Mahler's website. Mr. Mahler is a vegetarian strength athlete that trained Mr. Danzig.

And, in case there was a need for appropriate recipes: The No Meat Athlete is an excellent resource.

In order to test the vegetarian diet for myself, I will be doing Crossfit workouts, while maintaining strict dietary discipline. Let's see how it goes!

Interview with a Buddhist Soldier

By way of the Buddhist Military Sangha Blog I humbly offer the following interview conducted by Sensei Trevor Maloney who writes the The Big Old Oak Tree.

Distracted

For the next couple of weeks posts will be slow, due some pressing obligations. I'm going to continue to moderate comments, but will not be doing much replying.

Thanks!

The Angry Monk: Zen Practice for Angry People

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!

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.

Ink, Budhism under cover

The movie is Ink.

One of the few examples in modern cinema of profound teaching.  Bai Bow

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