The Planet's Sangha: Buddhist discussions, thought, etc.

Jaques · 09-04-2012, 12:33 PM

I also follow the teachings of Christ as I believe he like the Buddha who was born a long time before, is a fully realised being who brought truth to the world. Both taught people to look inside to find it for themselves and the Buddha encouraged us to question everything, including what he taught so we could really understand why we are here and the impermenant nature of everything. They came at it from different angles but the main message to us was to be compassionate, not only to others but firstly to ourselves so that we are better placed to help those around us. Some people might see this as selfish but to me it makes sense. I dont call myself a Buddhist, if i admit it, i am not good at commitment and i couldnt take the 5 precepts because i drink alcohol, not a lot but it is a mind altering substance - but then so's coffee, lol! Actually, i have just learned that the Buddha took cannabis as part of his diet - i dont do drugs but have heard its a good medicine used in the right way.
I think the lst thing that drew me to Buddhism was when i saw the Dalai lama interviewed and when asked how he viewed his enemy, the Chinese, where Christ was reputed to have said "love your enemies" - the Dalai Lamas reply was "there is no enemy, we are all brothers, all the same.........." For a man who has had his country ravaged (firstly by the English in l912, colonel younghusband) and then the chinese inthe l950's, his people still persecuted, the panchen lama kidnapped as a 5 yr old and replaced by the chinese chosen lama, hes one heck of a guy and has such an infectious laugh. Hes the kind of guy, who when looking at the magnificence of the Himalayas, would notice a tiny flower at his feet and marvel at that............so my journey began - and yes, its great to hear others experiences too..........

over to you..............

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09-04-2012, 12:33 PM	#25
Jaques Member How Do You Identify?: male/TG Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: England Posts: 220 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 51 Thanked 398 Times in 122 Posts Rep Power: 2583511	I also follow the teachings of Christ as I believe he like the Buddha who was born a long time before, is a fully realised being who brought truth to the world. Both taught people to look inside to find it for themselves and the Buddha encouraged us to question everything, including what he taught so we could really understand why we are here and the impermenant nature of everything. They came at it from different angles but the main message to us was to be compassionate, not only to others but firstly to ourselves so that we are better placed to help those around us. Some people might see this as selfish but to me it makes sense. I dont call myself a Buddhist, if i admit it, i am not good at commitment and i couldnt take the 5 precepts because i drink alcohol, not a lot but it is a mind altering substance - but then so's coffee, lol! Actually, i have just learned that the Buddha took cannabis as part of his diet - i dont do drugs but have heard its a good medicine used in the right way. I think the lst thing that drew me to Buddhism was when i saw the Dalai lama interviewed and when asked how he viewed his enemy, the Chinese, where Christ was reputed to have said "love your enemies" - the Dalai Lamas reply was "there is no enemy, we are all brothers, all the same.........." For a man who has had his country ravaged (firstly by the English in l912, colonel younghusband) and then the chinese inthe l950's, his people still persecuted, the panchen lama kidnapped as a 5 yr old and replaced by the chinese chosen lama, hes one heck of a guy and has such an infectious laugh. Hes the kind of guy, who when looking at the magnificence of the Himalayas, would notice a tiny flower at his feet and marvel at that............so my journey began - and yes, its great to hear others experiences too.......... over to you..............