I hope to die with the knowledge that I either was of use healing this world or that at least I did my best not to make it any worse. I would like to attempt to at improving the world as a Buddhist Nun in AIDS stricken countries in Africa and Asia to care for those dying and of course attain Nirvana. I also see the folly of many idealists and would almost rather be isolated as a permaculturist hermit (second most sustainable lifestyle after hunting and gathering). Which of these would you recommend the life of influence and humanitarian idealism or escapism? Should I try to combine them by teaching/learning indigenous lifestyles to/from people in third world countries thus making an even greater impact for good? Also, do you think I will regret not having a family? Could denial of what I am naturally compelled to do inhibit and distort my pursuits making a normal life the most moral option?
2006-07-28 21:37:35 · 9 answers · asked by heathen 2 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
If you answered this last time don't worry you answers were helpful but I realized my question was unclear.
2006-07-28 21:38:32 · update #1
I admire you. To actually have the ideals and then the werewithal and stamina to even attempt to do anything as selfless as that. I personally would go for the Buddhist Nun helping AIDS patients for many reasons. I have so many friends who have died from AIDS and know that they needed touch therapy; in the beginning when we didn't know what AIDS was I was there doing that but so many people are deprived because of the stigma associated with AIDS. In your case so many people are dying that if you can help comfort the dying yet teach the living your impact in Earth with be twofold, and you will have REALLY made an impact with your life. I venture to guess that if you got yourself so ensconsed in the villages, townships or whereever you are to be, you will have a natural family, who's number's and love would make a conventional birth family seem like a farce. You don't have to be blood to be family. If you are truly compelled to do this then your calling and your soul won't be satisfied until you do. Making a "normal" life; catagorizing your life with the 2.5 kids dog picket fence etc will always make you wonder what you missed. I don't think that if you follow your dream that you might look out over the
African desert with a village full of kids tugging at your shorts, and families being eternally grateful that you were there for their loved ones last breath, that you'll be regretful about missing out on the picket fence. Please let me know what you decide> Bless you
2006-07-28 21:51:30 · answer #1 · answered by Sidoney 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
While you can decide on a general path, it makes sense to not narrow your approach so much. It is not necessary to be a Buddhist Nun to serve the AIDS stricken. When you say care for dying, are you specifically relating to AIDS (I hope so). If not then yet another independent decision. Why isolate yourself? No need at all. You can be a part of the society while having your way of doing things... Why do you think your approach should make a greater impact for good?(Just palying the d's advocate)
There are people who have given up various things in life. I am not one for advocating denial. In the one life that we have, there is no need to give up anything.
All the best, whatever you decide. God bless!
2006-07-29 04:59:09 · answer #2 · answered by Wrobinhood 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you'll find the life of service more rewarding than the life of isolation. Human beings are social creatures. Denying your social instinct is far more unnatural than denying your sexual and reproductive ones. Also, I don't think you have to be an idealist to give up a "normal" life in order to help the poor. You just have to have an absolute certainty that this is what you want to do.
As for not having a family –Â that is definitely a sacrifice. It's one you should think long and hard about making. Of course, it's possible to lead a happy and fulfilled life without reproducing. But you should be sure that's really what you want.
Good luck.
2006-07-29 15:04:56 · answer #3 · answered by Keither 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Right thinking is one of the steps in the eightfold path. Meditate on the eightfold path and get rid of ego.
Idealism is not folly ... it is a wish and a prayer which does affect the universe around you. Everything that you do for the good of others enhances your true understanding, but you can take care of yourself too.
Keep searching and your enlightenment is assured ... you are blessed already by your own quest !
Yours truly Jonnie
2006-07-29 05:26:14 · answer #4 · answered by Jonnie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think once you have a family it might have an impact on your pursuits but then again it might make them more the worth wild. I'm truly stunned. How old are you? Look..... If you want people to appreciate who you really are then just follow what you dream.
2006-08-06 01:08:17 · answer #5 · answered by msteelers2004 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In many of life's questions there is no one 'right' answer. What works for you as a person & makes YOU happy is the way you should go. You have only one life .
2006-08-06 01:18:26 · answer #6 · answered by Praxis 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Follow your heart. You are a very, very brave person. Deep down, I think you know what you want to do, but you are hesitant. Trust yourself to make the correct decision. God bless.
2006-08-05 23:06:19 · answer #7 · answered by jmiller 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sorry sweetie, it's still somewhat unclear. Perhaps you could try something a bit shorter?
2006-08-05 20:02:07 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go as your heart says!
2006-07-29 04:39:29 · answer #9 · answered by domesticavalanche 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋