Just finished reading "The Perfection of Wisdom". These are my thoughts on how to apply Buddhism in my life as a Pagan. Buddhism teaches that attachment to the material world keeps us in a state of unhappiness and suffering, so detachment from that world is greatly to be desired. This has benefits even for those of us who see the material world as divine. It is easy for most people to recognize that who they are, the self, is separate from what they possess – car or home, clothes or jewelry, etc. But FAR less easy to understand that our sensations, our thoughts, judgements, ideas and evaluations are also things we have, not who we are. Acknowledgement of this separation frees us to abandon evaluations, thoughts, judgments, etc. that do not serve us at the moment that their usefulness ceases, because we know they are merely possessions, not the self. This frees us to see correct action in every moment.
2006-11-28 09:18:53 · 8 answers · asked by Praise Singer 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Hmm, yes, it's not just material things that one needs to detach or let go from, but also views, thoughts—or mental faculties that block us from seeing things as they are. For example, are you willing to detach or let go of the label "Pagan" to describe yourself? Or even the label "Buddhist" for that matter. (And BTW, this is not an attack against Pagans or Buddhists by asking such question. I'm merely putting forth the question so that we do not exclude anything out as we examine the human condition and its "empty" nature.)
I think one of the things that thread the teachings is its paradox nature. Yes, it's beneficial to see separateness, but it might also be the very thing that hindrance us from seeing the big picture of our interconnectedness.
2006-11-28 16:48:41 · answer #1 · answered by funkypup 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I never heard of thoughts as "possessions" in buddhism, but if it helps to teach you how to lose your attachment to them, then go for it. I haven't read that book though. It sounds consistent with buddhism to me.
2006-11-28 17:23:54 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You have seem the first insight of the 2 NOBLE TRUTH;the next step is to understand it thoroughly ,then when you have understood it ;you are already on the Noble Path;one of the 8 noble person!
SADHU SADHU SADHU.
2006-11-28 19:14:43 · answer #3 · answered by Anger eating demon 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, but be sure not to become attached to the self either :)
2006-11-28 17:26:16 · answer #4 · answered by Shinkirou Hasukage 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
READ Anything by Jon Kabat-Zinn
2006-11-28 17:21:26 · answer #5 · answered by Thomas 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds right to me but I'm no expert.
2006-11-28 17:21:03 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I agree!
Attachments are attachments.
2006-11-28 18:32:43 · answer #7 · answered by saopaco 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes you have it right.
2006-11-28 17:21:33 · answer #8 · answered by a_delphic_oracle 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋