Is it possible to follow this teaching of Jesus in real life?

Question

Jesus taught: "You have learned that “Eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth.” But what I tell you is this: Do not set yourself against the man who wrongs you. If someone slaps you on the right cheek, turn and offer him your left." Do you think this is a practical advice to follow? Do you follow this in your life? We, normal human beings have limits to forgiveness and endurance, then how to follow this teaching? When one country attacks another, should the attacked one follow Jesus's lesson?

Answer 1

A strange fallacy exists in the world is applying the single rule for all and sundries! As we Indian here used to say ' SAKALA ROGA SANJEEVINI" ( one herb for all diseases!). I dont know how can it be applicable for all and in different situations. For example a dangerous criminal approching you, a martial-art-knight, with a 'sharp-sword' killing on the way the children, women and elderly people. Would you teach him the Love and Compassion from Buddha's scriptures and chant the manthra "Buddham saranam kachami" or else you will retaliate and cut him in to pieces? And I SAY IF IT IS FOR THE SAKE OF OTHERS WELFARE, WHATEVER YOU DO IS JUST AND MORAL. And if it is from your selfish ulterior motivations, that is wrong! And I dont feel that our God is such a fool to give us all such Anger, Hatred, Vengence etc., for the sake of nothing. And in the whole world there was no single unuseful thing found in his creation...and how can be the above traits too. But, one thing is sure IF YOU WANT TO POSE YOUR SELF SAINTLY AND SUPERIOR TO OTHERS YOU HAVE TO BE MORE SUBMISSIVE AND FORGIVING IN OUTER ACTIONS! And saintly one, can bear such insults and sufferings as his invisible future investment to get fame! But we the people loitering in the familial life, how can tolerate the Insults/ attacks focussed either on us or on our family members. WHEN ONE IS SINGLE IN ENTITY AND ALOOF IN MIND & ACTIVITY, CAN TOLERATE ANY INSULT but CAN NEVER FOR ANY SOCIABLE MAN WHO LIVE AS A FAMILY, SOCIETY AND NATION!

Answer 2

Hello =)

Well....as individuals, yes, we should try to follow this example and teaching to the very best of our ability. Some of us do it quite well. Others fail miserably. The whole of Buddhist morality is based upon this concept as well.

Nations, on the other hand, cannot act in the same way that individuals do. If it is a minor insult, then, yes, perhaps they can overlook it, but in general, no, nations have to consider the safety and welfare of their people first and foremost. They cannot turn another cheek, and allow for more of their people to be injured in some way. This would be improper.

The Tibetans, who I admire greatly, as a Buddhist, have tried this approach, and while His Holiness, the Dalai Lama is sure that this was the best way to handle the Chinese occupation, I, on the other hand, am not so sure. His predecessor, the 13th Dalai Lama, would have had Tibet build a stronger army as a deterrent, in order to make it so difficult for the Chinese to gain a foothold in Tibet, that ultimately, they would have given up. This sort of resistance, while not aggressive, certainly isn't the same as being passive either.

Unfortunately, The 13th Dalai Lama never got to implement his plans before he died, and the current Dalai Lama was too young at the time to fully appreciate the dangers of the Chinese. So, instead, the Tibetans chose to "turn the other cheek"....the result of which was the decimation of their culture, and near-genocide of their race.

Namaste,

--Tom

Answer 3

Some people take this statement too literally. In the case of the attacked country, there is a difference, in this case it is self defence. God said He will fight our battles for us, however, God helps those who helps themselves, He gave us the ability to defend ourselves in the necessary situations. If someone is going to kill u, an innocent person, and u are in the position to defend urself, I think God expects u to defend urself. If u are going to fall, are u going to keep ur arms at ur side and say Lord catch me? He gave us the ability to help ourselves, it's the same thing. The key is moderation, if u have to, do it! If it can be avoided, avoid it!

Jesus is perfect, we are not. He set out certain things as guidelines for us that He could follow perfectly. He expects us to try our BEST to follow them, but He knows that we are not perfect so He does not expect perfection from us. He knows we will fall down at times. What He wan't is for us to get back up!

Answer 4

In principle turning the other cheek is a beautiful philosophy and may even work in our local communities. But on a global level it's out of the question - it's tantamount to national suicide. Christ lived in very different times and never left Jewish turf; "turn the other cheek" is a small- and simple-world advice. Too bad!

Answer 5

This is a great question. All of us who believe in Christ certainly try to follow Jesus' teachings but we all fall short of the glory of God. That is why he sent his son. So basically, no matter how hard we try, we will all fail miserably. That is why God's mercy and forgiveness is so special. I truly do not understand those who deny something so wonderful that is so free.

Answer 6

Follow that mush as much u can, Don't be a blind follower.
Use common sense in today's context.

Answer 7

then for what they are.you need more research.