In the United States, marriage is considered a life long commitment. Do such commitments have any validity in Buddhism? Why commit in the first place if life is lived one moment at a time? (Note: I am sincerely asking a question that I don't know the answer to. Any opinions derrived from the question are strictly those of the reader).
2007-05-04 09:58:38 · 5 answers · asked by ? 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
In Mahayana branch, normal human (not monk) may marry. Marriage between 2 human is the life long commitment. The foundation of marriage must be love, understanding, supporting and sympathizing. Divorce is the last option when anything goes so wrong. Buddha's teaching has many things related to the morale of a family. But in general, a good marriage must be build on time and trust.
Any violations of marriage's code will result in bad karma; it includes divorce because you lose interest in your spouse.
If you cannot plan your life and live day by day, do not make any commitment because you cannot take care of your family!
2007-05-08 08:50:47 · answer #1 · answered by holyfire 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
first of all you start with a falsity.... in the US, marriage is often considered disposable (and the more so the younger you are).... you could say that Christianity considers marriage a lifetime commitment (though divorce rates are higher among evangelicals... go figure that one)
but I was looking into this question recently, and the buddhist idea of marriage seems basically like a mutually beneficial partnership where both partners are committed to their own continuing growth while also supporting each other. I was looking specifically for a buddhist wedding ceremony and couldn't find any... my partner and I are both atheist but closer to buddhist than any other particular path.
2007-05-04 17:06:33 · answer #2 · answered by zmj 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Buddhism doesn't take a stance on marriage, nor do we have marriage ceremonies per se. It's (Buddhism) about subduing the ego, virtuous behavior vs. non-virtue. They have "validity" in recognizing that you chose to do that, but beyond that, it's not an issue like it is in monotheism.
addition: leaders within Buddhism are beginning to recognize the validity of same-sex relationships too, as long as sexuality (by either hetero or LGBT) isn't used to cause harm and suffering.
_()_
2007-05-04 17:02:18 · answer #3 · answered by vinslave 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Living in the moment does not mean you are without commitments.
You may choose to marry.
~ Eric Putkonen
2007-05-04 17:09:32 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
starred because I would like to see the answers to this
xx
2007-05-04 17:02:37 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋