When we read buddhist parables , they talk about complete reduction of the self where no desire for eternal reward is sought after. Isn't this whole heaven thing all about what's in it for ME ME ME?
2007-06-03 19:46:45 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
It's either Heaven or Hell so take your pick.
2007-06-03 19:49:42 · answer #1 · answered by JesusismyLight 1 · 0⤊ 5⤋
It's paradox again isn't it?
What starts out as, perhaps, a selfish desire for Heaven can become, as spirituality deepens, selfless love and compassion.
Some people get stuck in the ME ME as you put it but I know many deeply spiritual, compassionate and selfless people who still 'hope' for Heaven. There are some on this site.
As far as Buddhists are concerned, you think we don't often yearn for Kensho, for Nirvana? It's the same thing. As spirituality deepens, so motivation becomes more and more pure.
This is a really salutary question, thankyou.
Jon C
2007-06-03 20:38:45 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The quest of the Spiritual seeker is to learn to know and understand the 'oneness of creation' - you might say to see 'God' in ourselves, all our surroundings and every other being and happening. To see your 'self' reflected back throught the eyes of another - to understand that who 'i am being' at any point in time directly affects the beingness of others. ( I know a difficult concept to understand) To feel in our body, the pain of another and know this because in spirit, we are all one. To know that in harming another, we are actually harming ourself. To know that the behaviour of the World around us is a 'reflection' of our innermost being - the part we cannot consciously see - and is the best clue to knowing our own state of beingness. That is the 'self - centering ' we talk about, not the ego drivenness of possessions. To know that we are all one being seeing life from many different perspectives concurrently - i would say is truly 'everlasting life' and truly 'self centering'. I can't speak for any particular religion - but i think the end result is the same - 'Treating others as you, yourself would wish to be treated' and finding Peace within.
2016-04-01 01:06:59 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I always find it interesting to see WHY some people embrace Christianity, for example. Is it simply for a desire to get to heaven (or avoid hell)? If so, it is a mark of the Divine Humility that God accepts people even on these grounds. Still, there are plenty of Christians who do look deeper, and thank God for them. Spirituality is a quest, and for many it is all about the person you become, not about rewards and punishments.
Peace to you.
2007-06-03 20:14:10 · answer #4 · answered by dreamed1 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Awesome question.
Spirituality is about an individual and their personal and relationship with God (whatever that God is defined as, be it a theistic God or the laws of nature).
Those who seek the reward of heaven aren't seeking a relationship with God but a prize and hence God is means to an end (a tool in other words for man to use to get what they want).
It's not the destination it's the journey.
2007-06-03 19:59:54 · answer #5 · answered by Jake Lockley 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I tend to think that the notion of seeking a reward is totally contrary to the idea of doing for others, and putting self last. Those aren't concepts that I personally agree with completely, but the whole notion of earning a ticket to heaven seems contrary to the whole idea that some religions try to teach.
2007-06-03 19:55:11 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
The answer to your question is yes!
The ego has an insatiable hunger for self preservation and it demands consumption of everything in its path.
If the ego is tricked and allowed to fall away of its own accord
man can come to a true understanding regarding mans relationship with his creator.
Buddha saw this in man and taught man how to quiet the mind, and allow it to be at rest. It is only in this restful state that man can tame the overbearing ego, and find inner contentment and peace.
2007-06-03 20:07:18 · answer #7 · answered by WillRogerswannabe 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
you are quite right!
on my path through life i seek only to become a more whole person, to try and look after Gaia, and leave a better environment behind for my children and their children.
if i become completely enlightened on the way or at the end of my journey when my body returns to the earth, thats a bonus!!
)o(
2007-06-03 20:21:40 · answer #8 · answered by hedgewitch 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Christians seek the glory of another, the Lord Jesus Christ.
2007-06-03 19:57:37 · answer #9 · answered by hisgloryisgreat 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Christianity is all about conforming to God's will for your life. The motivation is to please God which turns out to be the absolute best thing for the Christian. Works out pretty good.
Deac
2007-06-03 19:56:55 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's funny, I never thought about it like that. I agree with you.
2007-06-03 19:55:43 · answer #11 · answered by pilljills 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋