For example, can a true Buddhist save up for a house, aspire to a career that requires long-term training, etc., given that you are supposed to live for the moment?
Long-term goals of course require an orientation toward the future.
2007-06-04 06:40:29 · 6 answers · asked by eireannkiley 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Don't confuse planning with preoccupation with the future. The latter is a type of attachment to avoid, the former is natural and incurs no negative "karma" associated with attachments. The same comparison can be made with remembering the past versus not getting over (mental preoccupation) an very unpleasant event from the past, like divorce or death of a loved one.
Don't get trapped by words. "True" Buddhist doesn't mean anything. Buddhist is just a term you call yourself (or not). We've people who attend my temple who do not consider themselves Buddhist, but Christian, yet they meditate and train the same as me - so there is no difference.
2007-06-04 06:47:51 · answer #1 · answered by Radagast97 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The path to spiritual life is long and tedious and Buddhist were taught patience and perseverance. There is no short cut to the way of life unless the soul had already been in steps of many lives before. Reincarnationists would know how far they have travelled.
2007-06-04 13:51:08 · answer #2 · answered by Rallie Florencio C 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, by chopping them up into short-term goals.
2007-06-04 13:42:52 · answer #3 · answered by S K 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
one does not have to live an ascetic lifestyle in order to achieve enlightenment, but it sure would help speed up the process...
2007-06-04 13:45:25 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Only in an ironic and illusionary way.....
2007-06-04 13:43:29 · answer #5 · answered by tracymoo 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sure they can.
2007-06-04 13:42:41 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋