Dalai Lama

[KungFuKenobi]

I just wanted to share an idea from a book I read recently. The book was called "The Art of Happiness" and was about the Dalai Lama.

Anyway, the author of the book was interviewing the Dalai Lama and basically asked him what made him so happy, easygoing, compassionate and friendly towards people from all walks of life that he meets.

The Dalai Lama basically said that he feels that we have all been reincarnated many, many times to the point where anyone you see walking down the street, on a bus, at the store, etc, has, at some point, been a brother, father, son, mother, etc to you.

With this belief, there is no need to be afraid of speaking with a stranger with anything less than total trust and sincerity, and with an open heart.

I'm not saying I buy into this philosphy, but it's a pretty neat take on things.

[grazzhoppa]

Makes you really think....

If only I could put that to practice...well, there's always next year.

[EvilPoet]

"At the heart of Buddhist philosophy is the notion of compassion
for others. It should be noted that the compassion encouraged
by Mahayana Buddhism is not the usual love one has for friends
or family. The love being advocated here is the kind one can have
even for another who has done one harm. Developing a kind
heart does not always involve any of the sentimental religiosity
normally associated with it. It is not just for people who believe
in religions; it is for everyone who considers himself or herself to
be a member of the human family, and thus sees things in
accordingly large terms."

Source:
HH The Dalai Lama (http://hhdl.dharmakara.net/)

[incendiary]

It's funny because that is a totaly faulty statement from the leader of the enlightened religion. Go into a big city ghetto looking for your long lost brother and your dead. Even just your normal crazy people who you would "trust" would throw you in a well and make you put lotion on your skin or get the hose again.

I never knew why some one who see's material things as useless has so much high costing merchandise.

[EvilPoet]

Originally posted by incendiary
I never knew why some one who see's material things
as useless has so much high costing merchandise.
I am not sure what you mean. Can you clarify it a little more?

[spookz]

bah
more double speak

what is he trying to tell us here? that strangers do not deserve love? you gotta be family to be accepted?

the guy is a politician and is giggly all the time cos of all the ganja he smokes

[incendiary]

There is one soul like thing that is the leader of buddhists. He is found in his newly reincarnated body and then is the Dalai Lama.

Buddhism is against the seeking of material wealth and possesions. (like wanting a big screen and all that stuff) They think the seaking of these things leads to discontent and unhappyness, which is pretty much true.

So why the leader of this anti-wealth religion has so much merchandise like books, calenders, and posters is confusing. On top of that the books by him that i've seen are like 70 pages and $17.

seems werid, but it could be going to help all those munks in Tibet?
If so doesn't it seem to be working.

[EvilPoet]

incendiary: Thanks for the clarification, I appreciate it.

[incendiary]

your welcome

[m0rl0ck]

Buddhism is against the seeking of material wealth and possesions. (like wanting a big screen and all that stuff) They think the seaking of these things leads to discontent and unhappyness, which is pretty much true.


Actually its only the attachment to material things that causes suffering, wanting, getting, more wanting, more getting.
The things themselves have no valence.
Seeking something material for the benefit it will give doesnt necessarily entail a destructive attachment to that thing.
GOD I WANT A GEFORCE 4 SO BAD I CAN TASTE IT! WAHHHH! :)

[axonio98]

As a sea level person, accustomated to a lot of oxigen, i can't accept the poor oxigen Dalai Lama's religion. :D

[m0rl0ck]

So why the leader of this anti-wealth religion has so much merchandise like books, calenders, and posters is confusing. On top of that the books by him that i've seen are like 70 pages and $17.

Actually the Dalai Lama (or "Big D" as he is known in Vegas) has a very good and legitimate use for this money. Once or twice a year he and his retinue charter a couple of 747's to Las Vegas for a fun filled month or two of hookers, alcohol, gambling, cuban cigar smoking and drug bingeing (didnt you ever wonder what put that smile on his face?). The highlight of the holiday is always the naked karoke orgy (or in tibetan the "Long Dong Songka"). Word is that the "Big D" does a hell of an Elvis if hes not too stoned to stand.

[airdog]

I would take the Dalai Lama more seriously if he would give that pretentious gasbag Richard Gere a good smackdown!

[notme2000]

The Dalai Lama basically said that he feels that we have all been reincarnated many, many times to the point where anyone you see walking down the street, on a bus, at the store, etc, has, at some point, been a brother, father, son, mother, etc to you.
This, of course, also means every person you meet on a bus, at the store, etc, has, at some point, been your enemy, killer, rapist, thief... And now we're back at square one. :bugeye:

[Empty Dragon]

Since they are all your family wouldn't you still love and forgive them?

[notme2000]

Would YOU?

[Empty Dragon]

If I was strong enough to do so. Holding on to resentment only holds you back.

[notme2000]

And what if the person you forgive kills you?

[Empty Dragon]

If that Dalai Lama is right then it doesn't matter because next time he will give birth to you.

[notme2000]

IF the Dalai lama is right. I don't take that chance. People earn my trust. But I aint a cold hearted jerk either. I give many opportunities to show me that they're trust-worthy.

[Empty Dragon]

Exactly! Even if he did realize truth he could only guide you to it We do not know if he is right or not we must realize it within ourselves.

[notme2000]

Wow, never thought of this. But we also must take in to account the thousands of other religions, beliefs, cults, etc, that claim they only lead you to it. So in the end, it's all where you get... So the Dalai Lama could still be wrong. They could all be wrong. Maybe I will realize truth and lead others to it... Or maybe I'll only find a truth that works for me and the only others that will find it are the others that it works for as well...

[Empty Dragon]

Not how I would have worded it...:D But pretty much

[notme2000]

So all Dalai Lama was was someone who was really in touch with HIMSELF, not with the truth...

[Empty Dragon]

No. I said he might know the truth might not. If he knows the truth then i am sure he could guide you to it. Wheter we realize he understands is the question. But with out realizing the truth how can we know?

[notme2000]

But if he is not right? Which is more likely by statistic. Then he would only be someone who was in touch with himself. And the only people he could lead to the "truth" are people who that "truth" would work for.

[Empty Dragon]

Granted if it was an objectionable "truth" then sure. But It is also possible that he may comprehend the ultimate truth.

[notme2000]

Possible but less likely.

What I would see more likely is that his message is to first get in touch with yourself, forget the truth. Once you have become in touch with youself (which will be a different path for every person) the truth will become aparant.

[Empty Dragon]

Interesting but what does it mean to be truley in touch with oneself? Is that not just as illusive as truth?

[notme2000]

I'm not claiming to be in touch with yourself IS the truth. I'm wondering if to be in touch with yourself is to be in the right place to perceive the truth..... ?

[Empty Dragon]

Well most likley since then you would be strong enough to accept it.

[notme2000]

Or passive enough.

[Empty Dragon]

Or beyond both.

[notme2000]

You get it in this thread, why not in the fear thread!? lol

[Empty Dragon]

Ahhhrgh!!! I do but you don't get that I get it. We are just explaing it differntly.

[notme2000]

Trust me, either you don't get it or I don't get it. There is no way we both get it, we are claiming the oposites.... But lets leave this debate in the fear thread.