posted on December 21, 2005 12:47:10 PM new
Maggie
I watched it. I liked him! Their theory of heaven is the same as mine. It was good to know that someone else believes as I do. His giggles were infectious.
Cheryl
"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter." - Martin Luther King, Jr.
posted on December 21, 2005 01:03:42 PM new
The main theory and philosophy behind Buddhism is really neat. I was into it really heavily a few years back.
Unfortunately, much of Buddhism relies on the idea of reincarnation, which I not only don't believe in, but think is just incompehensibly silly.
The meditation, attitude and logic still make it very attractive.
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Quidquid Latine dictum sit altum sonatur.
"Unfortunately, much of Buddhism relies on the idea of reincarnation, which I not only don't believe in, but think is just incompehensibly silly."
No sillier than heaven and hell. I'm really sorry that I missed the program.
This Nobel Prize acceptance speech by the Dalai Lama is one of my favorites from a religious leader.
Your Majesty, Members of the Nobel Committee, Brothers and Sisters.
I am very happy to be here with you today to receive the Nobel Prize for Peace. I feel honored, humbled and deeply moved that you should give this important prize to a simple monk from Tibet I am no one special. But I believe the prize is a recognition of the true value of altruism, love, compassion and non-violence which I try to practice, in accordance with the teachings of the Buddha and the great sages of India and Tibet
I accept the prize with profound gratitude on behalf of the oppressed everywhere and for all those who struggle for freedom and work for world peace. I accept it as a tribute to the man who founded the modern tradition of non-violent action for change Mahatma Gandhi whose life taught and inspired me. And, of course, I accept it on behalf of the six million Tibetan people, my brave countrymen and women inside Tibet, who have suffered and continue to suffer so much. They confront a calculated and systematic strategy aimed at the destruction of their national and cultural identities. The prize reaffirms our conviction that with truth, courage and determination as our weapons, Tibet will be liberated.
No matter what part of the world we come from, we are all basically the same human beings. We all seek happiness and try to avoid suffering. We have the same basic human needs and is concerns. All of us human beings want freedom and the right to determine our own destiny as individuals and as peoples. That is human nature. The great changes that are taking place everywhere in the world, from Eastern Europe to Africa are a clear indication of this.
In China the popular movement for democracy was crushed by brutal force in June this year. But I do not believe the demonstrations were in vain, because the spirit of freedom was rekindled among the Chinese people and China cannot escape the impact of this spirit of freedom sweeping many parts of the world. The brave students and their supporters showed the Chinese leadership and the world the human face of that great nation.
Last week a number of Tibetans were once again sentenced to prison terms of upto nineteen years at a mass show trial, possibly intended to frighten the population before today's event. Their only 'crime" was the expression of the widespread desire of Tibetans for the restoration of their beloved country's independence.
The suffering of our people during the past forty years of occupation is well documented. Ours has been a long struggle. We know our cause is just Because violence can only breed more violence and suffering, our struggle must remain non-violent and free of hatred. We are trying to end the suffering of our people, not to inflict suffering upon others.
It is with this in mind that I proposed negotiations between Tibet and China on numerous occasions. In 1987, I made specific proposals in a Five-Point plan for the restoration of peace and human rights in Tibet. This included the conversion of the entire Tibetan plateau into a Zone of Ahimsa, a sanctuary of peace and non-violence where human beings and nature can live in peace and harmony.
last year, I elaborated on that plan in Strasbourg, at the European Parliament I believe the ideas I expressed on those occasions are both realistic. and reasonable although they have been criticised by some of my people as being too conciliatory. Unfortunately, China's leaders have not responded positively to the suggestions we have made, which included important concessions. If this continues we will be compelled to reconsider our position.
Any relationship between Tibet and China will have to be based on the principle of equality, respect, trust and mutual benefit. It will also have to be based on the principle which the wise rulers of Tibet and of China laid down in a treaty as early as 823 AD, carved on the pillar which still stands today in front of the Jokhang, Tibet's holiest shrine, in Lhasa, that "Tibetans will live happily in the great land of Tibet, and the Chinese will live happily in the great land of China".
As a Buddhist monk, my concern extends to all members of the human family and, indeed, to all sentient beings who suffer. I believe all suffering is caused by ignorance. People inflict pain on others in the selfish pursuit of their happiness or satisfaction. Yet true happiness comes from a sense of brotherhood and sisterhood. We need to cultivate a universal responsibility for one another and the planet we share. Although I have found my own Buddhist religion helpful in generating love and com passion, even for those we consider our enemies, I am convinced that everyone can develop a good heart and a sense of universal responsibility with or without religion.
With the ever growing impact of science on our lives, religion and spirituality have a greater role to play reminding us of our humanity. There is no contradiction between the two. Each gives us valuable insights into the other. Both science and the teachings of the Buddha tell us of the fundamental unity of all things. This understanding is crucial if we are to take positive and decisive action on the pressing global concern with the environment.
I believe all religions pursue the same goals, that of cultivating human goodness and bringing happiness to all human beings. Though the means might appear different the ends are the same.
As we enter the final decade of this century I am optimistic that the ancient values that have sustained mankind are today reaffirming themselves to prepare us for a kinder, happier twenty-first century.
I pray for all of us, oppressor and friend, that together we succeed in building a better world through human under-standing and love, and that in doing so we may reduce the pain and suffering of all sentient beings.
posted on December 21, 2005 01:25:23 PM new
I used to like him till I found out, when we die our soul turns into a frisbee,. After that I became a frisbeterian.
Amen,
Reverend Colin http://www.reverendcolin.com
Thank you for posting that. What a wonderful speech.
replay
I do believe in reincarnation. Not that you come back as another species, though. Although there are some that may come back as bugs.
Now, I'm just kidding with that one. Let's not start anything over it.
Cheryl
"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter." - Martin Luther King, Jr.
[ edited by cblev65252 on Dec 21, 2005 02:18 PM ]
posted on December 21, 2005 02:10:03 PM new
What gets me about reincarnation is the numbers. I guess all the other so-called "lower species" in great number might account for that though.
It also bothers me that everytime you meet somebody who's a believer and has been to some sort of new agey psychic person, they've found out that they were Cleopatra or Joan of Arc or a Cherokee princess or something. You never talk to anybody who was a garbage man or a big corporate stock swindler or a cattle rustler, or even just a regular old joe-blow type. it's always somebody famous or mystical or an indian warrior-shaman-chief-princess. Sorta makes it sound pretty bogus.
Having said that, I think he's a wonderful person, and probably blessed. I love to hear him speak.
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Habla siempre que debas y calla siempre que puedas....
posted on December 21, 2005 02:53:15 PM new
That's wonderful, Helen. I too admire him, Maggie. I like how he represents himself as just another person like us all instead of all the pagentry of other religious leaders.
LMHO Prof. My mom says that all the time - why wasn't anyone a maid or a farmer?
Because we believe that humans are "it", could it be that we might reincarnate into any living thing? Maybe we become trees or other planets, etc., which could be just as much fun as being a human.
posted on December 21, 2005 04:54:57 PM new
Personally, and I know somebody'll use this for a cheap shot some time, but so what, I hope to come back as a turkey vulture. Something's always dying, so there's always plenty to eat. All you have to do is soar around catching thermals all day, waiting for your next fresh meal. What bliss....
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Habla siempre que debas y calla siempre que puedas....
posted on December 21, 2005 05:58:32 PM new
We watched it and found it interesting. I know that some may disagree with this, but to us the Evangelical 'born again' guy had an almost manic glee like he was under some spell.
Happiness and joy and sincerity always seem to raditate from the Dalai Lama's heart. Thanks for posting his speech, Helen.
posted on December 21, 2005 06:42:36 PM new
Actually the ULTIMATE goal of Buddhism is NOT to come back. The world is one big test, and once you receive true enlightenment, the cycle of reincarnation stops. You completely cease to be.
You see, the whole world is nothing but suffering, so the whole point is to leave the world. The Buddha did it, and a few others, but most are still trying.
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Quidquid Latine dictum sit altum sonatur.
posted on December 21, 2005 06:58:29 PM new
Kiara, I tried hard to give the Evangelical guy a chance too, but when Barbara asked him if what he was saying was, those people who were not Born Again would be going to hell, and he said yes, that's when I tuned him out.
She asked how he knew this and he said "some things are just the truth" Duh..who's truth would that be?
Replay, the Dalai Lama said to become Buddha is the ultimate goal?
She interviewed Richard Gere who has embraced Buddhism, he didn't leave me with the same feeling as the Dalai Lama, maybe he's just on his first life, and will improve as he goes along.
[ edited by maggiemuggins on Dec 21, 2005 07:01 PM ]
posted on December 21, 2005 07:12:29 PM new
Maggie there are two uses of the term Buddha:
A) THE Buddha, a man who lived 2500 years ago named Siddharta Gautama. He gained enlightment after various spiritual adventures that I won't go into here. He's the guy that started it all.
B) The word "Buddha" actually means "Enlightened one" in Tibetan or some other language, I don't remember which one for sure. So if you gain enlightenment you too, can be a buddha.
Usually, when you hear someone talk about Buddha it's the first meaning, but obviously it depends on the context.
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Quidquid Latine dictum sit altum sonatur.
