Karma in Buddhism has to do with one's ability or inability to understand ultimate reality. Bad karma, in other words, means you're a dunce with it comes to comprehending ultimate reality.
The Buddha never denied the self or attâ - that is just horse shit. In the Pali Nikayas he denied that our self is any of the five aggregates (khandha) which are the psycho-physical body. In fact, he says that these aggregates are Mara the killer who is the Buddhist devil! The Buddha wants us to understand that the five aggregates are "not my self" (na me so attâ). This is a far cry from the assertion that there is no self (nattha attâ) which is annihilationism.
-the brahmanic non-dual theory is akin to the buddhist consciousness.
-the third gender is definitely defined, accepted and delineated in hindu + Buddhist doctrines...this 3rd gender includes gays
-i think one should mindfully explore ones own thoughts and consciousness to achieve their own inner-awakening and thus enlightenment. However, attaining nirvana is only the first step in ascension to enlightenment where all becomes apparent and you are one with the supreme-concscioussness.
Thank you for this clear rebuttal sir! The Amazing Atheist's rambling argument is filled with too much negative emotion. Althought he claims to be free from dogma his arguments reek of both dogma and bias.
Biblical References to Reincarnation thenazareneway com/reincarnation.htm Christianity & Reincarnation (History) fromthestars com/page48.html And as we wind on down the road Our shadows taller than our soul There walks a lady we all know Who shines white light and wants to show How everything still turns to gold And if you listen very hard The truth will come to you at last When all are one and one is all Led Zepplin
[3] Jesus answered Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.[4] Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? [7] Ye must be born again.[13] And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man Karma John 9[3] Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.
Jesus:"Unless one is born agn he can't see God's kingdom." Nicodemus:"Hw can a man be born when old? He can't enter d womb agn & be born, can he?"Jesus,"Unless one is born of water & Spirit he cannot enter into God's kingdom. Dat born of flesh is flesh, & dat born of Spirit is spirit. Wind blows as it wishes & u hear, but do not noe where it come & go; so is 1 born of Spirit. For God so loved the world, dat He gave His only Son, dat whoever believe in Him shall not perish, but hv eternal life."
Excellent explanation. Even if it is clear that the Buddha didn't teach karma as a part of his path (but simply stated it was a useful path for some, though it would not free them from suffering), that was an elegant explanation.
As an apatheist(=one who doesn't care about gods and the supernatural) i do enjoy buddhism as far as i know it. It's like someone took my naturalistic believes and made it a poem. Not very practical, but nonentheless nice....
Oh very practical, MarinusCopy. I think maybe you've missed just how coherent the whole is, and how useful the tools it provides. A system that lets you see for yourself, through your own life, rather than imposing beliefs from the outside.
AlaskanSky You can't imagine but have to investigate the dhamma and experienced it yourself. But your description is quiet close but magnetic charges is static after a while.
Kamma is the energy that enters and leaves the body all the time. It's a stream of consciousness. There are altogether 121 consciousness. Much more than what a psychologist knows of.
This is the original teaching of the Buddha, I didn't create it out of nothing. Please read TIPITAKA - The sacred book of Buddhism for yourself before you comment.
i was an atheist for 10 years. Life as an atheist was tough That's how I decided that I should have a religion
I don't have to prove to you The Buddha said that, " Come and see it for yourself and investigate." Buddha did not say, " Come and you have to believe in me"
I respect your belief even though I know all about it. But you?
For all of your assertions, do you have any evidence? Any evidence for the suffering planes? It's supernatural mysticism with no proof or reason. Buddhism has great philosophical ideas, especially impressive considering when it was created, but it's mysticism, the supernatural aspect is just as false and illogical as any other religion. Buddhism has become a parody of it's origins here in the West. It's now "cool" to be Buddhist. It's become the alternative, trendy religion, sadly.
Of course there is suffering, but spiritual planes of suffering? Supernatural karma? I'm skeptical, and I got thumbs down for stating my opinion. I'm not against Buddhism, just most western budhists here in the states are so full of themselves, preaching about how much control they have over their "energy" through meditation and drugs. I know these aren't real buddhists, but they gave me a bad impression.
What is spirituality? Is it not something manifested in someone's conscience, their mind? You don't believe there are different levels of suffering? If you and I each had 500 bucks in our pockets, we were both mugged and our money stolen, you'd probably suffer from it more than I would. Our levels of suffering would be different. Supernatural karma? If I chose to hang out with crime thugs and ended up getting busted or shot because of it, what's supernatural about that?
Nothing is supernatural about being busted like that. That's what I meant all along, "karma" comes around by completely physical means. There's no greater, transcendent energy controlling our rewards and punishments intrinsically, at least from what I can tell by evidence. And so what if some people suffer more than others? I know that they do and that's unfortuanate, and all metaphysical contemplation and classification, it's just that. It's poetic, it's lovely, but by no means literal.
First, thank you for a very concise and intelligent response to the "The Case Against Buddhism". Second, I would recommend making a copy of this video with the title of "The Case For Buddhism".
Namaste "The Light In Me, Honors The Light In You"
Kamma is actually a form of energy. Karmic energy works just like electricity. It enters and leaves our body all the time.
The 4 stages of arahat
1 sotapan (stream entere or 7 returner)
2 sakadagami (once returner)
3 anagami non-returner)
4 arahat
Unless one has reach sotapan stage, one can't truly grasp the true meaning of Buddhism. That explains why many people become doubtful about Buddhism. It is not easy to realise the truth but it is worthwhile. Nibbana is a blissful eternal mental state
Buddhsim abstains from harmful sex, and monks abstain from it completely. I've heard people say Buddha spoke specifically about homosexuality, but I've never seen it in first-source material.
My personal interpretation of the scripture I've read would be that buddhists should not hold someone's sexuality against them (and probably shouldn't hold anything angainst anybody anyway), and that a homosexual ought to be able to practice as a good buddhist layman just as well as any other.
The Buddha laid down 5 precepts for the lay people to follow. By following the 5 precepts, learn the teaching of the Buddha and avoid ten evil. This is the protection from the evil and misfortune. Further more, by doing so we can at least be reborn as a human. Otherwise, we will be reborn in the 4 suffering planes. Namely Hell, Animal, Ghost and Demon The Buddha explain that due to greed, hatred and ignorance most people will be reborn in these 4 suffering realm They can't do good in these realm
3 Abstain from sexual misconduct (except for married couple)
4 Abstain from lying
5 Abstain from intoxicating drinks and drugs
(In words, thought and deed)
So for gay, lesbian, adultery and pre-marital sex are considered as breaking of the 4th precept. When we break the precept, life will be a lot more dificult. If we're pure in words, thought and action, life will be happier and peaceful. To be able to enlighten one need to keep 5 precept
Buddhism is a religion to learn, investigate, question, paractise and eventually realised through samatha meditation and vipassana meditation. When we define anything we perceive as truth, in Buddhism that is conventional truth. Where we look at things at a distorted angle. We thought that certain thing we do is something very exciting and bring much happiness, In actual fact when we start to meditate seriously on Satipatana sotta (Foundation of mindfulness) we will realise the ultimate truth
"Marriage" is just a contract 2 people sign and has NOTHING to do with measuring the love 2 individuals hold in their hearts for each other. True marriage comes from love between 2 consenting people(heterosexual, homosexual, etc). Unfortunately, religion does not make it easy for gays/lesbians eventhough they should be the bedrock of truth, love and compassion
The Buddha actually have no saying against homosexual, he urges human to use common sense and reasoning without blind faith to find the answer. There are different views on homosexual in the Buddhist community mainly because of cultural background influences. Homosexual or engage is not sexual misconduct(one of the 5 precepts) because precepts are there to protect oneself and others from harm, if it was between to people willing to do it, there is nothing wrong with it.
@hotboymm777 According to the Dalai Lama, if two gay people have sex consensually, as an expression of love for each other, there is no problem, although some interpretations is that homosexuality is a perversion and thus sexual misconduct. But nowadays we know that homosexuality is not a perversion, or a choice, so the Buddha has nothing against homosexuality. Also, I don't think he would have anything against premarital sex if it is consensual, as many yogis and yoginis practice Tantra.
and disease, hurricane and volcano and so on. What does buddhist think of those??? If you had better karma than others, and reincarnate, but somehow faces natural disaster and die, how can the rebirth justify the karma you had? Can buddhist say you died by some random natural power without any reason?
Well, there is a karma of individual person, karma of particular nation and even karma of whole planet. When two persons doing something together - they are binded by it somehow. Imagine how many relations are created in world of billions of creatures (not only humans) we live in.
Sorry, but it's statements like yours that make me want to point out that while I'm a fan of buddhist philosophy, I'm not of the buddhist religion.
Tell a grieving mother, to her face, that her 3 year old child that's just been kidnapped, raped and killed, brought it on herself. Tell Jews to their faces that they brought the Holocaust on themselves.
Think very carefully about exactly why you believe in karma, because if it's not true, then your words are not just mistaken; they are evil.
It's not about beliving, it's about cause and causes, action and reaction. At simple level you don't need to belive - put you hand to hot plate and You will scald Yourself - it's action and reaction.
If you see my words "evil" it's only Your point of view, anyway i wish you good luck and happy life :)
The mundane 'actions have consequences' interpretation of karma, I have no problem with.
But if it's some metaphysical principle where the universe punishes and rewards somehow, then your words being evil is not just 'my point of view'. Why? Well just say what I said in the last post to a grieving mother and find out. Somehow I don't think you will; meaning that when push comes to shove, you agree with me.
But they have those traits due to environment and many other factors, such as foods, stress. Our society is making us stressful as time goes on. Therefore, reincarnation in the future might not be bright as it could be in the past. Thus, I believe to make reincarnation better, all of us must work hard to make better society, or better world. My biggest question is the natural disasters, such as earthquake
Reincarnation is a fact! Google reincarnation research. Thousands of children have been documented as remembering past lives that they could not have known about otherwise and that they had nothing to gain by lying about.
Reincarnation/rebirth, is the most ridiculous thing in Buddhism. It's not necessary to believe in literal rebirth, but at least 90% of Buddhists do - eg, rebirth as a fish. And Buddhists have no conscience whatsoever about speaking of things they have no idea about whatsoever (eg, rebirth as a fish). For this reason Buddhism is just as ridiculous as all other religions.
I think Buddhism is by far the most pragmatic and rational one, if one considers the very core, not polluted by rituals and cult of personality. But I also find the idea of reincarnation in it disturbing - maybe it's there just because it was a generally accepted world view at the time? Who knows. I would be glad if someone enlightened us on this topic... until now, any explanations I found were somehow awkward - the entity that is reborn is so vaguely defined that it amounts to nothing.
Buddhism certainly has the *potential* to be a rational religion. I am impressed by the quality of the reasoning in the scriptures, when compared to other religions. But I have seen too many fundamentalist Buddhists, too much anger, unwarranted discrimination, willing blindness, mindless conformity, disrespect for reason and other people, etc, to be enamoured of organized Buddhism as it exists today. Maybe some kinds of Zen are somewhat rational, if I try to think of something positive to say.
I guess this is the case with any organized religion. It was a good lesson for me to visit some Asian countries, their holy places and witness their rituals. It certainly helped me to correct that "romanticized" view I previously had, which I guess many people share. Whenever I see dogmatic approach or rituals, there's something in my head that says: wait a minute. Nonetheless, there are some basic ideas in certain religions that are worth a thought, if stripped from miracles and similar hogwash
I seek ''suffering'' in my life. A challenge conquered makes me feel better about myself. This is the gratification i seek, and if suffering presents it to me then i am not adverse to suffering.
As I understand it, reincarnation is the cycle of suffering. The physical matter of our bodies do it, and the untrained mind will do it as well. Buddhism is about detaching oneself from this cycle of death and rebirth.
You see, this cycle is much more far reaching than the death of our body. It pervades all of life. As the first noble truth says: life is suffering. Reincarnation is the cycle of suffering, the cycle of life. I hope this helps.
So then the whole soul is reborn into a different body thing is just crap? And what exactly do you mean by the cycle of suffering? That suffering is an entity and it jumps from one body or soul to the next?(Its been a while and I didn't re-watch your video)
Suffering is not an entity, it is the result of misconceptions of self. These misconceptions are senses of "identity" or "ego," and they travel through a cycle of "birth," "life," "death" and "rebirth." This is the cycle of suffering that a Buddhists aims to end in himself/herself.
The Dalai Lama made an analogy to explain reincarnation-He compared it to a stack of dice. The die's position depends on the other dice, but there is nothing that runs between them.
The Buddha refused to answer many questions about karma. Yeshe Donden, the DL physician has written that karma is actually incomprehensible to "ordinary beings". Which took a load off my mind after going nuts thinking about it for years : )
Simply put, the Middle Doctrine is the metaphysical assertion in Buddhism that states our identity is not our physical bodies, nor an entity completely withdrawn from our bodies (like a soul). I might make a video in the future to expand on that idea a little, but if you want to learn more, I can try and put together some web links for you to read.
I am looking forward to the links you suggest. I read a book called "What Happens When We Die" by a British MD and neurologist who has studied many near death experiences of patients in cardiac wards, in Britain and at Cornell in New York. His observations of the ability of the soul to temporarily leave the body has lead Dr. Parnia to the hypothesis that the mind acts more as a television receiver to a larger consciousness. I am wondering if this may have some affinity to the Middle Doctrine?
While Buddha was alive, why did Buddha have experience after death as reincarnation, karma, nirvana. Those were liar, make up.
MrWrongevolution 1 month ago
Karma in Buddhism has to do with one's ability or inability to understand ultimate reality. Bad karma, in other words, means you're a dunce with it comes to comprehending ultimate reality.
mujaku 3 months ago
The Buddha never denied the self or attâ - that is just horse shit. In the Pali Nikayas he denied that our self is any of the five aggregates (khandha) which are the psycho-physical body. In fact, he says that these aggregates are Mara the killer who is the Buddhist devil! The Buddha wants us to understand that the five aggregates are "not my self" (na me so attâ). This is a far cry from the assertion that there is no self (nattha attâ) which is annihilationism.
mujaku 3 months ago
-the brahmanic non-dual theory is akin to the buddhist consciousness.
-the third gender is definitely defined, accepted and delineated in hindu + Buddhist doctrines...this 3rd gender includes gays
-i think one should mindfully explore ones own thoughts and consciousness to achieve their own inner-awakening and thus enlightenment. However, attaining nirvana is only the first step in ascension to enlightenment where all becomes apparent and you are one with the supreme-concscioussness.
SuperJohnnyuk 7 months ago
Such a fine presentation, and a wonderful voice!
CosmoShidan 1 year ago
Sorry for like being really off topic, but your voice just sounds really cool.
PrinceAngelStar 1 year ago
"buddha does not claim that misfortunes such as poverty...is not a result of karma."
completely false. if you'd like, i can provide you with many citations where the buddha teaches just that.
BillKiernan 1 year ago
Thank you for this clear rebuttal sir! The Amazing Atheist's rambling argument is filled with too much negative emotion. Althought he claims to be free from dogma his arguments reek of both dogma and bias.
SteveIsTheMan1990 1 year ago
brgordon38 1 year ago
Reincarnation John 3
[3] Jesus answered Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.[4] Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? [7] Ye must be born again.[13] And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man Karma John 9[3] Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.
brgordon38 1 year ago
I love your voice.
profitoverpeople 1 year ago 5
who da hel is he to tell abt incarnation??
sucks
tuanshamilfazeel 2 years ago
Well said! The fact that following the Dhamma gives results that are visible here and now speaks volumes about its worth in all of our lives.
seanhoade 2 years ago
Jesus:"Unless one is born agn he can't see God's kingdom." Nicodemus:"Hw can a man be born when old? He can't enter d womb agn & be born, can he?"Jesus,"Unless one is born of water & Spirit he cannot enter into God's kingdom. Dat born of flesh is flesh, & dat born of Spirit is spirit. Wind blows as it wishes & u hear, but do not noe where it come & go; so is 1 born of Spirit. For God so loved the world, dat He gave His only Son, dat whoever believe in Him shall not perish, but hv eternal life."
ReturnOfThe1 2 years ago
Buddha Forever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
lebaolien 2 years ago
Excellent explanation. Even if it is clear that the Buddha didn't teach karma as a part of his path (but simply stated it was a useful path for some, though it would not free them from suffering), that was an elegant explanation.
justalittledust 2 years ago
As an apatheist(=one who doesn't care about gods and the supernatural) i do enjoy buddhism as far as i know it. It's like someone took my naturalistic believes and made it a poem. Not very practical, but nonentheless nice....
MarinusCopy 2 years ago
Oh very practical, MarinusCopy. I think maybe you've missed just how coherent the whole is, and how useful the tools it provides. A system that lets you see for yourself, through your own life, rather than imposing beliefs from the outside.
justalittledust 2 years ago
AlaskanSky You can't imagine but have to investigate the dhamma and experienced it yourself. But your description is quiet close but magnetic charges is static after a while.
Kamma is the energy that enters and leaves the body all the time. It's a stream of consciousness. There are altogether 121 consciousness. Much more than what a psychologist knows of.
impermanentoo 2 years ago
This is the original teaching of the Buddha, I didn't create it out of nothing. Please read TIPITAKA - The sacred book of Buddhism for yourself before you comment.
i was an atheist for 10 years. Life as an atheist was tough That's how I decided that I should have a religion
I don't have to prove to you The Buddha said that, " Come and see it for yourself and investigate." Buddha did not say, " Come and you have to believe in me"
I respect your belief even though I know all about it. But you?
impermanentoo 2 years ago
Kamma is a stream of constantly changing consciousness that leaves and enters the body.
If we do samatha mditation ( up to 4th level of jhana) and vipassana meditation, we'll realise what kamma is.
Unless we know exactly how kamma works, we tend not to work hard for enlightenment.
As Buddhists, enlightenment should be our ultimate goal.
impermanentoo 2 years ago
For all of your assertions, do you have any evidence? Any evidence for the suffering planes? It's supernatural mysticism with no proof or reason. Buddhism has great philosophical ideas, especially impressive considering when it was created, but it's mysticism, the supernatural aspect is just as false and illogical as any other religion. Buddhism has become a parody of it's origins here in the West. It's now "cool" to be Buddhist. It's become the alternative, trendy religion, sadly.
VanKlaunch 2 years ago
Are you saying there are no levels of suffering?
Because that's what the different planes of suffering are in Buddhism.
Mechelle68 2 years ago
Of course there is suffering, but spiritual planes of suffering? Supernatural karma? I'm skeptical, and I got thumbs down for stating my opinion. I'm not against Buddhism, just most western budhists here in the states are so full of themselves, preaching about how much control they have over their "energy" through meditation and drugs. I know these aren't real buddhists, but they gave me a bad impression.
VanKlaunch 2 years ago
What is spirituality? Is it not something manifested in someone's conscience, their mind? You don't believe there are different levels of suffering? If you and I each had 500 bucks in our pockets, we were both mugged and our money stolen, you'd probably suffer from it more than I would. Our levels of suffering would be different. Supernatural karma? If I chose to hang out with crime thugs and ended up getting busted or shot because of it, what's supernatural about that?
Mechelle68 2 years ago
Karma is cause and effect. Reaping what one sews. No mystic or supernatural force need apply.
You know MOST western buddhists here in the states?
I don't know about the drug part, but you have people who take drugs in every mindset. I guess it's safe to assume that some buddhists use drugs, too.
Mechelle68 2 years ago
Sorry, I meant most western Buddhists that I personally know. But then again, I'm a misanthropist anyways.
VanKlaunch 2 years ago
Nothing is supernatural about being busted like that. That's what I meant all along, "karma" comes around by completely physical means. There's no greater, transcendent energy controlling our rewards and punishments intrinsically, at least from what I can tell by evidence. And so what if some people suffer more than others? I know that they do and that's unfortuanate, and all metaphysical contemplation and classification, it's just that. It's poetic, it's lovely, but by no means literal.
VanKlaunch 2 years ago
First, thank you for a very concise and intelligent response to the "The Case Against Buddhism". Second, I would recommend making a copy of this video with the title of "The Case For Buddhism".
Namaste "The Light In Me, Honors The Light In You"
TonyZayasEDS 2 years ago
Kamma is actually a form of energy. Karmic energy works just like electricity. It enters and leaves our body all the time.
The 4 stages of arahat
1 sotapan (stream entere or 7 returner)
2 sakadagami (once returner)
3 anagami non-returner)
4 arahat
Unless one has reach sotapan stage, one can't truly grasp the true meaning of Buddhism. That explains why many people become doubtful about Buddhism. It is not easy to realise the truth but it is worthwhile. Nibbana is a blissful eternal mental state
impermanenttoo 2 years ago 2
how does buddhists view gay people?
hotboymm777 3 years ago
Buddhsim abstains from harmful sex, and monks abstain from it completely. I've heard people say Buddha spoke specifically about homosexuality, but I've never seen it in first-source material.
My personal interpretation of the scripture I've read would be that buddhists should not hold someone's sexuality against them (and probably shouldn't hold anything angainst anybody anyway), and that a homosexual ought to be able to practice as a good buddhist layman just as well as any other.
jericomovie 3 years ago
The Buddha laid down 5 precepts for the lay people to follow. By following the 5 precepts, learn the teaching of the Buddha and avoid ten evil. This is the protection from the evil and misfortune. Further more, by doing so we can at least be reborn as a human. Otherwise, we will be reborn in the 4 suffering planes. Namely Hell, Animal, Ghost and Demon The Buddha explain that due to greed, hatred and ignorance most people will be reborn in these 4 suffering realm They can't do good in these realm
impermanenttoo 2 years ago 2
5 precept
1 Abstain from killing
2 Abstain from stealing
3 Abstain from sexual misconduct (except for married couple)
4 Abstain from lying
5 Abstain from intoxicating drinks and drugs
(In words, thought and deed)
So for gay, lesbian, adultery and pre-marital sex are considered as breaking of the 4th precept. When we break the precept, life will be a lot more dificult. If we're pure in words, thought and action, life will be happier and peaceful. To be able to enlighten one need to keep 5 precept
impermanenttoo 2 years ago
Define "sexual misconduct" as the Buddha did, and I think you'll find that you are talking more of your own assumptions than the Buddha's.
jericomovie 2 years ago 2
Buddhism is a religion to learn, investigate, question, paractise and eventually realised through samatha meditation and vipassana meditation. When we define anything we perceive as truth, in Buddhism that is conventional truth. Where we look at things at a distorted angle. We thought that certain thing we do is something very exciting and bring much happiness, In actual fact when we start to meditate seriously on Satipatana sotta (Foundation of mindfulness) we will realise the ultimate truth
impermanenttoo 2 years ago
"Marriage" is just a contract 2 people sign and has NOTHING to do with measuring the love 2 individuals hold in their hearts for each other. True marriage comes from love between 2 consenting people(heterosexual, homosexual, etc). Unfortunately, religion does not make it easy for gays/lesbians eventhough they should be the bedrock of truth, love and compassion
mounthydra 2 years ago 4
@hotboymm777
The Buddha actually have no saying against homosexual, he urges human to use common sense and reasoning without blind faith to find the answer. There are different views on homosexual in the Buddhist community mainly because of cultural background influences. Homosexual or engage is not sexual misconduct(one of the 5 precepts) because precepts are there to protect oneself and others from harm, if it was between to people willing to do it, there is nothing wrong with it.
EternityDream7 1 year ago
@hotboymm777 According to the Dalai Lama, if two gay people have sex consensually, as an expression of love for each other, there is no problem, although some interpretations is that homosexuality is a perversion and thus sexual misconduct. But nowadays we know that homosexuality is not a perversion, or a choice, so the Buddha has nothing against homosexuality. Also, I don't think he would have anything against premarital sex if it is consensual, as many yogis and yoginis practice Tantra.
dannonflynn 1 year ago
and disease, hurricane and volcano and so on. What does buddhist think of those??? If you had better karma than others, and reincarnate, but somehow faces natural disaster and die, how can the rebirth justify the karma you had? Can buddhist say you died by some random natural power without any reason?
hotboymm777 3 years ago
Well, there is a karma of individual person, karma of particular nation and even karma of whole planet. When two persons doing something together - they are binded by it somehow. Imagine how many relations are created in world of billions of creatures (not only humans) we live in.
BBTeZeT 2 years ago
Sorry, but it's statements like yours that make me want to point out that while I'm a fan of buddhist philosophy, I'm not of the buddhist religion.
Tell a grieving mother, to her face, that her 3 year old child that's just been kidnapped, raped and killed, brought it on herself. Tell Jews to their faces that they brought the Holocaust on themselves.
Think very carefully about exactly why you believe in karma, because if it's not true, then your words are not just mistaken; they are evil.
sam51092 2 years ago
It's not about beliving, it's about cause and causes, action and reaction. At simple level you don't need to belive - put you hand to hot plate and You will scald Yourself - it's action and reaction.
If you see my words "evil" it's only Your point of view, anyway i wish you good luck and happy life :)
BBTeZeT 2 years ago
The mundane 'actions have consequences' interpretation of karma, I have no problem with.
But if it's some metaphysical principle where the universe punishes and rewards somehow, then your words being evil is not just 'my point of view'. Why? Well just say what I said in the last post to a grieving mother and find out. Somehow I don't think you will; meaning that when push comes to shove, you agree with me.
sam51092 2 years ago
But they have those traits due to environment and many other factors, such as foods, stress. Our society is making us stressful as time goes on. Therefore, reincarnation in the future might not be bright as it could be in the past. Thus, I believe to make reincarnation better, all of us must work hard to make better society, or better world. My biggest question is the natural disasters, such as earthquake
hotboymm777 3 years ago
I think some of traits are predetermined according to genetic. The cancer, disease, down syndrome, surely carried to next generation by chromosome.
hotboymm777 3 years ago
Reincarnation is a fact! Google reincarnation research. Thousands of children have been documented as remembering past lives that they could not have known about otherwise and that they had nothing to gain by lying about.
tevung64 3 years ago
great speech!
patrickz218 3 years ago
Reincarnation/rebirth, is the most ridiculous thing in Buddhism. It's not necessary to believe in literal rebirth, but at least 90% of Buddhists do - eg, rebirth as a fish. And Buddhists have no conscience whatsoever about speaking of things they have no idea about whatsoever (eg, rebirth as a fish). For this reason Buddhism is just as ridiculous as all other religions.
ksol000 3 years ago
I think Buddhism is by far the most pragmatic and rational one, if one considers the very core, not polluted by rituals and cult of personality. But I also find the idea of reincarnation in it disturbing - maybe it's there just because it was a generally accepted world view at the time? Who knows. I would be glad if someone enlightened us on this topic... until now, any explanations I found were somehow awkward - the entity that is reborn is so vaguely defined that it amounts to nothing.
baze128 3 years ago
Buddhism certainly has the *potential* to be a rational religion. I am impressed by the quality of the reasoning in the scriptures, when compared to other religions. But I have seen too many fundamentalist Buddhists, too much anger, unwarranted discrimination, willing blindness, mindless conformity, disrespect for reason and other people, etc, to be enamoured of organized Buddhism as it exists today. Maybe some kinds of Zen are somewhat rational, if I try to think of something positive to say.
ksol000 3 years ago
I guess this is the case with any organized religion. It was a good lesson for me to visit some Asian countries, their holy places and witness their rituals. It certainly helped me to correct that "romanticized" view I previously had, which I guess many people share. Whenever I see dogmatic approach or rituals, there's something in my head that says: wait a minute. Nonetheless, there are some basic ideas in certain religions that are worth a thought, if stripped from miracles and similar hogwash
baze128 3 years ago
Here's my take on reincarnation:
v=Ah762oIjEvM
(Reincarnation/rebirth)
ksol000 3 years ago
Where do you get that percentage from? The 90% that believe in literal rebirth?
Mechelle68 2 years ago
Why end suffering? Why not continue suffering?
croscream 3 years ago
I tend to be adversive to suffering. What about you?
jericomovie 3 years ago
I seek ''suffering'' in my life. A challenge conquered makes me feel better about myself. This is the gratification i seek, and if suffering presents it to me then i am not adverse to suffering.
croscream 3 years ago
If you seek suffering to conquer it, then you seek what I seek.
jericomovie 3 years ago
How can you conquer an abstraction?
croscream 3 years ago
I don't believe suffering is an abstraction. If suffering is an abstraction, what is it abstracting from?
jericomovie 3 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
I knew it, bullshit! Please don't continue speaking to me. thank you.
croscream 3 years ago
Comment removed
hotboymm777 3 years ago
simply great!
vayenaka 3 years ago
You got it
Perfect
iburnedthedinner 3 years ago
You're REALLY funny. I realize there are lapes of awareness and attentiveness in all of us. Best is to be more mindful.
MaBu888 3 years ago
Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!
adehmark 4 years ago
Buddha once said: Buddha once said: Don't believe anything that I say, go live and experience it for yourself. Only a fool would believe me blindly.
WorawatPorPramuk 4 years ago 15
For a criticism of reincarnation
buddhistsagainstreincarnation dotcom
thioridazine 4 years ago 2
That is an excellent site, just as this video.
MaBu888 3 years ago 3
Okay...so then what IS reincarnation in terms of Buddhism? Or am I missing something?
GoldenSilence16 4 years ago
As I understand it, reincarnation is the cycle of suffering. The physical matter of our bodies do it, and the untrained mind will do it as well. Buddhism is about detaching oneself from this cycle of death and rebirth.
You see, this cycle is much more far reaching than the death of our body. It pervades all of life. As the first noble truth says: life is suffering. Reincarnation is the cycle of suffering, the cycle of life. I hope this helps.
jericomovie 4 years ago
So then the whole soul is reborn into a different body thing is just crap? And what exactly do you mean by the cycle of suffering? That suffering is an entity and it jumps from one body or soul to the next?(Its been a while and I didn't re-watch your video)
GoldenSilence16 4 years ago
Suffering is not an entity, it is the result of misconceptions of self. These misconceptions are senses of "identity" or "ego," and they travel through a cycle of "birth," "life," "death" and "rebirth." This is the cycle of suffering that a Buddhists aims to end in himself/herself.
jericomovie 4 years ago
Ok, I think I understand. Thanks
GoldenSilence16 4 years ago
The Dalai Lama made an analogy to explain reincarnation-He compared it to a stack of dice. The die's position depends on the other dice, but there is nothing that runs between them.
The Buddha refused to answer many questions about karma. Yeshe Donden, the DL physician has written that karma is actually incomprehensible to "ordinary beings". Which took a load off my mind after going nuts thinking about it for years : )
givebirthathome 4 years ago
wow.. well put, very attractive presentation and simply understandable!
thnx!
Sean2Z 4 years ago
Very well done. 5/5* and I'm subscribing!
Largo64 4 years ago
Namaste, my brother!
JBthree24 4 years ago
I'm Theravadan
jericomovie 4 years ago
Could you elaborate a bit on the Middle Doctrine?
Your presentation does hold interest.
manifesto2000 4 years ago
Simply put, the Middle Doctrine is the metaphysical assertion in Buddhism that states our identity is not our physical bodies, nor an entity completely withdrawn from our bodies (like a soul). I might make a video in the future to expand on that idea a little, but if you want to learn more, I can try and put together some web links for you to read.
jericomovie 4 years ago
I am looking forward to the links you suggest. I read a book called "What Happens When We Die" by a British MD and neurologist who has studied many near death experiences of patients in cardiac wards, in Britain and at Cornell in New York. His observations of the ability of the soul to temporarily leave the body has lead Dr. Parnia to the hypothesis that the mind acts more as a television receiver to a larger consciousness. I am wondering if this may have some affinity to the Middle Doctrine?
manifesto2000 4 years ago
More simply: the Middle Doctrine = The Eightfold Path (The Middle Way).
Sorry I didn't make it that simple before.
jericomovie 4 years ago
Obvious troll is obvious.
kneeyul 4 years ago 3
Excellent job! You have a very good screen presence and a voice for broadcasting. You just gained a new subscriber. Happy New Year to you!
buddhagem 4 years ago
Good explanation of the difference. Hindu karma is tied up with rather nasty stuff like their still-existing caste system.
cybervigilante 4 years ago 2