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Evil is created by men just like gods are created by men
Defensive?Look up the definitions. One is normal, one is abnormal. What is the goal of Buddhism? It is to reach the state of Nirvana where greed, hatred, and ignorance is quenched. Self improvement, therefore ego, correct? No reason to get so defensive about it, because the same is true of many religions--to overcome evil thoughts and deeds. The difference is the power higher/greater than self, and that power is God.
I am astonished that you are disagreeing with me.
One chooses to be either one does not become one or the otherwhenst born one can become either, the mixture is a lifetime pursuit for control and is seldom of their own creation.
the images of gods created by man are real, proven through evolutionary change over time both physiological and spiritual.
Of course it is.Teaching religion is no more endorsing the subject that teaching science or PE is endorsing/pushing people into those particular fields. Ignorance of those subjects is seldom lauded. Why should ignorance of religion be lauded?
One chooses to be either one does not become one or the other
Defensive?
You're the one who stated spiritualism without belief in a god is ego.
And you call it self improvement so as to dismiss Buddhism as a spiritual pursuit.
To think that a Buddhist monk is some sort of egoist is ludicrous.
No one is born "evil".you imply a person knows what they are doing from the very beginning, at birth ... stumbling into the mix, fortune is for who begin learning the difference the soonest and hopefully rejects the dark side, completely. to free ones spirit they do become one or the other or just 6' under when their time is up.
Yes. Anyone who argues against what is said without even bothering to understand the point is taking a defensive stance.Defensive?
The center is ego...self. There is no higher power.You're the one who stated spiritualism without belief in a god is ego.
I merely pointed out the difference between spiritualism devoid of religion and spiritualism united with religion. I am mystified as to why you have a problem with this. Also, there are still differences between spiritualism and self-improvement. For example, getting fit or learning is self-improvement, but it is not spiritualism.And you call it self improvement so as to dismiss Buddhism as a spiritual pursuit.
You are the one who brought in that ludicrous thought. It had never crossed my mind. You thought it up and now seem intent on cementing it on me...another example of you telling me what I "really" think.To think that a Buddhist monk is some sort of egoist is ludicrous.
End craving for whom? Self, correct? The Buddhists I know don't go around trying to end cravings in others.Ego is craving the entire purpose of Buddhism is to end craving, end ego.
Do you know anything about teaching? For example, what science is taught? Could it be physical science, biology, chemistry--i.e., all science? What is taught in Language Arts: Grammar, spelling, literature, writing, speech....or, could it be all? Let's go on to history. Is only local history taught, or do we teach state history, national history, international history? I'll bet you will concede we teach all of it. Same with PE. Do we teach only basketball and call it good?What religion would the government teach? Yours?
I disagree with your definition that is not defensiveness.Yes. Anyone who argues against what is said without even bothering to understand the point is taking a defensive stance.
The center is ego...self. There is no higher power.
I merely pointed out the difference between spiritualism devoid of religion and spiritualism united with religion. I am mystified as to why you have a problem with this. Also, there are still differences between spiritualism and self-improvement. For example, getting fit or learning is self-improvement, but it is not spiritualism.
Why are you so intent on arguing?
You are the one who brought in that ludicrous thought. It had never crossed my mind. You thought it up and now seem intent on cementing it on me...another example of you telling me what I "really" think.
End craving for whom? Self, correct? The Buddhists I know don't go around trying to end cravings in others.
What science is taught?Do you know anything about teaching? For example, what science is taught? Could it be physical science, biology, chemistry--i.e., all science? What is taught in Language Arts: Grammar, spelling, literature, writing, speech....or, could it be all? Let's go on to history. Is only local history taught, or do we teach state history, national history, international history? I'll bet you will concede we teach all of it. Same with PE. Do we teach only basketball and call it good?
Finally, the government doesn't teach. Government's purpose is to provide a place for learning. The government insisting that religion be banned from the learning curriculum can give some of us a shivery feeling about the way power is wielded by government.
I was born bipolar and until I got medical deep into my 40's via the VA I did not know it and I could've ended up committing suicide or killing someone due to my lack of control of my emotions.No one is born "evil".
All action is a choice. there are no unseen beings pulling the strings.
From what I can tell, I know it better than you. But then, two family members are Buddhist. I've studied with them.So Should I call you defensive for not bothering to understand Buddhism?
And I never claimed this. I simply remarked on the difference. I am still wondering why a simple truth is so offensive to you.There doesn't need to be a belief in a higher power for one to engage in spiritual pursuits.
No one is born "evil".
All action is a choice. there are no unseen beings pulling the strings.
you imply a person knows what they are doing from the very beginning, at birth ...
Woulda coulda shouldaI was born bipolar and until I got medical deep into my 40's via the VA I did not know it and I could've ended up committing suicide or killing someone due to my lack of control of my emotions.
I don't think you do since you think it is merely a course in "self improvement"From what I can tell, I know it better than you. But then, two family members are Buddhist. I've studied with them.
Of course you did.And I never claimed this. I simply remarked on the difference. I am still wondering why a simple truth is so offensive to you.
The family of the person I killed would call me evil.Woulda coulda shoulda
Does any of that make you "evil"
We have long recognized that mental illness is an actual medical condition and not caused by some demon
You didn't bother to read what I said about this, did you?I don't think you do since you think it is merely a course in "self improvement"
Not quite. But I am through trying to help you understand. See you on another topic, perhaps. Please take the last word on this one.you said any spiritual pursuits without the belief in a higher power are nothing but ego and yet Buddhists believe there is no self. No self/ no ego
