Is Buddhism escapism ????

bohiruci SG · 2005-08-12T10:04:50+00:00

Buddhism is neither escapism nor optimism. It is Realistic. It tells you the science of your mind, what is your true nature, where does all your suffering...

Wanda SG

Thanks for your prompt reply. In relation to what you've said, maybe I can be considered a "layperson Buddhist" (for want of a better term) in that I believe in Buddhist teachings, learn about the teachings from books (although can't claim to have a deep understanding) and use them as a philosophy in life, but I don't chant nor really have Buddhist symbols/representations at home (other than books and a Buddha sculpture).

While I can understand the necessity to be guided by a Buddhist teacher or someone well-versed with Buddhism because sometimes we are faced with questions and dilemmas, yet, I feel a bit wary of joining groups (Sangha) for various reasons, e.g. not ready to follow their practices like chanting, or performing certain rituals. I feel that I should practice in such rituals only with the right understanding and if I believe in them, and not bec. everyone in the group is practising or that these are expected of a true Buddhist.

However, from what you've said, maybe I should not call myself a Buddhist then, since I have not take refuge in the Sangha.

Any comments?

An Eternal Now SG

You dont have to have alot of buddhist symbols, but best to have a altar dedicated to the Buddha statue, and also have flower offerings/lamps, etc.

Not only should we have a Buddhist teacher well versed in Buddhism, most importantly my Master says, that person must be one who has attained realisation (ming xing jian xing). It is only through this way that you can quickly attain enlightenment under his guidance.

Usually for my dharma centre for example, the first part of the session is chanting sutras and meditation. Second session is dharma talk/sharing. There aren't much rituals, and Buddhism doesnt ask people to follow rituals blindly. Most important, like I said, is cultivation Smile

If you feel that you might want to visit my dharma centre, don't hesitate to private message. Smile

sinweiy SG

thus i heard from MCK that Jigong, the living Buddha (huo fo) is base on a real person. Though the tv series is a bit exaggerating. but there is really a person of almost the same ability. but i forgot the real name. He say that when people give food to Him, He just eat. There's a time when people keep offering HIm food, and He just kept eating and eating. The idea of More and less does not come to His mind. He is really in non-dualism. At least a Bu Dong di pu sa(8th Bhumi).

/\

namelessness SG

Well said.

For me, Buddha Dharma is simply a state of mind that I can apply in daily lives.

For instance, occasionally when I got home after a busy day of work, I felt nothing had happened that day. It is not that I didn't remember what had happened. I could recall every detail if I wanted to. I just did everything so naturally that I didn't feel like I was doing it even if it's totally new to me. Yet I could do everything right without mistakes. I had to talk to a lot of people and dealt with complicated works that needed total concentration. Although I knew clearly everything that was happening around me including my thoughts and responses to situations, the only thing I was aware of was the deep peace in mind and nothing else. They just couldnt draw any of my attention. And I felt great about everything.

Even though it only happens once in a while, its enough for me to know that I have found what I wanted through practicing Buddha Dharma and Chan. To me, Buddha Dharma is only a way of living based on a peaceful state of mind. Just that.

An Eternal Now SG

Agreed Smile

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