clw_uk wrote:christopher::: wrote:DarkDream wrote:
As for "Anyone can go to heaven" slogan, I don't see it really that bad. It is just a grabber (convienent way to get people's intention) and I think the point is that it is what actions we do that "leads us to heaven" and not saying you are a member of a religion.
I agree with Venerable Appicchato, I do think they have their heart in the right place.
--DarkDream
I think so also. Looking at
this page, they go into much deeper detail about the path of dharma. The slogan and idea "just be good" is the gateway.
To be honest, while not for everyone, I find this approach refreshing.
That page still focuses on mundane teachings such as good kamma, bad kamma, good birth, bad birth
Doesnt really go into the core teachings of D.O., Voidness, three marks etc
Still its a good introduction to Buddhism with basic beginer points all covered quite well
Metta
Hi clw. Could you or someone else please explain to me how practicing mindfulness, learning meditation and "doing good things" for other people is somehow mundane or "just for beginners" and of lesser importance than contemplating D.O., voidness, etc? I guess I'm a mundane and beginner Buddhist, still, cause it just seems to me like caring for others, being compassionate and kind, having an open heart, behaving unselfishly are at the core of Buddhist practice..
At least, these are what are core in my practice, and i'm less interested in
why people behave kindly and help others as i am in appreciating people who encourage others to behave in ways that are in sync with the dharma and will reduce suffering on our planet...
I'm sorry if i sound confrontational, i don't mean to be.
The dharma is like a wheel, is it not? Many paths of practice leading to the center, all of them interconnected....
the Metta Sutra, as linked from the website...
The Buddha's Words on Loving-Kindness
This is what should be done
By one who is skilled in goodness,
And who seeks1 the path of peace:
Let them be able and upright,
Straightforward and gentle in speech.
Humble and not conceited,
Contented and easily satisfied.
Unburdened with duties and frugal in their ways.
Peaceful and calm, and wise and skillful,
Not proud and demanding in nature.
Let them not do the slightest thing
That the wise would later reprove.
Wishing: In gladness and in safety,
May all beings be at ease.
Whatever living beings there may be;
Whether they are weak or strong, omitting none,
The great or the mighty, medium, short or small,
The seen and the unseen,
Those living near and far away,
Those born and to-be-born,
May all beings be at ease!
Let none deceive another,
Or despise any being in any state.
Let none through anger or ill-will
Wish harm upon another.
Even as a mother protects with her life
Her child, her only child,
So with a boundless heart
Should one cherish all living beings:
Radiating kindness over the entire world
Spreading upwards to the skies,
And downwards to the depths;
Outwards and unbounded,
Freed from hatred and ill-will.
Whether standing or walking, seated or lying down
Free from drowsiness,
One should sustain this recollection.
This is said to be the sublime abiding.
By not holding to fixed views,
The pure-hearted one, having clarity of vision,
Being freed from all sense desires,
Is not born again into this world.
Metta Sutta
Sutta Nipata I.8