Sodom <sodom@ma.ultranet.com> wrote:
> humm, I was under the impression that Buddhists believe in
> the rebirth of Budha? am I mistaken?
>
> Also, I was under the impression that in deep meditation,
> you are in contact with more than the sum of what you are.
> If I am wrong, forgive me, if i am right, then the
> supernatural is still there.
I guess the *idea* of rebirth is in Buddhism to a certain extent -- but by
no means is it necessary. For instance, one can look at the Four Noble
Truths from a naturalistic standpoint, and they still make just as much
sense:
Four Noble Truths:
1) life is permeated with suffering (dukkha)
2) origin of suffering is in craving, or grasping (tanha, burning thirst)
3) ceaseation of suffering is possible through removal of craving
4) way to this removal is the eight fold path
Eightfold path:
1) right views – in accordance with buddha’s teaching
2) right aspirations – must seek salvation (note contradiction!)
3) right speech
4) right conduct
5) right livelihood – 3, 4, 5 sum up five precepts: I) refrain from
talking life, ii) no stealing, iii) no wrong sexual relations, iv) no
lying, no malicious gossip, etc. v) no drugs, liquor
6) right effort
7) right mindfulness
8) right contemplation – last three are really the heart of the process,
and it's a sad reflection on our language (and hense society) that we lack
the words to translate it accuratly!
I personally can't decide if I like the explicit spelling out of what one
must do, or not. On one hand, it is a finger pointing at the moon --
indicating where we are to go, but on the other hand, it is a finger
pointing at the moon, and all too often we mistake the finger FOR the moon!
ERiC