Quote:
Originally posted by Chewbacca:
Yorick,
In several discussions in the past, I have provided an alternative view of Buddhist belief and practice in response to your negative skepticism. Considering this, I see no need to repeat myself again on that particular issue. I assume you must have either rejected or ignored the views I put forth several times before as you continue to toe the same old negative "Buddhism is really about self annihilation not joy & bliss" line that I called you out on originally so long ago. You are certainly free to think what you want about Buddhism, but it is erroneous to advocate your opinions, with you being a non-Buddhist thinker and/or practitioner, as a "true" Buddhist perspective.
|
I prefer to take the opinions of numerous Chinese Buddhists who have grown up in the religion and culture, over that of a single American. Ones who have lived it, breathed it. I prefer also to read and understand for myself Buddha's words rather than accept your word as gospel.
I am of the opinion it is YOU who hold an erroneous view. Sorry, but I don't believe you have understood the ideas. Certainly nothing I have read from you on the matter has led me to believe Buddhas assertions are not what I described.
"Life = suffering" says Buddha
"Death brings no escape" says Buddha, "for one remains in the cycle of suffering endlessly."
Solution = no earthly attachments or positives so the resultant negatives are not felt. Eventual result = escape from the Karmic cycle into oblivion. Loss of self, loss of ego, reassimilation into the universe.
Our body reassimilates into the earth, becoming one with it when we die. It is otherwise known as ceasing to exist as a lifeform. So it is with Nirvana. The "joy" is the end of life (which is, as said suffering)
Then there are the two main brances of Buddhism. One, teaches that Buddha put off Nirvana, so he could help others find Nirvana. (For how could he help others if he no longer exists?) The other teaches that he is indeed no longer an entity.
The existence of these divergent strands of Buddhism, is itself further proof that you are incorrect in your assertion that my understanding is erroneous.