Just like examining gold in order to know its quality,
you should put my words to the test.
A wise person does not accept them merely out of respect.
— The Buddha
Gold Standard Test
Just like examining gold in order to know its quality,
you should put my words to the test.
A wise person does not accept them merely out of respect.
— The Buddha
I use Buddhism as a point of reference when searching for truth. There are certain theories, such as reincarnation, that have not been proven scientifically, but which I think is a reasonable explanation for one’s plight in life. Other teachings, such as the 4 Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path, I find it to be rather rigid and consticting, and one may not be happy practising them without adequate understanding. I think alot of what Buddha said and taught may have most probably been misinterpreted over the two thousand years by disciples who lack insight ans wisdom.
There is ample scientific proof for rebirth; just largely ignored by mainstream scientists who bother about more profitable research: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ian_Stevenson
The Four Noble Truths and Noble Eightfold Path are NOT constricting – they are the way to freedom. If you find them rigid, it means you lack adequate understanding. Good to learn more in person by attending talks and classes.
Are the adhesives in your link vegan (without animal ingredients, like melted animal bone)? If not, it is best not to advertise the link here. Can moderators remove the link if so? Commercial ads that are not relevant should not be allowed here anyway.
I find both the Four Noble Truths and Noble Eightfold Path rigid and constricting because it seems to encourage puritanism among those who practise them. For example, one of the Noble Truths states that desire is the cause of suffering, and thus one tries to cleanse oneself of desire, which is senseless as it only makes life dry and boring. The Noble Eightfold Path, I think is a rather narrow path, only suitable for a handful who are really pious and pure. The average man on the street is usually too busy to be bothered by it as they find it non – applicable in real life.
The Four Noble Truths are to be practised with skilful means – so they can’t be rigid.
The Noble Eightfold Path leads to the liberating – so it can’t be constricting.
The Buddha NEVER taught that all desires are useless. If you assumed he taught so, it is a classic symptom that you have not learnt Buddhism properly yet. In fact, he taught that we must have skilful desires to propel ourselves forward spiritually. Buddhism is never boring. It is intriguing! You will know this if you take effort to study in detail. Here is a related course coming up –
https://thedailyenlightenment.com/2012/01/course-the-path-of-paths-walking-the-noble-eightfold-path
The Noble Eightfold Path is a wide path with many skilful means too. Even if we can’t walk it with absolute purity yet, the more we practise it, the happier we will be. It is the path to True Happiness. As attested by millions of Buddhists in history who are happy Buddhists, it is infinitely applicable in everyday life. Don’t take my word for it. Do go for some courses.