Karma is nothing mysterious, it is just cause and effect. For example, if you slamdown a six pack of beer in two hours, you are probably gonna get pretty juiced up. Trust me, I've tried it before and that's what happens! lol
Dogma of Karma? As mentioned above, this doen'st really make much sense to say that this is a "hole" in Buddhism. When A happens it produces B results. Hmm, actually sounds like Science 101 to me. Focus on enlightenment is also not a hole. It is a goal to keep the mind clear and composed at all times. Is this impossible, perhaps, but if it keeps your mind clearer and more composed at least MOST of the time,which seems more likely since we are all imperfect and human, than there is nothing 'unscientific' or supernatural in that. But Rebirth/ Reincarnation is the biggest "hole" in Buddhism for many people. In that one point I would somewhat agree with you Epimethean. Yet rebirth can be interpreted metaphorically rather than literally. It is true that there is no evidence for rebirth, yet on the same hand there is no evidence to say that rebirth cannot happen and be real. I think reincarnation is much more likely to occur after death than going to some Heaven or Hell for eternity at least. The thing is that it doesn't really matter what we believe concerning the afterlife, because whatever is going to happen is going to happen anyway, so why have that one concept keep you from enjoying the benefits of Buddhism?
What if we don't get reborn until 5 billion years from now on another planet? We will all eventually turn to stardust when the world passes away, so the chance of evolution to reform a different manifesation of your consciousness is possible, even if astronomically improbable. Maybe only the ones most in tune, most in touch with Nature, like the Aborigines of Australia, are the people who most likely reincarnate as another unknown life form in the future. Maybe not. Regardless, I imitate Buddha with a smile on my handsome face!
(January 30, 2012 at 12:46 am)Epimethean Wrote:(March 13, 2010 at 4:14 pm)deicide110 Wrote: There really isn't to many holes you can shoot in buddism. It sounds like the most believable of the lot.
We can't deny it's beauty in philosophical terms. At least it concentrates on the development of the individual as an instrument in themselves rather than an instrument of above
Uh, there are plenty of holes you can shoot in Buddhism. The easiest being rebirth, but others including the total focus on attaining nirvana and the dogma of karma.
Dogma of Karma? As mentioned above, this doen'st really make much sense to say that this is a "hole" in Buddhism. When A happens it produces B results. Hmm, actually sounds like Science 101 to me. Focus on enlightenment is also not a hole. It is a goal to keep the mind clear and composed at all times. Is this impossible, perhaps, but if it keeps your mind clearer and more composed at least MOST of the time,which seems more likely since we are all imperfect and human, than there is nothing 'unscientific' or supernatural in that. But Rebirth/ Reincarnation is the biggest "hole" in Buddhism for many people. In that one point I would somewhat agree with you Epimethean. Yet rebirth can be interpreted metaphorically rather than literally. It is true that there is no evidence for rebirth, yet on the same hand there is no evidence to say that rebirth cannot happen and be real. I think reincarnation is much more likely to occur after death than going to some Heaven or Hell for eternity at least. The thing is that it doesn't really matter what we believe concerning the afterlife, because whatever is going to happen is going to happen anyway, so why have that one concept keep you from enjoying the benefits of Buddhism?
What if we don't get reborn until 5 billion years from now on another planet? We will all eventually turn to stardust when the world passes away, so the chance of evolution to reform a different manifesation of your consciousness is possible, even if astronomically improbable. Maybe only the ones most in tune, most in touch with Nature, like the Aborigines of Australia, are the people who most likely reincarnate as another unknown life form in the future. Maybe not. Regardless, I imitate Buddha with a smile on my handsome face!
You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.
There are only two mistakes one can make along the road to truth; not going all the way, and not starting.
Buddha
There are only two mistakes one can make along the road to truth; not going all the way, and not starting.
Buddha
