Thoughts on Buddhism

[Bgood]

tackattack wrote

I have a question for buddhists:

Would it be safe to assume that buddhist belief encourages emotional detachment? I ask because I read a lot about emotions are reactions to expectations or thought instead of reality.

Hey, that's a great question! Although I am no expert, I would say yes, in the sense that we do not become too overcome or identified with all of our passing emotions, particulaly negative ones such as anger or fear. In detaching from these we can see them in a more objective and reasonable light so that we do not become "slaves" to them. It is a way of having more self control, more composure, or maturity in other words. Of course this is not easy! Meditation helps us let go us of selfish desires and egotistical feelings of superiority and/or inferiority. It balances us out and gives us a fresh outlook on things.
Now Buddha does warn of the danger of becoming too emotionally detached in the sense of being cold and distant. We do not want to become robots or some unfeeling, unthinking automaton! The basic teaching of the Middle Way is finding the center of two extremes or duality such as black and white, the Tao, which represents harmony, unity, wholeness, etc.
Human nature generally tends to become too attached to their own personal feelings to the point where they can't grow spiritually or see other people's P.O.V. clearly. Buddhism I would say teaches self mastery over one's ego and passions more than anything in order for us to be more present and available for others.It is like Kung Fu for the mind lol. We open ourselves up to love, wisdom, compassion and awareness of reality. It gets us out of our heads, which think too much, and deeper into our everyday lives. It is a processs though that takes time, effort, study and much practice to achieve Nirvana or enlightenment. Buddha says that everyone has Buddha nature and it is just our job to rediscover it within us. It is a very positive and empowering religion to follow, if done correctly with some faith, and as well, some healthy doubt.

Thanks for asking, I encourage anyone to look into the BuddhaDharma for a greater understanding themselves. I'm sure you will find some very fascinating and revolutionary concepts in the dharma teachings that will be quite enlightening and benefiting to your whole mind, body and spirit! Peace!