- last post: 01.01.0001 12:00 AM PDT
Posted by: ajenteks
Posted by: ObbiQuiet
I merely tried, and failed it seems, to illustrate how reaching the goal of happiness through self-enlightenment isn’t the most productive way to go about it. It's easy to make yourself happy
No it isn't. :P
Fair enough.
, but why not make other people happy at the same time? This is how Tyler Durden's quote makes sense to me.
How did Buddha’s quest for, and attainment of, enlightenment help the human race? How do monks in a secluded monastery following his teachings make the world a better place?
It's making it a better place because these monks are reaching enlightenment without harming anyone else. Tyler Durden's quote is foolish because he forgets that, even in the monastery, the monks are a part of this world.
They aren't harming anyone, but I don't think they are helping anyone but themselves, either.
This is why Buddhism doesn’t appeal to me, because as a philosophy, yes, it can make the world better, but it is taken too far to the point where it’s selfish, and only the individual practitioner is benefiting - self enlightenment. Because of this, Christianity is far more appealing to study.
Are you familiar with Bodhisattvas? They are supposed to be ones who have reached enlightenment but who do not go to nirvana and who choose to stay to teach others how to reach it as well. Many monks would choose to do this.
Yes, I am aware of the fact that just because you reach enlightenment, you don't have to disappear.
Also, remember, the teaching of the Buddha is that only YOU can gain and benefit from true happiness. It is the other's job to reach it as well, but many Buddhists would stay after it is reached (be re-born) to help others to reach it.
It's a little hard for me to remember something that I did not know, but I will keep this in mind for future reference. It sure doesn't peak my interests or change my belief that Buddhism is a -blam!-ory philosophy though.
If you have not yet obtained it, how can you possibly help others effectively to reach it?
I fail to see how this beats going and building a house, or helping somebody learn how to fish. The practical application of Buddhism in the common man's life seems to be lacking.They're leading by example. Those who wish to follow them may follow, and will recieve support. Preaching to people who aren't interested doesn't work. When was the last time you bought something from a door-to-door salesman? They offer what they know to any who care to seek it. I don't believe in pressing beliefs on others, I believe in putting ideas out and letting those who are interested have at 'em. I think that's probably the monks' position, too.