So-called because even in my community, I'm known for not mincing my words, and telling it like it is.
Compassion, to me can be divided into two broad streams; one, unskillful, or 'Fool's Compassion' the other, far better thought-out, or 'Wise Compassion'.
I try to adhere to the latter as far as my poor, ineffective human mind will allow; but I'm a great believer in the fact that Compassion is not always delivered as a beautifully wrapped parcel, with a pretty pink bow, and tweeting birds and fragrant flowers.
Sometimes, it's a stripped-to-the-waist bare-knuckle boxer.
I have been a dedicated follower of Buddhism for nearly 45 years now.
I still know nothing about it, to its deep basic core.
I don't quote suttas, and have not memorised long tracts of teachings, nor am I your archetypal scripture-waving student of the Dhamma.
I can't for the life of me state what I have read, where, when and how long it took; I cannot wade into long, complex and detailed discussions on the whys and wherefores of what the Buddha said, what he meant, and why.
But this I do know.
The 4 Noble Truths, the Eightfold path and the 5 (occasionally 8) Precepts have been an underpinning, focal life-saving foundation of my days, and I will continue to practise diligently, on those premises, until the day I draw my last breath of this life.
His teachings on re-birth, Kamma and the Kalama sutta, resonate with me; I like what he says about insults, and the Dhammapada is a bedside companion; but then, what I know of them is at idiot level, so it's really no surprise.
My history, and my life are mine to own, know and deal with. They are of little or no relevance to anyone here, and once I'm dead, will be more inconsequential than the worms feasting on my corpse.
If they won't matter then, they sure as heck don't matter now.
But I hope to spend an enjoyable time here, engaging and discussing things in a light-hearted manner, with fellow-minded individuals.
I will warn you; I lean heavily on humour, and taking things lightly. Because I have discovered, in my eventful time here, so far, that nothing, but nothing, is ever as serious as we think it is, or should be.
The text on my avatar, reads:
"I see laughter in a moment of silence".
Well, I am rarely silent.
But I'm always laughing.
With much Metta to you all.
(Love all these emoticons, by the way. What a great collection!)
