Since some here seem to be puzzled, even irritated, that Connections to Other Paths are not clear conceptual matches. Perhaps if we look at the common moral virtues shared by humanity - religious humanity & non-religious humanity - it will become obvious.
The reasons & goals for ordinary civic virtues and superior spiritual virtues differ between Xtians, Buddhists, Hindus and Jews, for example. Yet the expression of good actions, thoughts and words are similar if not identical.
The better way to understand the Connections is not intellectually or conceptually, but by seeing the simple commonality of kindly or calm or joyous behaviors (for example) in any other person.
Virtues are the Connection
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Virtues are the Connection
Good and evil have no fixed form. It's as easy to turn from doing bad to doing good as it is to flip over the hand from the back to the palm. It's simply up to us to do it. Master Hsuan Hua.
Re: Virtues are the Connection
I take your point, but if we see commonality, similarity, and sharing, etc., then we are already using the intellect or concepts, even if we don't make that explicit to ourselves or others. It would be really helpful if people posting about other paths could make the connection with Theravada apparent. Clarity avoids misunderstandings.Will wrote: ↑Sat Aug 04, 2018 5:40 pm Since some here seem to be puzzled, even irritated, that Connections to Other Paths are not clear conceptual matches. Perhaps if we look at the common moral virtues shared by humanity - religious humanity & non-religious humanity - it will become obvious.
The reasons & goals for ordinary civic virtues and superior spiritual virtues differ between Xtians, Buddhists, Hindus and Jews, for example. Yet the expression of good actions, thoughts and words are similar if not identical.
The better way to understand the Connections is not intellectually or conceptually, but by seeing the simple commonality of kindly or calm or joyous behaviors (for example) in any other person.
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Re: Virtues are the Connection
Sam,
Clarity is why I am writing on this thread.
Is it clear that no intellect is needed to meet a non-Buddhist person and see their kindness or temperate or happy characteristics?
Thus focusing on the moral foundations of any Path will reveal ethical Connections with Theravada.
Clarity is why I am writing on this thread.
Is it clear that no intellect is needed to meet a non-Buddhist person and see their kindness or temperate or happy characteristics?
Thus focusing on the moral foundations of any Path will reveal ethical Connections with Theravada.
Good and evil have no fixed form. It's as easy to turn from doing bad to doing good as it is to flip over the hand from the back to the palm. It's simply up to us to do it. Master Hsuan Hua.
Re: Virtues are the Connection
To me, it's not clear that no intellect is needed in such a case, but I see intellect as the mental faculty by which we can make comparisons and subsume phenomena under general headings, and I don't particularly want to get into a debate about semantics here. The more pragmatic point is whether people can indeed see the connections between Theravada and another path if that path is merely set out here, without benefit even of point-by-point juxtaposition and elucidation.Will wrote: ↑Sat Aug 04, 2018 7:08 pm Sam,
Clarity is why I am writing on this thread.
Is it clear that no intellect is needed to meet a non-Buddhist person and see their kindness or temperate or happy characteristics?
Thus focusing on the moral foundations of any Path will reveal ethical Connections with Theravada.
I don't think focusing on the moral foundations of any path will necessarily reveal ethical connections with Theravada. It might do; but it might not. Some things which might be considered "paths" might have very different moral requirements from Theravadan training. Hence the requirement to demonstrate any connection that is there.
Re: Virtues are the Connection
According to Buddhist teaching, there is wrong Pithy and Sukha and equanimity.but by seeing the simple commonality of kindly or calm or joyous behaviors (for example) in any other person.
“As the lamp consumes oil, the path realises Nibbana”
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Re: Virtues are the Connection
You overthink Sam. The Connection is simply & only the existence of any virtue, irrespective of differing "reasons & goals" related to that Path.Sam Vara wrote: ↑Sat Aug 04, 2018 9:16 pmTo me, it's not clear that no intellect is needed in such a case, but I see intellect as the mental faculty by which we can make comparisons and subsume phenomena under general headings, and I don't particularly want to get into a debate about semantics here. The more pragmatic point is whether people can indeed see the connections between Theravada and another path if that path is merely set out here, without benefit even of point-by-point juxtaposition and elucidation.Will wrote: ↑Sat Aug 04, 2018 7:08 pm Sam,
Clarity is why I am writing on this thread.
Is it clear that no intellect is needed to meet a non-Buddhist person and see their kindness or temperate or happy characteristics?
Thus focusing on the moral foundations of any Path will reveal ethical Connections with Theravada.
I don't think focusing on the moral foundations of any path will necessarily reveal ethical connections with Theravada. It might do; but it might not. Some things which might be considered "paths" might have very different moral requirements from Theravadan training. Hence the requirement to demonstrate any connection that is there.
If a Theravadin does not wish to or cannot have empathy with a person on a Path which values & practices no killing, no stealing, no sexual misconduct, kindness, equanimity etc. that is a focused approach that many require or prefer. So be it.
Good and evil have no fixed form. It's as easy to turn from doing bad to doing good as it is to flip over the hand from the back to the palm. It's simply up to us to do it. Master Hsuan Hua.
Re: Virtues are the Connection
Hi Will, I think that the point is that it is useful to briefly state what the connection is, not that a huge essary is required! Similarly, when members post quotes (even sutta quotes) it is helpful to explain what point is being made.
Mike
Mike
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Re: Virtues are the Connection
I have stated what the Connection is - the existence & practice of any virtue. That applies to any & all posts by me in this thread and I think it is a template for any reader to use. I see no reason to repeat that for every post. Independent thought is available to all.
It is patently clear that all Paths have this same basis of right conduct in body, speech and mind. The emphasis, purpose etc. differ. That does not matter if one wants to have self-control & equanimity, if not friendliness.
Good and evil have no fixed form. It's as easy to turn from doing bad to doing good as it is to flip over the hand from the back to the palm. It's simply up to us to do it. Master Hsuan Hua.
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Re: Virtues are the Connection
When battling personal afflictions, you bet.
Good and evil have no fixed form. It's as easy to turn from doing bad to doing good as it is to flip over the hand from the back to the palm. It's simply up to us to do it. Master Hsuan Hua.
Re: Virtues are the Connection
But not when physically battling others and killing them because they have annoyed you or your clan. Because these things are also claimed as virtues.
Re: Virtues are the Connection
I wasn't talking about this thread, I was speaking generally about quotations.Will wrote: ↑Sat Aug 04, 2018 10:18 pmI have stated what the Connection is - the existence & practice of any virtue. That applies to any & all posts by me in this thread and I think it is a template for any reader to use. I see no reason to repeat that for every post. Independent thought is available to all.
It is patently clear that all Paths have this same basis of right conduct in body, speech and mind. The emphasis, purpose etc. differ. That does not matter if one wants to have self-control & equanimity, if not friendliness.
Mike
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Re: Virtues are the Connection
Greetings Will,
Each topic is a self-contained discussion, and no standalone, omnibus "disclaimer topic" such as this one here provides an exemption from that simple requirement.
Metta,
Paul.
Not for every post, but for every opening post, yes.
Each topic is a self-contained discussion, and no standalone, omnibus "disclaimer topic" such as this one here provides an exemption from that simple requirement.
Metta,
Paul.
"Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."