You’re not wrong. I have to bite my tongue frequently, seeing people post very hateful, anger filled things while also claiming the Buddhist tag. Right speech my butt.

Don’t look at us, we believe the cycle is endless unless you put in the work to escape it. 😂

Beautiful.

Something tells me those wouldn’t be the words of HHDL. 😂

“a monk thinks that anger is a defilement of the mind, and having known it thus, he gets rid of the defilement of the mind that is anger”

I’ve heard Ajahn Sona give advice against the western idea of “righteous anger” and avoiding falling into the trap of anger being desirable and justifying it.

I get what you’re saying, but I’m not quite sure I agree with “using” anger as a tool, or the wording of it as such. The Buddha seems pretty clear that when a defilement arises, it’s our job to eliminate it, not use it for any means.

I’ve never been instructed that meditation alone will fix anything.

A practice of virtue, concentration, and wisdom is the path.

I’ve never read any of the Buddha’s teachings that say the path is one of those three and one alone.

Does the Buddha not consider anger a defilement?

He who is angry sees not the Dharma;
He who is angry knows not the Way.
He who can remove anger,
Merit and joy always follow him.

I’ve found that people appropriate it because it seems to be this cool, mystical thing. It’s almost as if they don’t realize it actually means something significant to others.

The end being the Eight fold path.

Think of the Four Noble Truths as a doctor giving a diagnosis.

1. There’s a problem.
2. This is what causes the problem.
3. There’s a cure!
4. This is what we’ll do to treat it.

The Eight Fold Path is the treatment plan.

Good luck on your path!! 🙏🏻

Beyond that, a lot of teaching in Buddhism does contain links to itself, but don’t get bogged down.

Ignorance about the three marks of existence (impermanence, suffering, and non self,) leads to suffering. The Four Noble Truths acknowledge this suffering and its source, but also its end.

What literature are you reading? If I may recommend a book which gives a good footing to get started? “What the Buddha Taught” by Walpola Rahula is what really put it all together for me.

Beyond that, starting with practicing the five precepts. Developing a virtuous life is really the first step.

That just means you have an opportunity to practice and improve. 🙏🏻

I was agreeing with you. Nowhere in the teachings of the Buddha does he mention caring about gems. 😂

The Buddha did not in fact, want gems.

The gems were buried alongside what is believed to be a portion of the cremated remains of the Buddha, in a stupa, around 2,000 years ago.

…you doing okay man?

Ahh, I thought you might be a little closer to Empty Cloud, where I’ve spent time. I saw you were somewhere in NY. If you ever go south a bit, it’s a lovely place to spend the day!

Which are you looking at? (If you don’t mind me asking, of course.)

Wishing Buddhists in Britain and around the world a peaceful Vesak. May this day of reflection inspire compassion, resilience, and hope.

Why though? Is being alive to hear the Dhamma not a cause for celebration? To have spiritual joy with community? At the very least using the day as an opportunity to practice with a little more vigor, uphold a few extra precepts, make some merit.

Or don’t! 😂🤷🏻‍♂️

Why not celebrate, if celebrating in a way that promotes living virtuously and joyously while practicing the Dhamma?

Probably not, but come on in! The water is great!

This. You ARE included in cultivating metta. There is no “deserve.”

“May all be well and secure. May all beings be happy! Whatever living creatures there be, WITHOUT EXCEPTION, weak or small…”

I appreciate the warning. I’ve done my homework and associate and learn from very reputable monastatics. 🙏🏻

As someone who has always been adamantly agnostic and opposed to the idea of religion, I have found exactly what I have always wanted in Theravada Buddhism. Truly life changing. 🙏🏻

Who doesn’t? 😂🙏🏻

I have an appointment for this when I’m in Bangkok later this year with Ajahn Neng. Very excited.

“What the Buddha Taught” by Walpola Rahula is a simple to understand introduction to Buddhism.

“The Heart of the Buddhas Teaching” by Thich Naht Hanh is similar, but presented in a more poetic way. TNH has a great, accessible style.