Siddhartha Gautama created Buddhism. He was born into a high caste, perhaps even royalty. However, Gautama was not satisfied with life. He was restless and decided to explore all that he had been sheltered from. Eventually, he determined that neither extreme comfort nor extreme poverty provided that which he sought. He discovered and settled on a middle path between extremes. After meditating for some time, he achieved true enlightenment. From that point, his followers referred to him as the Buddha (Enlightened One). His transformation and subsequent teachings led to one of the world’s great religions.
Quotes:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_6GBnIC_vk
Kundun: Kundun is a film about the current Dalai Lama. The Dalai Lama is the leader of one Buddhist sect that resides in Tibet. The current Dalai Lama is himself quite a celebrity and tremendous ambassador to the world.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TW2USm6wTSA
Kung Fu: The television show starring David Carradine represents one western view of Buddhism and eastern philosophy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_iaamkUEF_A
This is how most westerners view Buddha:
http://www.artfiberglass.com/dushan1/images/DSCN1316b.jpg
Showing posts with label Dalai Lama. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dalai Lama. Show all posts
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Turning Points in History: Buddhism
The son of a noble, Siddhartha Gautama, wanted something more in life. He lived lavishly and decided that did not fulfill him. So, he decided to live the life of a pauper. That did not satisfy him either. So, he decided the middle path between all extremes was the way to go and the way to live. With that, a religion was born.
Buddhism is the belief that sentient beings go through life cycles. With each life, they learn a lesson and collect karma. After death, they either advance, or go backward, in the next life depending on their behavior. Once they attain the highest level, they are free of suffering and achieve Nirvana.
Buddhism is a mostly Asian religion. However, many westerners subscribe to Buddhist teachings and it particularly appeals to Christians as the belief in good works and dislike of gaudy displays of wealth is prevalent in both belief systems. Many strains of Buddhism exist among the world’s 500 million practitioners. Additionally, it’s the only main religion with some scientific basis. On the other hand, some have criticized Buddhist tenants for propping up India’s Caste System by telling those on the low end of the social scale to behave so that they may be born in a higher caste in the next incarnation.
Buddhism is the belief that sentient beings go through life cycles. With each life, they learn a lesson and collect karma. After death, they either advance, or go backward, in the next life depending on their behavior. Once they attain the highest level, they are free of suffering and achieve Nirvana.
Buddhism is a mostly Asian religion. However, many westerners subscribe to Buddhist teachings and it particularly appeals to Christians as the belief in good works and dislike of gaudy displays of wealth is prevalent in both belief systems. Many strains of Buddhism exist among the world’s 500 million practitioners. Additionally, it’s the only main religion with some scientific basis. On the other hand, some have criticized Buddhist tenants for propping up India’s Caste System by telling those on the low end of the social scale to behave so that they may be born in a higher caste in the next incarnation.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
2008: Man of the Year
Here are the candidates for man (or person) of the year: They are listed alphabetically.
Chinese Companies: They are not on the list for the good they do. Rather for their incompetence. For awhile, it seemed we had a different Chinese product being recalled for being laced with some poison. In the US, when companies screw up, they get a bailout. In China, the CEO's are shot.
The Dalai Lama: His followers are under Chinese occupation. He still remains a major force.
Mitch Daniels: Barack Obama won his state, but Indiana Republican Governor Daniels was re-elected with 57% of the vote. Watch for him in the future.
Robert Downey Jr.: From addict to Oscar. He was impressive in both Iron Man and Tropic Thunder.
Heath Ledger: He should win an Oscar for The Dark Knight. Too bad he died when we discovered he was really a good actor.
John McCain: 2008 was the last hurrah for the Vietnam generation. McCain put on a spirited campaign despite long odds and bad luck.
The Media: There has never been a campaign in recent history as bad as this one. This is not a criticism of Obama or McCain. The Media's behavior was reprehensible. Pew Research reported that only Fox News was even handed this time around.
Barack Obama: Obama overcame long odds to win the Democratic nomination and then the presidency. He is the first African-American President. Electorally, he is the first Democrat to win the White House with over 50% of the vote since 1964 and he won several states that should never have gone Democratic. He is a great speaker that can inspire. The big question now is can he govern or are we stuck with another Jimmy Carter?
Sarah Palin: She became a superstar to some and a Palin in the neck to others. She drew large crowds that rivalled Obama's. Polls showed that she appealed to many middle class soccer moms. Whether she is a long term player or a flash in the pan is yet to be determined.
The Philadelphia Phillies: They won their first championship since 1980 and second title overall.
and the winner is....
Barack Obama
Chinese Companies: They are not on the list for the good they do. Rather for their incompetence. For awhile, it seemed we had a different Chinese product being recalled for being laced with some poison. In the US, when companies screw up, they get a bailout. In China, the CEO's are shot.
The Dalai Lama: His followers are under Chinese occupation. He still remains a major force.
Mitch Daniels: Barack Obama won his state, but Indiana Republican Governor Daniels was re-elected with 57% of the vote. Watch for him in the future.
Robert Downey Jr.: From addict to Oscar. He was impressive in both Iron Man and Tropic Thunder.
Heath Ledger: He should win an Oscar for The Dark Knight. Too bad he died when we discovered he was really a good actor.
John McCain: 2008 was the last hurrah for the Vietnam generation. McCain put on a spirited campaign despite long odds and bad luck.
The Media: There has never been a campaign in recent history as bad as this one. This is not a criticism of Obama or McCain. The Media's behavior was reprehensible. Pew Research reported that only Fox News was even handed this time around.
Barack Obama: Obama overcame long odds to win the Democratic nomination and then the presidency. He is the first African-American President. Electorally, he is the first Democrat to win the White House with over 50% of the vote since 1964 and he won several states that should never have gone Democratic. He is a great speaker that can inspire. The big question now is can he govern or are we stuck with another Jimmy Carter?
Sarah Palin: She became a superstar to some and a Palin in the neck to others. She drew large crowds that rivalled Obama's. Polls showed that she appealed to many middle class soccer moms. Whether she is a long term player or a flash in the pan is yet to be determined.
The Philadelphia Phillies: They won their first championship since 1980 and second title overall.
and the winner is....
Barack Obama
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