🧡 If you find benefit in my videos, consider supporting the channel by joining us on Patreon and get fun extras like exclusive videos, ad-free audio-only versions, and extensive show notes: www.patreon.com/dougsseculardharma 🙂 📙 You can find my book here: books2read.com/buddhisthandbook
I have searched quite a lot of time for a framework that I can have confidence in and that is beneficial and where I ended up is Buddhism. The two points that Buddhism is sensible and that it promotes a better way of living are probably the best two points for Buddhism. But also that you mention that Buddhism isn't a one way street but includes different interpretations and practices meant to suit different needs is a great point. The lack of a fixed dogmatic standpoint or set of practices that cannot ever be changed when challenged, is probably one of the strongest points for Buddhism. Very good video I think!
Buddhism had the answers I was looking for to my questions about reality - and it has also helped me find more peace in my daily life. For those who go through a spiritual awakening, we initially believe we are on some spiritual journey or some spiritual path and it makes us question what we are supposed to do, what we are supposed to believe in, etc. In one of Thich Nhat Hanh's book, this one quote stuck out to me "...your life is the path.." It made me realize that having a "spiritual goal" like trying to attain enlightenment is just the mind trying to have a goal on trying to get somewhere. It made me realize we should live our life a bit more holistic but with mindfulness without trying to "get somewhere/attain some spiritual state". "Before enlightenment, chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment, chop wood, carry water." 😂 This has made my daily activities more high quality in how I approach things now - with more awareness and more mindfulness. I rarely fear the future now since the present moment is all I have to work with 🙂
I think the question “why Buddhism” has a different answer for everyone. For me, I choose Buddhism because, like your second point says, it helps me be the best person I can be, both to myself and to others. And actually I think this is the main aim of most if not all the major world religions, the difference being in how to get there. With Buddhism you can be guided in that, without the prerequisite of believing in a higher power. And whilst it would be good if people can be the best person they can be without need of a religion, it is much easier said than done. Something may be obvious to you but that doesn’t mean you put it into practice. I find Buddhism a helpful way of remembering to put these into practice
if u see a flute in the ground, or if u went on mars and saw a gun in there. Would u think it was created by random nature? This is a stupid question but can you give me a answer
I remember the first evening I looked into Buddhism, at a time when I was deeply depressed. I never expected to the first thing I read to be: life is suffering. I had always admired Buddhist monks and way these people lived. To see this was the first noble truth brought me to tears. I told my wife at the time, feeling so relieved. Ever since, I have walked this path. It has not been linear, and it has not been easy. But the things I have gained have been beyond words, and they have shown me the way to being a better person, and have certainly aided my journey through samsara.
That's because you're alive and dying doesn't work either because you come back to life anyway. "Life is suffering, we suffer because of craving which leads to clinging, renounce and you are free, follow the eightfold path." - Siddhartha Gautama "To live is to suffer, to survive is to find some meaning in the suffering." - Friedrich Nietzsche
@@billhicks8may you be happy. I was suffering (although life is suffering feels incomplete, there is much suffering in this life) and as the see more now, I find I need not suffer so much. I might not have found the heartwood but the twigs and leaves are also very pleasing .
To me, it just clicks right. And when you practice it, it works. I hope the Buddhist message will spread more and more to people of all backgrounds. They don’t even need to abandon their religion.
One of the great things about the Buddha was that he made sure people understood that they are the master of their own life. This shows good will and very different from other religions where people are forced to accept a god or Lord over their life. There is a sense of freedom and self empowerment in Buddha's teachings. Great video as usual, thank you for your channel
it appears compassionate and there aren't tons of rules to follow. My nephew said he likes the idea of Buddhism because the monks all appear happy! That alone is a good reason to explore it. Regardless, it's certainly helped me though a huge amount of grief Ive encountered tired.
This was an interesting one. When I first opened myself and learned about Buddhism and its Dharma, I also felt a strong feeling of "this makes a lot of sense". Especially the Three Marks of Existence somehow "clicked" with me. Certainly, there are more difficult concepts and things I might not agree with (whether because of a lack of correct understanding and differences in viewpoint) but the whole down-to-earth way of life that Buddhist practice encourages really works for me. Thank you for sharing this one and thank you for doing it for so long now.
The greatest reason is probably the allowance to explore any other belief system for the sake of getting closer to the truth. Practise is paramount. One might stare for hours at a single flower, just to get that point across. One is not greater or different from another, one simply has put in the time and practise to acquire a certain larger attainment. At least my awakened mind -ism is as such.
Excellent, guidance on this video Doug With reference to rebirth, a consideration could be a view, if within our everyday present life , there appears to be a rebirth in ideas which we inherit or absorb or assimilate and also we may recognise genetic characteristics of parents and close family which we then apply in how we navigate our life and work.... Rather then an individual being returned 😊
Having come from Hindu Background I chose Buddhism because it’s less ritualistic and having tried Metta meditation I can definitely say it really makes you happy 😊 I would appreciated if you could do talk on Merits and how does one pass Merits to others Thanks 🙏🏼
because: psilocybin plus "The Egg" by Andy Weir plus Wim Hof breathwork I just like the "physics" (lore?) of spirituality I also agree with Zen's core ideation to shift your attitude and see the mortal realm as heaven if you make it such, rather than sitting our thumbs for what may or may not come when we cross into the unknown.
Great video! I like Buddhism because of: discipline, direction, dharma community. Which brings me to my question….Can you do a video on the importance of participating in retreat. Or maybe the purpose of retreats. Thanks!
Thanks! I'll put your suggestion on the list and consider it. I'm not sure that retreats were ever really discussed as such in the early texts, but perhaps I can find something.
@@DougsDharma I was just thinking that the close knit families of the time made it difficult for someone to pursue spiritual practices. Parents, Grandparents, aunts and uncles, siblings - they were always taking time from someone in the ancient world. It seems natural for someone to would wander into caves and forests to find their “true self” Didn’t Jesus go into the desert for 40 days? Aren’t these retreats trying to mimic the buddhas own journey?
Hey Doug! Have you considered making these lectures available in an audio format by any chance? Like a podcast or something. Always wish these lectures are longer. I listen to your lectures before starting my day each day. Thanks!
My interest in Buddhism started because I read Journey to the West, which has many aspects of Chinese Buddhism as cultural background. And I guess I still think of it in those terms, it's a really interesting 'mythology,' for lack of a better term. And, probably similar to Doug, I don't think the metaphysical elements stand up to scrutiny so well. But, at least to my mind, that creates an unbridgeable gap -- Buddha's never-ending Samsara is so central to his worldview, how can one be a Buddhist without it? But then, maybe that's me still wrapped up in "a thicket of views, a wilderness of views, a contortion of views, a writhing of views, a fetter of views." (Sabbasava Sutta)
I chose Buddhism because logically it was the best religion available and also because it was good for everyone including people of all status, animals and everyone
❤ Great video! thank you so much for your work in here. Recently i've been thinking about warrior buddhist monks like the japanese Sohei, i always assumed monks would never partake in war. Im aware there are some sutta that try to justify the use of violence in extreme cases, but i'd like to hear what you think on this subject.
There are no early suttas that justify the use of violence. The Buddha was pretty relentlessly pacifist. That said, I discussed the idea of self-defense in early Buddhism here: ruclips.net/video/3aXjrEdpIjY/видео.html
I think the questioner is asking "why Buddhism" and why not other religions, or philosophies, or atheism. Why is Buddhism more ideal than other beliefs? This video is mostly a summary of Buddhism ("what is Buddhism?"), which is even answered directly at 10:40.
Any particle theorized or not is subject no matter what state it resides in to change due to the basic fact that the observable universe and space itself is constantly changing. It is in fact only due to this change we exist and are even able to observe anything happening. To argue that a particle on some particular planet at absolute zero is not “moving” is just as dumb as arguing that a frozen pea stuck to a dinner plate flying at your face is also itself “not moving”. For it to truly frozen without any movement, energy, spin, or change whatsoever it would have to be frozen and separate from the plate, separate from the entire scenario, beyond the scope of any observation or measurement. Basically not exist, which brings us back to square one.
Personally I was a Nominal Buddhist and only when I was in middle school I took an interest in Buddhism. Though I find myself more attracted towards the spiritual aspects of Buddhism than the religious elements such as rituals and prayers. I am not against the religious features of Buddhism, it's just that I find no interest towards it compared to the spiritual characteristics
well... I'd sincerily agree to the points made in the video. to me, buddhism as an intra-mundane practice path raises (if at all) least cognitive dissonance, as compared with usual religion involving theistic confessions. I grew up with a(n also political) lutheran background. the point of 'making sense' to me is most relevant, relatedly, and even compatible with scientific thought, systems thinking | 2nd order cybernetics, complexity etc. (eg see hector varela as for autopoietics in biology).
Hi Doug, Thank you for another great video. What do you think is missing in Buddhism or at least could be emphasized more? I feel there is not enough focus on fun and joy. It seems like we should get all our fun and joy from meditation. All other forms of enjoyment (in particular romantic relations, pleasure from work, a good meal, ...) seem like a distraction from the real goal, enlightenment. What is your view on this? I appreciate all the work you put into these videos. Kind regards
Thank you! As for Buddhism, there are many different kinds and each one emphasizes slightly different things. Remember that in early Buddhism most of the message was for monastics. The Buddha did urge his lay followers to use their wealth for their own and others' pleasure.
I've looked into one or two of the many belief systems out there in the past, but too often felt I was surrendering too much of my interlect. I suppose it's just about the kind of nature you have? I've no problem with any system that promotes being good to each other 😎🙏
For me, there is really no going back. Being in Zen buddhism, i have issues with the lack of lay focused or community centered practices. Despite other religions easily filling that role, the Buddhadharma presents too convincing and concise of a system to leave.
honestly I was very close to choose Buddhism as a religion, but I really believe in what I define as "soul" meanwhile Buddhism seems totally opposite to it because of various passages and the theory itself of "destroying suffering by destroying our ego". I see reincarnation as a positive thing more in a greek sense, but also the Bardo Thodol is really important for my thought about both life and death. At the end Buddhism is more of a pratice for me, I'm thinking about visiting a temple in my zone even just for a day only to experience this religion which I really respect
Yes, though there is no emphasis in Buddhism on "destroying our ego." The emphasis instead is on seeing what's really going on within and without us. There is no destruction, except perhaps of ignorance.
@@DougsDharma how so? Like, Buddhism believes in the non-existence of an individual self, then the ego not only as material self (desires, instincts, memories, rationality...) but also individuality itself (which is seen by other religions as what's the soul) isn't meaningful
I was raised by an atheist and Buddhism appeals to me in many ways including the idea of no soul, righteous living in moderation also appeals to me in this godless world since there is also no afterlife. I believe heaven and hell are parts of earth, this living being we are part of.
If Buddhism didn't teach reincarnation I would have been a buddhist decades ago coming from a Christian background. I love the Buddhist philosophy. I heard a dharma talk that said that those who live wisely don't need to fear death. I really want to live wisely with Buddhist teachings for joy, calm, and happiness and in the point of my dying, hopefully I can think to myself that I tried my best to be an ethical, honest, caring person and that was the best I could do. For me religion made me feel worthless like a dirty rag but Buddhism teaches me how to love with a full heart.
Yes, my personal orientation is secular in that I leave aside questions of rebirth. This-life practice is the most compelling to me. I've done several videos on this subject, for example: ruclips.net/video/bP1ZWvmJQOw/видео.html
If Buddhism doesn’t teach reincarnation, maybe there is no need to learn it at all, the whole idea of Buddhism is revolving around getting out of reincarnation(reincarnation is suffering) hence many ways to practice to become Buddha and break free from reincarnation, whether is Theravana or Mahayana.
Hi Doug! Interesting video! One of the questions that I've been asking myself for a long time is If I don't believe in a God because of lack of evidence, then why should I believe in enlightenment? What are your strongest arguments for the existence of enlightenment? Have you met any monks that claim to enlightened? If yes, how could one go about proving their claims? Scanning their brains and finding a lack of suffering somehow? To me Nibbana seems almost equally unfalsifiable as an all knowing all mighty God. I just can't see the strong arguments? Best regards Jonathan
@@vondertann8471 if you're trying to make a point I'm not getting it. If you're asking a genuine question, then yes. I'm not sure how that is relevant though.
An interesting answer to the question, thanks. It would be interesting to hear what brought you to Buddhism Doug - perhaps you've already done a video on this?
I would like to know whether the historic Buddha had any plan to preserve his teachings like the chanting techniques of vedas by the brahmins. Did the buddha had any similar idea or did he encourage his disciples to think of something similar to preserve the teachings of dharma ?
Can you explain more about the Sabbath of the Jains in AN 3.70 Uposathasutta? I don’t fully understand the paragraph about the Sabbath of the Jains. Why “I don’t belong to anyone anywhere! And nothing belongs to me anywhere!”’ is a lying? Isn’t it similar to not-self practicing?
“Extinguishment” of mundane suffering in this lifetime, or the “Ulimate Extinguishment” (Nibbhana) of the wheel of Samsara? This important degree of distinction depends, I suppose, on one’s acceptance or denial of the phenomana of rebirth. WWEBD (what would early Buddhists do?)
#Question As a secular buddhist how do you think about karma and rebirth? Do you discard karma and rebirth entirely or is there secular interpretation of these terms that make sense to you?
I've done lots of videos on these topics in the past. See for example my recent video on rebirth as symbol and metaphor: ruclips.net/video/bP1ZWvmJQOw/видео.html , as well as my playlist on karma: ruclips.net/p/PL0akoU_OszRgwcF_eKqxg8ok0w_dz2sj_
Too big a topic for me to answer here, but generally speaking the monastic is sort of like a "professional practitioner" who devotes their life to the practice. They also have a long list of rules to follow.
@@DougsDharma Thanks! I would love to see a video about it. Some practices and achievements seem almost impossible for a lay person. And congrats for you work here!
The goal of Buddhism is to end suffering, and I think it's good at that, but what if that's not the right goal? It's sort of anti-utilitarian, since utilitarianism is about satisfying the values of egos, whereas Buddhism is about eliminating both egos and values. My suffering would be reduced if I minimized my attachments and concept of self, but perhaps this would be an abdication of my responsibility to figure out how this universe would best be shaped to satisfy human values, and to effect such changes. Moreover, perhaps abandoning my self in order to escape suffering would be a betrayal of that self, who values things in this world, including preservation of that self. I've been playing around with the idea that even accepting the Buddhist three marks of existence, maybe the best response is to actually try to strengthen the ego and find something, anything to struggle mightily for; through the struggle, we can find some shapes in the meaningless, illusory clouds of the universe.
I don't know about "why Buddhism". I made that decision almost 6 decades ago. I suppose it was that it was a discipline in which I could choose my own path instead of being locked into a path chosen for me. I do have a suggestion unless this was covered somehow in one of the other videos. I am reading an Alex Wayman article, and he is describing a three-fold classification of insight -- seen/heard insight which he labels śruta, pondered insight which he labels cintā, and generated insight which he labels bhāvanā, He says this classification pre-dates Mahayana Buddhism. Do you know about this and is it a good topic?
Buddha siddarth gautama was known during his times for rejecting idea of eternal immortal soul and god as the supreme creator and Controller. Buddha knew past life karma and not past birth karma. By past life it means karma from ancestoral lineages, society and our own early life. Past life is deliberately interpreted as past birth by Vedic proponents in order to support idea of eternal immortal soul.
i have a question for you doug. you may already have a video on it or it may have a simple answer, i’m not sure. what motivates an enlightened person? ive hear the answer “compassion” but what effect could compassion have on action if your not attached to it? thanks
@@DougsDharma If one would attain arhatship, or even full buddhahood, would dukkha not also continue in others? The bodhisattva ideal of liberating all sentient beings seems to be dependent on rebirth in a cyclic universe. Not seeing cessation in people who have practiced all of their lives. Seriously amazing teachers like Chogyam Trungpa and Alan Watts died from their alcoholism, and many of these guys were also sexual predators! Nihilism comes easy here! I guess we can blame Kali Yuga, but a single life let alone billions of rebirths doesn't seem to cut it. Thanks for engaging. I am only a troll for the moment!
I would say no buddhism for me. I do mindfulness. But if you like Buddhism, as a former Buddhist I would say: go ahead with an open and critical mind and try Secular Buddhism, it's better.
No, Buddhism is not a junk food (like atheism or Belief-system) but it is the path to Ethic (Moral), Meditation and Wisdom which may help to liberate you.
Buddha is Lord! Accept Lord Shakyamuni Buddha as your savior today! Tomorrow may be too late. Tomorrow, you might be reborn as a mite on a baboon's tuches in the Ein Gedi Retreat! Buddha now! Thank you.
The Buddha had gone since he died. He doesn't hear you, he cannot save you or help you. What he recommended was you should help yourself and only you can help yourself.
The Amidah Buddha, of whom the Shakyamuni preached, will cause all sentient beings who recite His (Amida's) name and who wish to be reborn in His Land to do so. This teaching is in the Larger Sutra on Amida Buddha. This is good news. @@nickt311
🧡 If you find benefit in my videos, consider supporting the channel by joining us on Patreon and get fun extras like exclusive videos, ad-free audio-only versions, and extensive show notes: www.patreon.com/dougsseculardharma 🙂
📙 You can find my book here: books2read.com/buddhisthandbook
I love "dont blindly believe, proof everything for yourself"
🙏😊
I have searched quite a lot of time for a framework that I can have confidence in and that is beneficial and where I ended up is Buddhism.
The two points that Buddhism is sensible and that it promotes a better way of living are probably the best two points for Buddhism. But also that you mention that Buddhism isn't a one way street but includes different interpretations and practices meant to suit different needs is a great point.
The lack of a fixed dogmatic standpoint or set of practices that cannot ever be changed when challenged, is probably one of the strongest points for Buddhism.
Very good video I think!
🙏😊
What I like the most about Buddhism is that it is not based on blind faith.
🙏
Isn't it though? The blind faith that following the precepts will free you from suffering?
@@QuyNguyen-lm1gq amen!
Buddhism had the answers I was looking for to my questions about reality - and it has also helped me find more peace in my daily life.
For those who go through a spiritual awakening, we initially believe we are on some spiritual journey or some spiritual path and it makes us question what we are supposed to do, what we are supposed to believe in, etc.
In one of Thich Nhat Hanh's book, this one quote stuck out to me "...your life is the path.."
It made me realize that having a "spiritual goal" like trying to attain enlightenment is just the mind trying to have a goal on trying to get somewhere. It made me realize we should live our life a bit more holistic but with mindfulness without trying to "get somewhere/attain some spiritual state". "Before enlightenment, chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment, chop wood, carry water." 😂
This has made my daily activities more high quality in how I approach things now - with more awareness and more mindfulness. I rarely fear the future now since the present moment is all I have to work with 🙂
Excellent, thanks!
I think the question “why Buddhism” has a different answer for everyone. For me, I choose Buddhism because, like your second point says, it helps me be the best person I can be, both to myself and to others. And actually I think this is the main aim of most if not all the major world religions, the difference being in how to get there. With Buddhism you can be guided in that, without the prerequisite of believing in a higher power. And whilst it would be good if people can be the best person they can be without need of a religion, it is much easier said than done. Something may be obvious to you but that doesn’t mean you put it into practice. I find Buddhism a helpful way of remembering to put these into practice
🙏
if u see a flute in the ground, or if u went on mars and saw a gun in there. Would u think it was created by random nature? This is a stupid question but can you give me a answer
Why Buddhism for me? Because i am suffering.
I remember the first evening I looked into Buddhism, at a time when I was deeply depressed. I never expected to the first thing I read to be: life is suffering.
I had always admired Buddhist monks and way these people lived. To see this was the first noble truth brought me to tears. I told my wife at the time, feeling so relieved.
Ever since, I have walked this path. It has not been linear, and it has not been easy. But the things I have gained have been beyond words, and they have shown me the way to being a better person, and have certainly aided my journey through samsara.
That's because you're alive and dying doesn't work either because you come back to life anyway.
"Life is suffering, we suffer because of craving which leads to clinging, renounce and you are free, follow the eightfold path." - Siddhartha Gautama
"To live is to suffer, to survive is to find some meaning in the suffering." - Friedrich Nietzsche
@@billhicks8may you be happy. I was suffering (although life is suffering feels incomplete, there is much suffering in this life) and as the see more now, I find I need not suffer so much. I might not have found the heartwood but the twigs and leaves are also very pleasing .
I am too. Have a cheeseburger and fries.
Me too, I wanted to be like them. But then, I got a wife and that aspiration was shot through the head. Now, I am just waiting to die. @@billhicks8
Buddhism: the method of Buddha's teaching helps me leave my suffering, control my life, and see the reality of life, so I'm always happy.
🙏😊
To me, it just clicks right. And when you practice it, it works. I hope the Buddhist message will spread more and more to people of all backgrounds. They don’t even need to abandon their religion.
🙏😊
Buddhism rocks!
What an in-depth and clear explanation. Well done!
Thanks!
I like Kalama Sutta❤ that's why Buddhism 😊
One of the great things about the Buddha was that he made sure people understood that they are the master of their own life. This shows good will and very different from other religions where people are forced to accept a god or Lord over their life. There is a sense of freedom and self empowerment in Buddha's teachings. Great video as usual, thank you for your channel
You're very welcome!
I have learned and read a lot of Buddhist books in Chinese and I want to come here to learn about Buddhist terminology in English.
🙏
I became buddhist to help my mind be better. Also, because I believe it is the only path that is true for me. A lot of teachings make so much sense.
🙏😊
it appears compassionate and there aren't tons of rules to follow. My nephew said he likes the idea of Buddhism because the monks all appear happy! That alone is a good reason to explore it.
Regardless, it's certainly helped me though a huge amount of grief Ive encountered tired.
Glad to hear!
This was an interesting one. When I first opened myself and learned about Buddhism and its Dharma, I also felt a strong feeling of "this makes a lot of sense". Especially the Three Marks of Existence somehow "clicked" with me. Certainly, there are more difficult concepts and things I might not agree with (whether because of a lack of correct understanding and differences in viewpoint) but the whole down-to-earth way of life that Buddhist practice encourages really works for me. Thank you for sharing this one and thank you for doing it for so long now.
My pleasure. 🙏
The greatest reason is probably the allowance to explore any other belief system for the sake of getting closer to the truth. Practise is paramount. One might stare for hours at a single flower, just to get that point across. One is not greater or different from another, one simply has put in the time and practise to acquire a certain larger attainment. At least my awakened mind -ism is as such.
Excellent, guidance on this video Doug
With reference to rebirth, a consideration could be a view, if within our everyday present life , there appears to be a rebirth in ideas which we inherit or absorb or assimilate and also we may recognise genetic characteristics of parents and close family which we then apply in how we navigate our life and work....
Rather then an individual being returned 😊
🙏😊
Having come from Hindu Background I chose Buddhism because it’s less ritualistic and having tried Metta meditation I can definitely say it really makes you happy 😊 I would appreciated if you could do talk on Merits and how does one pass Merits to others Thanks 🙏🏼
Yes, metta is a wonderful practice! I did a video on merit recently: ruclips.net/video/Nbr0fNwg6Yo/видео.html
because:
psilocybin
plus
"The Egg" by Andy Weir
plus
Wim Hof breathwork
I just like the "physics" (lore?) of spirituality
I also agree with Zen's core ideation to shift your attitude and see the mortal realm as heaven if you make it such, rather than sitting our thumbs for what may or may not come when we cross into the unknown.
Great video! I like Buddhism because of: discipline, direction, dharma community. Which brings me to my question….Can you do a video on the importance of participating in retreat. Or maybe the purpose of retreats. Thanks!
Thanks! I'll put your suggestion on the list and consider it. I'm not sure that retreats were ever really discussed as such in the early texts, but perhaps I can find something.
@@DougsDharma I was just thinking that the close knit families of the time made it difficult for someone to pursue spiritual practices. Parents, Grandparents, aunts and uncles, siblings - they were always taking time from someone in the ancient world. It seems natural for someone to would wander into caves and forests to find their “true self” Didn’t Jesus go into the desert for 40 days? Aren’t these retreats trying to mimic the buddhas own journey?
thank you so much for sharing your wisdom about Buddhism with us. Sathuk
Hey Doug! Have you considered making these lectures available in an audio format by any chance? Like a podcast or something. Always wish these lectures are longer. I listen to your lectures before starting my day each day. Thanks!
Oh they've been in audio format for years, it's one of the perks I give some of my Patreon patrons.
This is just what I needed today. Thank you Doug.
You're most welcome!
Thank lot i understands ❤
You're welcome 😊
My interest in Buddhism started because I read Journey to the West, which has many aspects of Chinese Buddhism as cultural background. And I guess I still think of it in those terms, it's a really interesting 'mythology,' for lack of a better term. And, probably similar to Doug, I don't think the metaphysical elements stand up to scrutiny so well. But, at least to my mind, that creates an unbridgeable gap -- Buddha's never-ending Samsara is so central to his worldview, how can one be a Buddhist without it?
But then, maybe that's me still wrapped up in "a thicket of views, a wilderness of views, a contortion of views, a writhing of views, a fetter of views." (Sabbasava Sutta)
🙏🙏
Namaste my friend thank you so much for a very wonderful video
So nice of you!
I chose Buddhism because logically it was the best religion available and also because it was good for everyone including people of all status, animals and everyone
Such great content Dr. Doug! Thank you!
My pleasure!
❤ Great video! thank you so much for your work in here.
Recently i've been thinking about warrior buddhist monks like the japanese Sohei, i always assumed monks would never partake in war.
Im aware there are some sutta that try to justify the use of violence in extreme cases, but i'd like to hear what you think on this subject.
There are no early suttas that justify the use of violence. The Buddha was pretty relentlessly pacifist. That said, I discussed the idea of self-defense in early Buddhism here: ruclips.net/video/3aXjrEdpIjY/видео.html
Thanks
Doug, I would really like to get thoughts on Ñāṇavīra Thera and his notes in " Clearing the path".
Thanks for the question, I'm familiar with the book but haven't read it, and I believe it's pretty dense. I may deal with it eventually.
thank you and youre welcome =D
😄
Rebirth is a central component of Right View
I think the questioner is asking "why Buddhism" and why not other religions, or philosophies, or atheism. Why is Buddhism more ideal than other beliefs? This video is mostly a summary of Buddhism ("what is Buddhism?"), which is even answered directly at 10:40.
You’re right- the question begs an answer, but Doug gave the dharma
Any particle theorized or not is subject no matter what state it resides in to change due to the basic fact that the observable universe and space itself is constantly changing. It is in fact only due to this change we exist and are even able to observe anything happening. To argue that a particle on some particular planet at absolute zero is not “moving” is just as dumb as arguing that a frozen pea stuck to a dinner plate flying at your face is also itself “not moving”. For it to truly frozen without any movement, energy, spin, or change whatsoever it would have to be frozen and separate from the plate, separate from the entire scenario, beyond the scope of any observation or measurement. Basically not exist, which brings us back to square one.
Personally I was a Nominal Buddhist and only when I was in middle school I took an interest in Buddhism. Though I find myself more attracted towards the spiritual aspects of Buddhism than the religious elements such as rituals and prayers. I am not against the religious features of Buddhism, it's just that I find no interest towards it compared to the spiritual characteristics
🙏😊
well... I'd sincerily agree to the points made in the video. to me, buddhism as an intra-mundane practice path raises (if at all) least cognitive dissonance, as compared with usual religion involving theistic confessions. I grew up with a(n also political) lutheran background. the point of 'making sense' to me is most relevant, relatedly, and even compatible with scientific thought, systems thinking | 2nd order cybernetics, complexity etc. (eg see hector varela as for autopoietics in biology).
Hi Doug,
Thank you for another great video.
What do you think is missing in Buddhism or at least could be emphasized more?
I feel there is not enough focus on fun and joy. It seems like we should get all our fun and joy from meditation. All other forms of enjoyment (in particular romantic relations, pleasure from work, a good meal, ...) seem like a distraction from the real goal, enlightenment.
What is your view on this?
I appreciate all the work you put into these videos.
Kind regards
Thank you! As for Buddhism, there are many different kinds and each one emphasizes slightly different things. Remember that in early Buddhism most of the message was for monastics. The Buddha did urge his lay followers to use their wealth for their own and others' pleasure.
It's very so much to say about how the secular views shifted my focus of life
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What is the relationship between No Self and Emptiness?
See my earlier video: ruclips.net/video/U1_i6EvYDaY/видео.html
I've looked into one or two of the many belief systems out there in the past, but too often felt I was surrendering too much of my interlect. I suppose it's just about the kind of nature you have? I've no problem with any system that promotes being good to each other 😎🙏
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For me, there is really no going back. Being in Zen buddhism, i have issues with the lack of lay focused or community centered practices. Despite other religions easily filling that role, the Buddhadharma presents too convincing and concise of a system to leave.
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Such an simple question... but what kind of a Reddit question is that :) Regardless, Doug is the person to answer it!
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Would love to know about buddhism practice books.
Bhante Gunaratana has a number of books that are practice oriented.
honestly I was very close to choose Buddhism as a religion, but I really believe in what I define as "soul" meanwhile Buddhism seems totally opposite to it because of various passages and the theory itself of "destroying suffering by destroying our ego". I see reincarnation as a positive thing more in a greek sense, but also the Bardo Thodol is really important for my thought about both life and death. At the end Buddhism is more of a pratice for me, I'm thinking about visiting a temple in my zone even just for a day only to experience this religion which I really respect
Yes, though there is no emphasis in Buddhism on "destroying our ego." The emphasis instead is on seeing what's really going on within and without us. There is no destruction, except perhaps of ignorance.
@@DougsDharma how so? Like, Buddhism believes in the non-existence of an individual self, then the ego not only as material self (desires, instincts, memories, rationality...) but also individuality itself (which is seen by other religions as what's the soul) isn't meaningful
@@timeless_dusk See my playlist on self and non-self in Buddhism.
@@DougsDharma thank you
I was raised by an atheist and Buddhism appeals to me in many ways including the idea of no soul, righteous living in moderation also appeals to me in this godless world since there is also no afterlife. I believe heaven and hell are parts of earth, this living being we are part of.
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If Buddhism didn't teach reincarnation I would have been a buddhist decades ago coming from a Christian background. I love the Buddhist philosophy. I heard a dharma talk that said that those who live wisely don't need to fear death. I really want to live wisely with Buddhist teachings for joy, calm, and happiness and in the point of my dying, hopefully I can think to myself that I tried my best to be an ethical, honest, caring person and that was the best I could do. For me religion made me feel worthless like a dirty rag but Buddhism teaches me how to love with a full heart.
Yes, my personal orientation is secular in that I leave aside questions of rebirth. This-life practice is the most compelling to me. I've done several videos on this subject, for example: ruclips.net/video/bP1ZWvmJQOw/видео.html
If Buddhism doesn’t teach reincarnation, maybe there is no need to learn it at all, the whole idea of Buddhism is revolving around getting out of reincarnation(reincarnation is suffering) hence many ways to practice to become Buddha and break free from reincarnation, whether is Theravana or Mahayana.
Hi Doug! Interesting video! One of the questions that I've been asking myself for a long time is
If I don't believe in a God because of lack of evidence, then why should I believe in enlightenment?
What are your strongest arguments for the existence of enlightenment? Have you met any monks that claim to enlightened? If yes, how could one go about proving their claims? Scanning their brains and finding a lack of suffering somehow?
To me Nibbana seems almost equally unfalsifiable as an all knowing all mighty God. I just can't see the strong arguments?
Best regards
Jonathan
Do you have the evidence that other people than you have consciousness?
@@vondertann8471 if you're trying to make a point I'm not getting it. If you're asking a genuine question, then yes. I'm not sure how that is relevant though.
Don't believe in it if you think it's not credible. Try the practice and see what happens.
An interesting answer to the question, thanks. It would be interesting to hear what brought you to Buddhism Doug - perhaps you've already done a video on this?
Yes I've done a number of videos on that.
I would like to know whether the historic Buddha had any plan to preserve his teachings like the chanting techniques of vedas by the brahmins. Did the buddha had any similar idea or did he encourage his disciples to think of something similar to preserve the teachings of dharma ?
Yes we can tell in places like the Saṅgīti Sutta (DN 33) that Sāriputta organized the monks into a chanting group, reciting the dharma.
Can you explain more about the Sabbath of the Jains in AN 3.70 Uposathasutta?
I don’t fully understand the paragraph about the Sabbath of the Jains. Why “I don’t belong to anyone anywhere! And nothing belongs to me anywhere!”’ is a lying? Isn’t it similar to not-self practicing?
How i can learn more about Buddhism?
What's the books that i should read ,
I'm very interested
I have a playlist on recommended books, that's somewhere to start.
@@DougsDharma thanks I appreciate that
Dhamma practitioner 🙏🏼
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why not?
“Extinguishment” of mundane suffering in this lifetime, or the “Ulimate Extinguishment” (Nibbhana) of the wheel of Samsara?
This important degree of distinction depends, I suppose, on one’s acceptance or denial of the phenomana of rebirth. WWEBD (what would early Buddhists do?)
Ultimate extinguishment depends upon complete release of clinging to all dharmas, including views.
#Question As a secular buddhist how do you think about karma and rebirth? Do you discard karma and rebirth entirely or is there secular interpretation of these terms that make sense to you?
I've done lots of videos on these topics in the past. See for example my recent video on rebirth as symbol and metaphor: ruclips.net/video/bP1ZWvmJQOw/видео.html , as well as my playlist on karma: ruclips.net/p/PL0akoU_OszRgwcF_eKqxg8ok0w_dz2sj_
@@DougsDharma Okay, thanks
Is it necessary to look at Buddhism as a religion? If possible, can we look at it as a philosophy of life as described by Buddha?
Yes absolutely, I prefer to see it as a philosophy of life. But for many it is also a religion. 🙏
At least good for mental health for sure, much more effective than many modern psychological therapies.
Some modern psychological therapies such as MBSR are derived from Buddhist practices.
Hi Doug! What should we consider differentiating lay and monastic practice?
Too big a topic for me to answer here, but generally speaking the monastic is sort of like a "professional practitioner" who devotes their life to the practice. They also have a long list of rules to follow.
@@DougsDharma Thanks! I would love to see a video about it. Some practices and achievements seem almost impossible for a lay person. And congrats for you work here!
Which books would you recommend for beginners interested in buddhism, especially in the secular version?
Secular version I'd recommend Stephen Batchelor's Confession of a Buddhist Atheist, or perhaps material from Ajahn Buddhadasa. 🙏
@@DougsDharma thank you, Doug!
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The goal of Buddhism is to end suffering, and I think it's good at that, but what if that's not the right goal? It's sort of anti-utilitarian, since utilitarianism is about satisfying the values of egos, whereas Buddhism is about eliminating both egos and values. My suffering would be reduced if I minimized my attachments and concept of self, but perhaps this would be an abdication of my responsibility to figure out how this universe would best be shaped to satisfy human values, and to effect such changes. Moreover, perhaps abandoning my self in order to escape suffering would be a betrayal of that self, who values things in this world, including preservation of that self.
I've been playing around with the idea that even accepting the Buddhist three marks of existence, maybe the best response is to actually try to strengthen the ego and find something, anything to struggle mightily for; through the struggle, we can find some shapes in the meaningless, illusory clouds of the universe.
Does the struggle help assuage your suffering?
Because the Buddha is the OG
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@@DougsDharmaOriginal God
I don't know about "why Buddhism". I made that decision almost 6 decades ago. I suppose it was that it was a discipline in which I could choose my own path instead of being locked into a path chosen for me.
I do have a suggestion unless this was covered somehow in one of the other videos. I am reading an Alex Wayman article, and he is describing a three-fold classification of insight --
seen/heard insight which he labels śruta, pondered insight which he labels cintā, and generated insight which he labels bhāvanā, He says this classification pre-dates Mahayana Buddhism. Do you know about this and is it a good topic?
I'm not aware of this distinction, I assume it derives from the Abhidharma, but no clue.
How is mindfulness linked to enlightenment?
Huge question. By helping us see the way things are.
I also prefer secular interpretation
Anxiety and depression.
Yes, the practices can help.
Buddha siddarth gautama was known during his times for rejecting idea of eternal immortal soul and god as the supreme creator and Controller. Buddha knew past life karma and not past birth karma. By past life it means karma from ancestoral lineages, society and our own early life. Past life is deliberately interpreted as past birth by Vedic proponents in order to support idea of eternal immortal soul.
i have a question for you doug. you may already have a video on it or it may have a simple answer, i’m not sure.
what motivates an enlightened person? ive hear the answer “compassion” but what effect could compassion have on action if your not attached to it?
thanks
True compassion is without attachment, without ego.
As a secular practitioner, would you say that dukkha ends with this life?
Dukkha continues in others.
@@DougsDharma If one would attain arhatship, or even full buddhahood, would dukkha not also continue in others? The bodhisattva ideal of liberating all sentient beings seems to be dependent on rebirth in a cyclic universe.
Not seeing cessation in people who have practiced all of their lives. Seriously amazing teachers like Chogyam Trungpa and Alan Watts died from their alcoholism, and many of these guys were also sexual predators! Nihilism comes easy here! I guess we can blame Kali Yuga, but a single life let alone billions of rebirths doesn't seem to cut it.
Thanks for engaging. I am only a troll for the moment!
I would say no buddhism for me. I do mindfulness. But if you like Buddhism, as a former Buddhist I would say: go ahead with an open and critical mind and try Secular Buddhism, it's better.
Is this good? I only click on good stuff.
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Speak about Taoism
Given a choice will you choose McDonald's or its cheap knock off?
No, Buddhism is not a junk food (like atheism or Belief-system) but it is the path to Ethic (Moral), Meditation and Wisdom which may help to liberate you.
Buddha is Lord! Accept Lord Shakyamuni Buddha as your savior today! Tomorrow may be too late. Tomorrow, you might be reborn as a mite on a baboon's tuches in the Ein Gedi Retreat! Buddha now! Thank you.
The Buddha had gone since he died. He doesn't hear you, he cannot save you or help you. What he recommended was you should help yourself and only you can help yourself.
That was very informative and helpful. I will heed your message. Thank you. @@nickt311
The Amidah Buddha, of whom the Shakyamuni preached, will cause all sentient beings who recite His (Amida's) name and who wish to be reborn in His Land to do so. This teaching is in the Larger Sutra on Amida Buddha. This is good news. @@nickt311
Zazen is good for nothing.
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