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| Subject: Re: advice about conscience | |
Author: mel | [ Next Thread |
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] Date Posted: 5/07/07 11:31 In reply to: squinney man 's message, "advice about conscience" on 24/06/07 11:12 "I cannot answer this in terms of the craft, I'm Buddhist. However just wanted to say I think it's great you're engaging with your conflict with ethical awareness and wholehearted concern. Hope this thread has helped you." Zen Wind, What is your view then? I am not trying to stir here but just wondered. I know buddhists dont like to push their views down peoples throats but would be interested. I think we all need to work together on such things and resist the temptation to sit on the fence. blessings mel [ Next Thread | Previous Thread | Next Message | Previous Message ] |
| [> Subject: Re: advice about conscience | |
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Author: zenwind [ Edit | View ] |
Date Posted: 5/07/07 13:24 Hi Melanie, I take a neutral position because I do not feel that this particular topic can be seen simply in terms of black and white. I do not want to add unnecessarily to the suffering or upset of humanity and other sentient beings on this planet but know I am part of a system that does, and so I do. Personally I would never wish to intentionally kill, although of course I kill insects all the time.... every time I drive my car. Still, I think intention is important in any action. In terms of karma well how on earth do I know? It makes sense to me that every action has a consquence but I do not feel 'I' will personally be punished or rewarded (as in an afterlife/reincarnation/sin) as I believe I am part (like a cell) of a dynamically changing universe that experiences the consequences of all actions already. So I experience the pain or well being of this universe all the time......hurting as a 'cell' (analogy) in this universe when she (and any animal or human within her) is hurting, and feeling peace when any animal or human is happy. To me this is most clear when I meditate and connect but I also feel a sense that the universe is inherently peaceful and can be again. I feel the effects of karma already, the effects of everyone and myself on the universe, of which I am an expression. In my belief system. So all I can do is apply as much of my own understanding, contemplation and compassion in any decision I make and do my best for gaia who is me and everything else too (or so I believe). In terms of the future, all I work with is the "here and now". That is where I feel my sense of agency is. So I try to tread lightly in life today, work out how much it is my 'self centred' ego rather my knowledge of myself as part of an ecosystem driving my decisions..... and with that information, stick to an action that feels the 'right' for me. That is all I can do. In terms of debates and views they are important yet but also to some extent they can create suffering and always well, as will rigid belief systems..... I always like this DH Lawrence quote: "Life and love are life and love, a bunch of violets is a bunch of violets, and to drag in the idea of point is to ruin everything. Live and let live, love and let love, flower and fade, and follow the natural curve which flows on, pointless." Namaste zenwind [ Post a Reply to This Message ] |
[> [> Subject:  Re: advice about conscience
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Author: whitewolf [ Edit | View ] |
Date Posted: 8/07/07 18:10 "...I believe I am part (like a cell) of a dynamically changing universe..." Yes! me too :) [ Post a Reply to This Message ] |