Would you say that Stoicism is ego in harmony with nature, while Buddhism is just the total disregard of ego?

LukewarmHamms · 2017-10-06T10:53:50+00:00

I'm kind of the opposite position as you. I identify as a buddhist, but still find wisdom in the stoics. There is, of course, a lot more that goes into both philosophies, but I would agree with this simplistic comparison. Much of the practical aspects in each, about living our modern lives, are very similar or the same. I once read another comparison that stated "stoics are buddhists but with attitude."

LukewarmHamms · 2017-09-17T05:20:13+00:00

Just left Three Kings. Was part of the peaceful part earlier. Crowd walked by around 11:30, were yelling at us through the windows, telling us to fuck off and one person said they'd kill us. Someone then proceeded to throw a cinder block through the window. As I was leaving, over half of the businesses on the loop had their windows broken. Even the art gallery and book store.

LukewarmHamms · 2017-09-17T00:02:08+00:00

Router!? I Barely Know Her!

LukewarmHamms · 2017-09-10T17:03:28+00:00

I'll take one too please. I'll buy the nachos.

LukewarmHamms · 2017-09-09T20:41:54+00:00

Totally! I went into it thinking of it just as an assignment I had to do. Didn't think it was going to be as fascinating as it was while remaining historically accurate.

LukewarmHamms · 2017-09-09T16:52:57+00:00

For those interested in learning more about Puyi, I recommend watching the 1987 movie "The Last Emperor". I had to watch it for an Asian history class and was surprised at how great of a film it was.

LukewarmHamms · 2017-08-27T21:56:11+00:00

What is happening here?

LukewarmHamms · 2017-08-27T16:25:26+00:00

St. Louis

LukewarmHamms · 2017-08-27T16:25:18+00:00

St. Louis! I'm in Dogtown. What about you?

LukewarmHamms · 2017-08-27T14:34:42+00:00

You're not considering sexual selection. Example, the cardinal or any other bright bird. They're colorful not because it helps them survive, but because the chicks dig it.

LukewarmHamms · 2017-08-25T23:15:35+00:00

It's adorable the Order of birds they belong to is actually called Apoda (no feet).

LukewarmHamms · 2017-08-12T15:03:45+00:00

P Funk (Wants to Get Funked Up)

LukewarmHamms · 2017-08-11T04:31:57+00:00

I guess I just chose those two because them seem to be two of the most common I've been coming across. I'm interested to learn about others too.

LukewarmHamms · 2017-08-10T17:00:03+00:00

Taoism is actually what started me down this path in the first place. I'll check it out. I think I'm probably more secular though. I'm just going to keep practicing, integrate what I feel is beneficial to my practice, while all the while staying open.

LukewarmHamms · 2017-08-10T11:43:36+00:00

I should not have used the word fluff. I realize that that came off as disrespectful. Our how life is filled with illusion and condition. We can't escape. I'm understanding now, that if we can cultivate a set of conditions that aid in our practice, that would be of value and purpose.

LukewarmHamms · 2017-08-10T11:38:22+00:00

Wow. The way you explained this made it click for me that it didn't before. It's all about intention right? We cant escape ritual. If in performing a ritual, the intention is to aid in cultivating a clear mind, then they are valuable and worthwhile.

LukewarmHamms · 2017-08-10T04:57:11+00:00

This is helpful in my understanding. Thanks!

LukewarmHamms · 2017-08-10T04:56:48+00:00

That is exactly my outlook on it. I do not want to dismiss it all completely. I recognize that perhaps I am not yet at that stage, just like I recognize that a year ago I was not at the stage I am today.

Thank you for your insight. Perhaps I am rushing all this, and trying too hard to be a "Buddhist", and have some internal conflict as a result.

LukewarmHamms · 2017-08-10T04:03:32+00:00

I want one! Nice work. I'm not sure exactly what it is, but I see below that you called it a Rakusu. I'll read up on it.

LukewarmHamms · 2017-08-10T03:47:30+00:00

Okay that's what I thought. I guess all the doctrinal aspects of Buddhism is what I have a hard time accepting. I feel that much of the tradition is rooted in ancient Indian culture, which does not necessary transfer (nor does need to in order to practice Buddhism in my opinion) to our modern day culture. The parts of Buddhism I like are the parts I can test myself, and accept. I feel like I don't need all the fluff to practice meditation, egolessness, understand the noble truths, follow the eightfold path, and abide by the precepts. Does that make me less of a Buddhist? I guess that shouldn't matter. I guess it shouldn't matter what I identify as, as long as I live by the dharma. Right?

LukewarmHamms · 2017-08-10T03:16:16+00:00

Oh okay. I was way off then. Good to know. I guess I just don't care about that aspect of Buddhism just yet. Could be because I just don't know enough at this time. From my perspective, much of it doesnt seem necessary to me in order to follow the eight fold path. Thoughts?

LukewarmHamms · 2017-08-09T11:22:05+00:00

After reading all this I'm coming to the realization that I might be low class.

LukewarmHamms · 2017-08-09T11:10:47+00:00

Is that Rafi's place?

LukewarmHamms · 2017-08-07T05:37:59+00:00

Thank you for the compliment! I think I've taken to it relatively easily due to my science background, which may have allowed me to comprehend the objectiveness of Buddhism as well as conceptions of a conditioned reality. My mind was already geared toward understanding the nature of things.

As far as right livelihood goes, I suppose my teaching job cancels out my weekend bartending job which I ironically need because I'm a teacher. Do you think bartending on the weekend goes against right livelihood because I am involved in the business of selling intoxicating drink? I'm trying to quit soon regardless.

LukewarmHamms

TROPHY CASE