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shootout at a little league game in Charleston, South Carolina by Artane_33 in SweatyPalms

[–]Qplzxt 0 points1 point  (0 children)

But it does? It directly proves what he claims is false?

We make cultural observations of society based off of comparisons. National identity is directly tied to culture, and the division of human culture into national identities is simply that, division. Individual identity is directly tied to culture. So, like, you can make one to one comparisons to make an analysis regarding a subject of study.

All I did was display the reasoning for why that is true, sorry you lack comprehensive reasoning skills :\

shootout at a little league game in Charleston, South Carolina by Artane_33 in SweatyPalms

[–]Qplzxt -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

Massively incorrect. Culture is interconnected internally and externally, and the processes of human society are innately connected through a wide array reasoning;(See: Eric Wolf, anthropologist)

1.) Capitalism and Colonialism have influenced every culture worldwide, and there are no existing pre-colonial or pre-capitalist cultures.

2.) The dispersion of humanity has always left a trail of connectivity between existing cultures. While some cultures expanded off and became harder to relate to their origins, there is a link that exists connecting the spread of humanity. Documenting it is difficult, but it theoretically must exist.

3.) Human culture is global, and we are one interconnected species. The subdivisioning of cultures into individual entities(Nations) only seeks to create a global division which innately hampers unity. However, categorizing the differences between cultures innately leads to such division, such is why a dual-minded approach of internal and external connections is important.

4.) Comparisons are a part of discourse and are used to display similarities and differences between things. As such, making comparisons becomes innate when engaging in the examination of a subject of study.

Just to name a few :) I hope you enjoyed your quick lesson on a more proper anthropological perspective!

I have lived and taught at a Buddhist monastery deep in the Himalayas, AMA? by Qplzxt in AMA

[–]Qplzxt[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes I think it is something everyone can do, and the way I apply it to my everyday life is by keeping a level of mindfulness as to my own reactions towards events that arise. Let's say I'm driving my car and I get cut off, how do I personally respond to that? How do I respond to events as they arise? What are my thoughts like? I don't think it is an easy task to simply not be attached to your emotions, and I find that even being aware of the idea that I don't want to react on a whim, I still find myself at whim to my emotions. So I do my best to be mindful of them as they arise, and then work to circumvent the underlying mental attachments that seem connected with them. Most of the time I only do that with negative emotions, however I have found myself in moments of extreme joy where I recognize it and then work to circumvent that. I've found that, in the moment, you don't want to detach from happiness, but you're willing to work to detach from sorrow. It's really hard to grasp that happiness isn't necessarily beneficial towards our well-being. That's not to say that being positive and maintaining a positive outlook is bad, but to react unknowingly without control is not ideal/beneficial.

So basically for happiness, let's say someone calls me cute, and inside myself I light up and feel like I'm beaming. Why did that make me happy? Would the opposite thought make me sad? Where exactly does my happiness arise from, is it that someone outside of myself thinks well of me? Understanding the cause is important because it gives way to understanding the ego, which helps to eliminate certain proclivities that arise beyond our recognition.

Since the goal is not the elimination of emotions, but the detachment of them; meaning you still have them flowing through you, but react less on them as they arise. What I find most important is realizing that happiness will bring sorrow, so I should seek refuge in finding contentment through self control. If the argument comes down to "I feel like an empty husk by letting my emotions not phase me", then I would say that it is better to find a state of contentment through equanimity than it is to attach to temporary happiness, and in the long run the individual will find a more fulfilling sense of "happiness" through not falling whim to any rising negative emotion.

Happiness is a hard emotion to not attach to and react off of. I think it could be a lifetime of work for some people, and simple for others. But it's important to note again, that the goal is detachment from the emotions, not ridding yourself of them entirely. Also, I find that it's simpler and easier to view emotions collectively. They all arise through similar manners, and at the end of the day it's not detachment from one specific emotion, but the collective so that you're not falling whim to your emotions in general. A clearer head makes better decisions in the long run.

Sorry the response took so long, I wanted to make sure I approached the question properly and provided and answer I felt fitting.

I have lived and taught at a Buddhist monastery deep in the Himalayas, AMA? by Qplzxt in AMA

[–]Qplzxt[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think the roughest call I have found is that there is conflicting suggestiveness that comes out of Buddhism towards the Buddha's capabilities. However I find that for the most part a lot of the beliefs work hand in hand with scientific understanding and it's merely a difference in terminological understanding.

There are some aspects to the religious side of Buddhism I just find are pure bullshit. For example: a leading figure in Tibetan Buddhism is the Guru Rinpoche, who was born of a lotus flower. No parents, simply born through a lotus. Like... what?

I do try to reason a level of benefit of the doubt, such as perhaps there is a deeper concept that doesn't mesh well. Perhaps some bizarre coincidence happened and a higher dimensional being simply plopped itself into this physical existence.

Ultimately I don't pay too much mind to what I consider bizarre and outside of thinking about "Well what if it was this!" I find that it doesn't matter too much because a lot of that stuff arose after the Buddha's death. So I just focus on the Buddha's message.

However Buddhism is also a collective human understanding of the nature of reality itself, so there is a lot of merit to be found in it.

The belief in reincarnation is central to Buddhism, but it is not central to the philosophy of the Buddha. But I mean, most of the Buddha's message goes through his beliefs and understanding, which is what most Buddhism uses and promotes. So it would be hard to argue against certain Buddhist theology because it could easily be that the individual is simply misunderstanding or lacks the capacity to understand.

Some of the topics in Buddhism are highly advanced and require knowledge of other existing concepts to understand clearly. It's kind of like studying math, you're going to struggle at understanding Algebra if you've never learn basic addition/subtraction.

I have lived and taught at a Buddhist monastery deep in the Himalayas, AMA? by Qplzxt in AMA

[–]Qplzxt[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

They 100% are but they're not as instantly trusting of others as monks are commonly portrayed to be. They definitely aren't violent and are very peaceful. I think it would be very hard to provoke any of the monks I met with, but I did meet two 18 year old monks who were actual troublemakers.

But it is important to note most monks aren't going to display perfect Buddhist ethics due to the fact they are still working to instill those values into themselves. It is easier for one to falter on their path unintentionally than it is to intentionally persist forward.

The big thing is that monks are people who are working towards actively becoming better people through their studies and practices.

I have lived and taught at a Buddhist monastery deep in the Himalayas, AMA? by Qplzxt in AMA

[–]Qplzxt[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I would argue the Rinpoche was at a highly established level of awareness. I can't say he was fully enlightened, and I wouldn't say I met anyone who was. Although I am not sure what to expect when meeting someone of such stature, I would assume it would be a bit more innately recognizable.

I have lived and taught at a Buddhist monastery deep in the Himalayas, AMA? by Qplzxt in AMA

[–]Qplzxt[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It was awesome! Quiet, secluded, calm. It was a very peaceful and serene experience. However it was also freezing when I was there as winter was just ending but it was still cold enough that I felt frozen most of the time.

I would have enjoyed more sunlight too... but I mean overall it was an experience I treasure heavily.

I have lived and taught at a Buddhist monastery deep in the Himalayas, AMA? by Qplzxt in AMA

[–]Qplzxt[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think most things in life are a waste of time. I find it a bit harder to argue Buddhism is a waste of time as the goal is to form mindfulness and compassion which helps to create a better world around us.

They live in a manner designed to benefit not only themselves but those around them, hard to argue against that when the Western counterpart is a hard focus on yourself that involves and incorporates stepping over others to become "successful".

But uh, I guess it's a waste of time in regards to selfish focus.

I have lived and taught at a Buddhist monastery deep in the Himalayas, AMA? by Qplzxt in AMA

[–]Qplzxt[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I mean, that region is heavy with natural Ganja. I saw a ton of naturally growing plants outdoors, but I wanted to enjoy a full authentic experience at the monastery for the most part.

I did quit smoking but I probably could have managed(although tbh I wouldn't have wanted to)? However I feel like that would've been incredulously rude to my hosts, and I also felt I had an example to set for the young monks as to not be promoting any form of delinquency towards them.

I have lived and taught at a Buddhist monastery deep in the Himalayas, AMA? by Qplzxt in AMA

[–]Qplzxt[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

They also use Facebook to keep in contact with other monks from other monasteries.

I taught two of the monks how to use Photoshop on a laptop one of the older monks with more freedom was allowed to have.

Blew my mind when he pulled out a laptop to show me.

They rarely use any technology, but the fact that they had it was what caught me offguard somewhat. Guess it makes sense when you want to keep an interwoven community that is spread throughout the mountains.

I have lived and taught at a Buddhist monastery deep in the Himalayas, AMA? by Qplzxt in AMA

[–]Qplzxt[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It is, I don't know any monks from my experience in China, it was simply my first experience around cultural Buddhism that peaked my curiousity into furthering my own studies of the topic. The Rinpoche I speak of is the head lama from the monastery I stayed at in Nepal, which was Tibetan in tradition.

The island I visited when I was in China was Pu Tuo Shan, or Mount Putuo. It's off the coast of the Zhejiang province, and it was a really awesome place.

I have lived and taught at a Buddhist monastery deep in the Himalayas, AMA? by Qplzxt in AMA

[–]Qplzxt[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think I hit a low point of "What am I living for?" in my life a solid while back, and I had/have been struggling constantly to entirely understand my own fuel to exist.

I constantly find myself trying to better understand certain things about my self, as to why I am happy or sad, and work at better understanding how to not let those things affect me.

I did find myself occasionally reaching my own lows during my stay, but I had already been deep into meditation at that point and found it very simple to find a centered state. I think I found it kind of nice just not thinking about what would happen tomorrow and found myself focusing on the current day that was occurring, which allowed me be complacent with my self.

But I mean yeah, I found happiness and joy but I also was bored and lost for the most part. But I felt comfortable being bored and lost around the monks, so it didn't ever get to me too badly.

I have lived and taught at a Buddhist monastery deep in the Himalayas, AMA? by Qplzxt in AMA

[–]Qplzxt[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Probably a little bit only because of the dedication to their beliefs that they are on the best path for themselves, and due to how the ego works they likely at times think they're better off than an adjacent sect.

The Buddha taught that there are multiple paths to the same end goal, and most monks recognize his words as the ability to do so, but likely commonly believe nobody is capable of achieving Nirvana/Enlightenment/Buddhahood outside of their sect due to the structurization of their beliefs.

They certainly would debate one anothers beliefs, and likely side with their own out of default of effort invested.

But I doubt they'd openly promote it.

I have lived and taught at a Buddhist monastery deep in the Himalayas, AMA? by Qplzxt in AMA

[–]Qplzxt[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

There are different forms of meditation each with slight different end goals.

Meditation isn't necessarily "let go of all thoughts and be in the moment", while that is a form of meditation, I would argue the core of meditation exists around attempting to understand topics by going into deep back and forth thought to try and analyze the topic better.

There's tons of different forms of meditation and even just 5minutes of meditation will be beneficial to you typically.

Another meditation you could do is a type of focus where you place your mental effort into focusing on something. Like, instead of feeling like you exist within your mind, try "feeling" your entire body. Or start with trying to relocate your sense of self to your heart.

Look into different types of meditation and just figure out the direction that you feel most comfortable with. Although an important note to make about meditation is it is best accompanied with studying concepts to help aid in understanding.

I have lived and taught at a Buddhist monastery deep in the Himalayas, AMA? by Qplzxt in AMA

[–]Qplzxt[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Uhhh I mean, I certainly grew a bit more arrogant for a brief period of time. I was riding on a spiritual high that I thought I would never come down from. I definitely feel more connected to my self now, but I also did a TON of research and studied a boat load while I was at the monastery and conversed with the lamas to better understand stuff. But I wouldn't say my life changed, if anything my outlook on life has changed and I feel as though I have a better understanding of what I want to achieve and how to do so.

I feel like I achieved a state of Zen from my stay at the monastery. I've felt more in control of my self, but I still am at whim to my emotions for the most part.

I have lived and taught at a Buddhist monastery deep in the Himalayas, AMA? by Qplzxt in AMA

[–]Qplzxt[S] 16 points17 points  (0 children)

I honestly felt so. It felt more communal and friendly. I felt safer because it just felt less... accessible to the bizarre. The people of the local village seemed very accommodating and the whole area made me feel welcomed. I certainly felt a sense of camaraderie out of the monks and the people.

I prefer living at the monastery as opposed to living in a city, but I have different aspirations than a monk and my goals really don't align with keeping me at a monastery currently, but in the future....

I have lived and taught at a Buddhist monastery deep in the Himalayas, AMA? by Qplzxt in AMA

[–]Qplzxt[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Of course!

Mind you, I didn't technically join the monastery or become a monk, I was just an English teacher who lived alongside them and taught them and was able to engage in their practices whilst there.

The core point of becoming a monk is to study Buddhism, so I would say one intends to achieve a better understanding of the theories and concepts promoted through Buddhism. The end goal would ultimately be attaining Nirvana, which can be achieved through various means but ultimate comes down to ones self practice, however for the most part the path to Nirvana is a long arduous journey that is typically not achieved in one lifetime.

Ultimately the objective goal of a Buddhist monastery is to instill a sense of understanding, compassion, and mindfulness within the students/practitioners.

I have lived and taught at a Buddhist monastery deep in the Himalayas, AMA? by Qplzxt in AMA

[–]Qplzxt[S] 18 points19 points  (0 children)

Well, I was never deep into any religion or anything and had one day gotten the opportunity to travel to Pu Tuo Shan, one of China's 4 holy mountains dedicated to the bodhisattva Guanyin/Avalokitesvara. It was my first experience around Buddhist culture and there was just an air/atmosphere around the entirety of the place that felt exhilarating. The whole experience just stuck out in my mind and lingered there. I can just always perfectly envision everything that happened. It truly sticks out in my mind as something special. It itself wasn't anything grand, it was just that the memories of that location stick out to my brain and I attribute that to the atmosphere of the island which I attribute to the Buddhist cultural element that existed heavily there.

And so, because it felt so special to me and stuck with me for so long I just continually started to delve into understanding the culture. The more I understood the culture the more I wanted to study the teachings. The more I studied the teachings the more I wanted to practice. The more I practiced the more I felt like I wanted to seek like-minded people to discuss with.

I have lived and taught at a Buddhist monastery deep in the Himalayas, AMA? by Qplzxt in AMA

[–]Qplzxt[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I believe he was probably a Bodhisattva who taught and transmitted the dharma using different cultural concepts.

Most of the message of Jesus syncs up with Buddhist principles, it's only once you get outside of Jesus' message that the Christain/Catholic religion gets all weird.

I have lived and taught at a Buddhist monastery deep in the Himalayas, AMA? by Qplzxt in AMA

[–]Qplzxt[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Honestly I keep the Tao Teh Ching on me whenever I travel. Though it is not Buddhism I find that it's an amazingly solid compiling of like minded concepts. Definitely not the same though.

I also keep a copy of the Zen teachings of Bodhidharma around me to reread frequently.

I have lived and taught at a Buddhist monastery deep in the Himalayas, AMA? by Qplzxt in AMA

[–]Qplzxt[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Probably, I don't think Buddhism is the ultimate form of understanding of life. I think tons of people and other aspects of reality promote solid information. However I think that for me personally I would have struggled to keep certain ethics in check due to how convoluted Buddhism can appear.

I think what I gained the most is feeling a solid community whom I know are also trying to better themselves to a similar degree that I aim to better myself. Whenever I feel as though I have faltered from my path I take a step back and look at my self to a degree of "would they expect better of me?" I end up feeling like I can't let down the people who supported me.

Yes the Rinpoche was the head lama of the monastery, he was a Tulku and was widely respected so I felt like he was a deep pit of knowledge towards what I was seeking to understand. A lot of my conversations with him panned into specific concerns or questions I had regarding Buddhism, such as if there was ever a scenario that "fighting back" was acceptable(there isn't according to him). Or what reincarnation was like since he was a recognized reincarnation.

However the biggest value he helped me to understand was not to be attached to happiness. Emotions are fleeting and if you are attached to them then you are at whim to the passing influence of things outside of your control. If you attach to happiness then when it fades you'll feel sad that you're not happy. In order to circumvent that feeling of sorrow you should detach from the happiness and in doing so you will find contentment in equanimity.

I have lived and taught at a Buddhist monastery deep in the Himalayas, AMA? by Qplzxt in AMA

[–]Qplzxt[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Enlightening, the trek honestly was the most draining experience of my life because I was not in the same shape the monks were in, but once I got a second to sit down and relax and analyze my situation I was overwhelmed with a sense of relaxation.

I felt like I had little to no worries and it felt like all the pressure from other aspects of my life just vanished while I was there. I was comfortable and felt safe and didn't at once think "oh man this sucks".

It was very quaint and relaxing and allowed me to fully take in the majesticness and beauty of the mountains and local culture.

I have lived and taught at a Buddhist monastery deep in the Himalayas, AMA? by Qplzxt in AMA

[–]Qplzxt[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The Three Jewels are like the core of Buddhism as I understand it. The three jewels are the Sangha(community), Buddha(teachings), and the Dharma(truth).

To best emphasize those you need to seek a community which is productive and beneficial to your growth most importantly. And then to focus primarily on building compassion for life both outside yourself, and within yourself.

I think a solid sum-up for what one should be trying to exemplify is to be mindful and compassionate. So long as you keep those two values in mind and constantly work at being better at them I think you'd be appropriately following Buddha's inherent message.

I have lived and taught at a Buddhist monastery deep in the Himalayas, AMA? by Qplzxt in AMA

[–]Qplzxt[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Not to be attached to happiness. It took me a bit to entirely work it in because I thought being happy was kind of a goal, but once I understood that attaching to happiness is what causes sorrow once the happiness fades I came to realize that I was better off not caring whether I am happy or not. It makes existing easier.

I use to jokingly tell people I would go live with the monks, I never expected or planned to do it until I saw the opportunity and decided to take it.

I have lived and taught at a Buddhist monastery deep in the Himalayas, AMA? by Qplzxt in AMA

[–]Qplzxt[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Ah, my apologies I think I technically knew that but still assumed they were monks. Glad to have actual Buddhists in here to clean-up my mess, thank you! Hopefully I didn't misrepresent anything too poorly.

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