jim_flanegin wrote: > Granted the world's great religions like Christianity, Buddhism, > Judaism, Hinduism, Taoism and Islam all preach being 'good' and > doing 'good'. Because most if not all of the spiritual teachers in the > world have had exposure to religion, they too profess being 'good' as > a condition for enlightenment. > > But why is this then taken as a truth? In some religions, like > Christianity and Buddhism, being 'good' and doing 'good' are seen as > major cornerstones to achieving salvation. There are some on this > forum who have said it is more enlightened if someone does 'good', > than if they meditate, so this idea is widespread. > > What is the reason for this? Is it because we just thoughtlessly > associate being 'good' with being enlightened? Or is there a direct, > provable and causal link between being 'good' and attaining > enlightenment? > > I don't think there is any connection between the two, at all. I think "good" can be relative. From another point of view doing something good may be perceived by others as bad. Take for instance if you chastise a friend for doing something people may think you're not much of a friend but you may be doing it for their own good. In general most advanced paths will not give out a teaching to someone unless the guru determines that the person is a kind and good hearted soul.
