[Zen] Re: Can we love our enemies?
--- In Zen_Forum@yahoogroups.com, Al [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: From: Sodaiho-roshi I see religious leaders, political leaders, and teachers, boy and giirl scout leaders all going nuts in enraged argument. What's a good Buddhist to do? That is really shocking to me. That people like Pat Robertson call for the assassination of elected leaders of other nations, and that people in positions of power have a laissez faire attitude that they are going to take whatever actions they need to succeed (such at the torture of frontline Iraqi grunts who have very little secret information); secret monitoring of Americans communications with any foreigners; forcing another nation's people to adopt Democracy (gee, isn't that like fighting for peace; or killing to preserve life?) Somewhere the concept of Democracy and the Bill of Rights seems to have been washed down the drain. It's a real test of patience and equinimity for sure. The best thing I have kept in mind is what I remember from Thich Nhah Hahn. He said that people are not our enemy, but ignorance, hatred, etc. are the enemies. Think of how anger feels - not good. This was both a revelation and a duh! moment for me when I read it - The angry person suffers. We have a lot of angry, ignorant people in government and as religious leaders. Realize that these people are suffering from an affliction and we should feel compassion for them. Easier said than done! I want to bash Pat Robertson's head in sometimes. But I sit with my anger and look at it and learn from it and try my best to overcome it with compassion. It's a continuous process. Not something I can just do once and be done. Yahoo! Groups Sponsor ~-- Join modern day disciples reach the disfigured and poor with hope and healing http://us.click.yahoo.com/lMct6A/Vp3LAA/i1hLAA/S27xlB/TM ~- Current Book Discussion: any Zen book that you recently have read or are reading! Talk about it today! Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Zen_Forum/ * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
[Zen] Re: Can we love our enemies?
--- In Zen_Forum@yahoogroups.com, Al [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: From: dkotschessa The angry person suffers. We have a lot of angry, ignorant people in government and as religious leaders. Realize that these people are suffering from an affliction and we should feel compassion for them. I think that these are greedy, cynical people who are all profiting massively from their actions. GW Bush's family owns massive amounts of Oil stocks, and Cheney his friends own a ton of Halliburton. The war has pushed Oil stocks through the roof, and Halliburton has earned billions from the Bush award of contracts for civilian services in Iraq (and New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina). It is not anger, IMHO. It is corruption and betrayal of the American taxpayer. Meanwhile Pat Robertson is catering to his audience, and he believes that his crazy remarks will increase donations, so he keeps making them. No doubt if his supporters stopped sending money then Robertson would change his tune. None of those folks is angry. They are all billionaires, and they seem to be addicted to power and making more money. I agree with you, but I still think there is a lot of anger in what they are doing. When W. speaks, look at how the people react. Look at how they cheer and applaud when he talks about bringing people to justice. (i.e. killing them) On the surface is corruption and greed, but I sense an underlying current of anger and rage which these people feel justifies their actions. But regardless of what we're calling the affliction - greed, anger, corruption. My point is that the way to love our enemies is to view the affliction as the enemy rather then the people. Like I said - easier said than done. Remember hate never dispelled hate only love dispelled hate this is the law ancient and inexhaustible - The Big B Man Yahoo! Groups Sponsor ~-- Join modern day disciples reach the disfigured and poor with hope and healing http://us.click.yahoo.com/lMct6A/Vp3LAA/i1hLAA/S27xlB/TM ~- Current Book Discussion: any Zen book that you recently have read or are reading! Talk about it today! Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Zen_Forum/ * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
Re: [Zen] Re: Can we love our enemies?
From: dkotschessa hate never dispelled hate only love dispelled hate this is the law ancient and inexhaustible - The Big B Man Ape shall not kill Ape. The Lawgiver (Battle for the Planet of The Apes-1973) Yahoo! Groups Sponsor ~-- Join modern day disciples reach the disfigured and poor with hope and healing http://us.click.yahoo.com/lMct6A/Vp3LAA/i1hLAA/S27xlB/TM ~- Current Book Discussion: any Zen book that you recently have read or are reading! Talk about it today! Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Zen_Forum/ * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
RE: [Zen] Re: Can we love our enemies?/Kinky
Check out: http://www.kinkyfriedman.com Kathy -- -Original Message- From: Zen_Forum@yahoogroups.com [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of dkotschessa Sent: Monday, January 23, 2006 12:30 PM To: Zen_Forum@yahoogroups.com Subject: [Zen] Re: Can we love our enemies? --- In Zen_Forum@yahoogroups.com, Kathy [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: From: Al addicted to power and making more money Their arrogance and greed are also forms of suffering. If they truly feel they are better than most others and that their wealth and power is proof of their superiority (and they do feel that), then they are not at peace. We should feel compassion for them. However, compassion does not mean we have to condone their behavior. I think what I'm going to do is move to Texas and work with Kinky Freedman on his campaign for Governor. I always liked Kinky, but now I see he has an animal shelter on his property - what a guy! Kathy I never heard of him, but I automatically like anybody named Kinky. Anyway :) I'm in agreement with you Kathy. They are not at peace. And this brings up another interesting point about Karma. Even if you are unable to muster up any compassion for our friend George W., it may be reassuring to think that in terms of the karma he has generated for himself, he will choke on it. Current Book Discussion: any Zen book that you recently have read or are reading! Talk about it today! Yahoo! Groups Links Yahoo! Groups Sponsor ~-- Join modern day disciples reach the disfigured and poor with hope and healing http://us.click.yahoo.com/lMct6A/Vp3LAA/i1hLAA/S27xlB/TM ~- Current Book Discussion: any Zen book that you recently have read or are reading! Talk about it today! Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Zen_Forum/ * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
