On Tue, Nov 25, 2008 at 9:10 AM, Charles Haynes <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > How do you feel about the conversion of untouchables to Buddhism then?
Ah Charles, had I known you were interested, I'd have introduced you to some traditional** Buddhist monks, who try to avoid those who use Budhism for political gains. Typically this is what happens with Indian political parties. One even went so far as to opine that "I feel my religion (Buddhism) was used for political gain and to fuel personal ambition. The real values that Buddha taught are completely lost". I would take his word for it since they are scholars in their respective fields, having studied it for decades and Hinduism is going down the same path (ursuped by politics). ** those who are born into Buddhism (as opposed to by conversion) where its a tradition that each family allows (atleast) one male member to become a monk, as a matter of pride, not force. -- .
