Freud was interested in ushering the miserably neurotic to a place of simple human suffering. Buddha devoted his life to examining the truth of suffering, its causes, prognosis and treatment. Philosophers present proposals relating to the nature of existence (problems) for debate (in language), in much the same way that scientists publish findings to be reproduced.
Suffering, problematics and neurosis don't share the same couch, categorically. Can one use philosophical musings as a means of attaching to suffering? Sure. Can one use the terms of philosophical problematics to feed misery and neurosis? Sure, but then, I could also use my fountain pen to weed my garden. I can frame Buddhism spiritually (surrendering into the cosmic big S self), philosophically (as a system of understanding the nature of reality and lived values), or psychologically (as a tool to form (in)effective behavioral responses to emotional stimuli). I am new to the list, rather new to dharma studies, and have been sitting off and on for around 10 years. I recently joined a sangha in Los Angeles, and am just beginning to work with teachers. Thanks to all of you for your provocative writings :-) Regards, Kahty (yes, it's spelled correctly) * My working definitions: Philosophy is the study of ideas, literally "love of wisdom." Philosophy is concerned with examining truth, knowledge, morality, beauty, and the nature of reality. Neurosis can be described as a distressing mental disorder that that does not interfere with one's rational thought or ability to function (as opposed to psychosis) and that is an inefectual coping strategy borne of overwhelming emotional experiences. Problems (problematics) can be described as unresolved topics of thought. Buddhist "suffering" refers to the self generated disatisfaction that results from the various forms of attachments. -- ~say beautiful things to yourself~ [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~--> Get fast access to your favorite Yahoo! Groups. Make Yahoo! your home page http://us.click.yahoo.com/dpRU5A/wUILAA/yQLSAA/S27xlB/TM --------------------------------------------------------------------~-> Current Book Discussion: Appreciate Your Life by Taizan Maezumi Roshi Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ZenForum/ <*> 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/
