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Title: Buddha's wife and family Post by: Jitendra Hy-do-u-no-us? on Mar 09, 2017 05:43 am Hi Steve, My question is a bit off topic but you mentioned selfishness and I wonder if you consider buddhas decision to abandon his wife, son and worldly affairs in pursuit of enlightenment a selfish act? No because his enlightenment and spiritual development was a blessing to them. From Dhamma Wiki One of the criticisms of Buddhism is that the Buddha-to-be (Prince Siddhattha Gotama) left his wife and son to seek enlightenment. But on further investigation, this is not a valid criticism on at least the following ten points: 1. It was the custom, cultural norm at the time (in India) for young men to leave home and enter the homeless life as an ascetic. 2. The prince was leaving to achieve a greater purpose that would eventually benefit not only all humans but also his wife and son. 3. His wife and son forgave him. 4. His wife and son would be well taken care of, at least materially. 5. He left unwillingly as well, not neglecting a last look at his wife and son before leaving. 6. He wasn't a Buddha (enlightened yet) 7. He came back after enlightenment to visit and teach his family 8. Yashodhara became a bhikkhuni (nun) 9. His son, Rahula became a bhikkhu (monk) 10. Some teachers say that he received permission from his wife to leave: Thich Nhat Hanh in Old Path White Clouds, Parallax, 1991 translates or interprets that the Buddha and Yashodhara were discussing his going forth and she agreed. The night before the renunciation she set out his coat and shoes to be ready for him to leave in the middle of the night. Bhante Madawela Punnaji also states that there has been a mistranslation and the Buddha did in fact receive permission from his wife. Title: Re: Buddha's wife and family Post by: ding dong on Mar 09, 2017 06:21 am Having families is selfish.
Title: Re: Buddha's wife and family Post by: ding dong on Mar 09, 2017 06:22 am Don't take it from me, it's in the boble.
34 “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I have come to turn “‘a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law— 36 a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’ 37 “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it. – Jesus (Matthew 10:34-38) Title: Re: Buddha's wife and family Post by: ding dong on Mar 09, 2017 06:24 am Anybody who says they aren't selfish is bullshitting. Selfishness becomes a virtue when you realize that everyone is your own self.
Title: Re: Buddha's wife and family Post by: ding dong on Mar 09, 2017 06:25 am OSHO taught people to be selfish, lol.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LfUvi1bof8 Title: Re: Buddha's wife and family Post by: ding dong on Mar 09, 2017 06:26 am It's hard not to be selfish when you're seeking Self-realization.
Title: Re: Buddha's wife and family Post by: Jitendra Hy-do-u-no-us? on Mar 12, 2017 04:57 am It's hard not to be selfish when you're seeking Self-realization. Yes the Self is much different then the small self in selfishness. The larger Self recognizes the needs of others. |