Tuesday, December 28, 2010

LA parking lot... many different cars.


I wonder sometimes if I can love one thing and not another. Can I really love the flower and not the weed? Can I love one person and not the other? Sure, you say, "I hate weeds and evil people." But aren't they both part of the whole, completely interdependent? When I want things to be different than they are (which really never happens) I am always disappointed in them. When I want things to be as they are, I am always satisfied.

The toughest one seems to be political and religions differences. Why do many have such disdain for those of other persuasions. Last night I was reminded about how the Catholics used to preach that Jews should be hated because they crucified Jesus. I'm glad that "officially" that has stopped. But the shooting of the Democrat in Arizona yesterday is of the same elk. The two party system is a wonderful check and balance for our ambitious plans. And different religions are suited for different people and temperaments.

3 comments:

jashbaug said...

one of the biggest problems of religion, is the lack of understanding. If one reads the scripture Christ gave his life, the Jews didn't take it, nor would they have the power to do so if Christ is who they believe! The Catholic church or a person with misguided motives twisted the info, like searching for WMD's in Iraq, and things get messed up!

Sadly short sightedness and misunderstanding cause many woes in religion as well as politics. Combine that with self-centeredness and the quest for power and anything is possible.

I miss the time when we could agree to disagree, or was that just a misguided fantasy ???

Anonymous said...

"Last night I was reminded about how the Catholics used to preach that Jews should be hated because they crucified Jesus. I'm glad that "officially" that has stopped. But the shooting of the Democrat in Arizona yesterday is of the same ilk."
Nit the same thing at all! The kid who shot the congresswoman was an individual, quite unlike the Catholic Church, a massive organization. H.

Kim Mosley said...

I see the actions of individuals as led by a collective consciousness, and the collective (Catholic Church) as acting like an individual. There is not much difference to me.

Reflections on Talks on Buddha's Lists

During a recent Appamada Intensive our students gave talks on Buddha's lists. Here are my reflections on their talks.