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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by chumbawumba on April 14, 2011, at 23:21:28
In Buddhism there is a recurring theme that difficulties point us to the truth. Put in other terms, the chains that bind us are themselves the vehicle by which we become free. Difficulty is a gift because if one can make friends with it, it becomes a teacher rather than an enemy.
In my case severe depression led me to have much more compassion for myself and others. My heart was opened.
I realize the discussion here is mostly Christian focused, but I was wondering if something similar exists in Christianity?
Posted by Lou Pilder on April 17, 2011, at 12:41:53
In reply to Buddhist teaching, posted by chumbawumba on April 14, 2011, at 23:21:28
> In Buddhism there is a recurring theme that difficulties point us to the truth. Put in other terms, the chains that bind us are themselves the vehicle by which we become free. Difficulty is a gift because if one can make friends with it, it becomes a teacher rather than an enemy.
>
> In my case severe depression led me to have much more compassion for myself and others. My heart was opened.
>
> I realize the discussion here is mostly Christian focused, but I was wondering if something similar exists in Christianity?chumb_ba,
You wrote,[...the chains that bind us...become free..a gift..discussion mostly...I was wondering...?].
It has been revealed to me similar to what you have posted, from a Jewish perspective. And there has been revealed to me a way to overcome and be free. Part of this revelation involves that I am in a place of suffering, like a valley with a shadow hanging over me, that is death.
I came here to post what could IMHO lead others to be free from addiction and depression.
What is the Bhuddist way , if there is one, that you could post here?
Lou
Posted by chumbawumba on April 17, 2011, at 23:09:05
In reply to Lou's response-psetphreigh » chumbawumba, posted by Lou Pilder on April 17, 2011, at 12:41:53
The Buddhist way, which is not the only way by any means, is to open one's heart to suffering rather than make it into an enemy. In order to find the lesson contained within it. The source of suffering may still exist, but we will have changed our relationship to it. We will have made it into a friend and a teacher.
Posted by sigismund on April 18, 2011, at 18:52:45
In reply to Re: Lou's response-psetphreigh, posted by chumbawumba on April 17, 2011, at 23:09:05
>to open one's heart to suffering rather than make it into an enemy
That was beautiful.
Posted by TheDmachine on September 27, 2011, at 20:15:45
In reply to Buddhist teaching, posted by chumbawumba on April 14, 2011, at 23:21:28
The idea of suffering in order to find goodness and truth is common through out ALL religions.
In the Christian faith Jesus says 'he who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life will find it'
Jesus says 'if you want to be good, give up your possessions and give to the poor'
'it is easier for a camel to pass through the head of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven'
Within the New Testament the idea of suffering and being persecuted in the name of Jesus, or as I believe it should better be interpreted as in the name of God, will lead to a goodness and a place in heaven.
Similarly in the Quran the idea of Jihad as obligatory is also about suffering and fighting in the name of God. The prophet Muhammed pbuh also lived a very ascetic life, though he was king of of much of the Arabic world he lived in complete simplicity. The prophet Muhammed pbuh promoted a life extreme simplicity, much like Buddha, he was very much against materialism...
During Ramadan Muslims fast in order to discipline one self and bring one closer to God.I believe all religions stress simplicity and even suffering as a way to goodness.
This is the end of the thread.
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