The problem really started before I even read the words. In class, the idea of what is "right" and what is "wrong". This was the main problem I had with it. The path deals in absolutes and those who deal in them, tend to be stiff and unyielding. The version of the Tao Te Ching that I have states that "…whoever is stiff and inflexible is a disciple of death. Whoever is soft and yielding is a disciple of life." This came from tidbit #76.
The eight fold path consists of:
1. Right View (Wisdom)
2. Right Intention (Wisdom)
3. Right Speech (Ethical Conduct)
4. Right Action (Ethical Conduct)
5. Right Livelihood (Ethical Conduct)
6. Right Effort (Mental Development)
7. Right Mindfulness (Mental Development)
8. Right Concentration (Mental Development)
The first two are the only ones I really, truly agree with. However, with analysis they become just a psychological analysis of the human thought process and how to fix it.
It went down hill from there, because as the philosophy turned slowly into religious guidance and absolutes.
Number 3 basically means don't be deceitful, slanderous, or make idle speech.
Number 4 means be nice and good to people
Number 5 means live for and work towards or during a life of kindness.
Finally I just gave up. If I was going to be told how to live, act, think, I would just follow the hard way. And all I have to do for that is jump off a cliff and "sample .
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While this is a religion, there is a decided philosophical bent to it. I don't see religion entering into the eightfold path, but I do see a code of ethics and morals. Thoise things, ethics & morals, are not the exclusive domain of religion -- in fact, religion has abused ethics and morals more than anything else except politics. But that's beside the point.
ReplyDeleteThe Buddhists could have very easily interjected gods and other spirit beings into the eightfold path, and then it would, indeed, be solely religious. But I beg you to take another look, after all, there is a Mongolian rule of life: "It is forbidden to be unfair", that really transcends all thought.
It's easy to understand why anyone wishes to shy away from rules or laws. It's easy to forget why our guardians gave us rules to live by. It's easy to forget that some of what the government does or what law enforcement does is for the good of the people. (Many people's lives are saved by police officers every day). Why is it hard to care about them? Because we see the bad in them. The corruption and the hypocrisy. Guess what? I'm a hypocrite. I'm not proud of it, and I'm trying to change my habits. But I know why there are "rules" or laws set in place for me to live by. I'd be pretty screwed up if I chose to live life my way. Or at least, I don't think I'd have this much peace.
ReplyDeleteYes, the eightfold path sounds to me like the ten commandments or other religious doctrine describing laws that everyone is to follow. I know you don't have to listen to me, but I'll say that the reason behind choosing to follow anything resembling law is an important thing to look at. If laws are made by people like me then why listen to them and not just follow my own path? But if there's someone who understands more than I do, perhaps understanding EVERYTHING, then I would be much more inclined to listen to his reasoning for having laws to live by. A perfect creator perhaps?