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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 19 of 19. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by NikkiT2 on November 28, 2003, at 19:03:01
After having a period this year of yearning for some spirituality in my life, I have tried and tried to get into "main stream Western religions", but it just isn't for me.
So I've been falling back to a previous interest in Buddhism.
This was awakened in me the first time I visisted South East Asia (Malaysian Borneo, awesome place.. Everyone should go there!) and visisted a temple and talked to Buddhist people.
Then in 2002 we spent a month in Thailand, on an island we'd visisted for 10 days the year before so had friends there, and I spent quite a bit of time discussing it with a friend, Veera. he took me to their temple, introduced me to the monk that lives there, and I felt such peace.I want to do a course at my local Buddhist center, but thats not possible right now. I've been reading some of the Daili Lama's work, but would really like to know more about the fundamentals of Buddhism.
So any reccomended reading, or websites, or anything else would be highly appreciated. Or just general advice on how not to look like I'm doing this just to be trendy (I live near Notting Hill, and a few years ago it was THE trendy thing to do among the trustafarians (the under 30's living on daddies trust fund, who try to look like they're squatters etc!) and so has a bit of a "jumping on the band wagon" kind of reputation around here)
Thanks for reading rambles!
Nikki x
Posted by zenhussy on November 29, 2003, at 12:10:19
In reply to OK, Any Buddhists in here??, posted by NikkiT2 on November 28, 2003, at 19:03:01
> After having a period this year of yearning for some spirituality in my life, I have tried and tried to get into "main stream Western religions", but it just isn't for me.
I admire your quest to find something that feels like it 'fits' you.
> So I've been falling back to a previous interest in Buddhism.
This was awakened in me the first time I visisted South East Asia (Malaysian Borneo, awesome place.. Everyone should go there!) and visisted a temple and talked to Buddhist people.
Then in 2002 we spent a month in Thailand, on an island we'd visisted for 10 days the year before so had friends there, and I spent quite a bit of time discussing it with a friend, Veera. he took me to their temple, introduced me to the monk that lives there, and I felt such peace.What incredible opportunities you were presented with. It sounds like you really drank them in and filled your soul with those times.
> I want to do a course at my local Buddhist center, but thats not possible right now. I've been reading some of the Daili Lama's work, but would really like to know more about the fundamentals of Buddhism.There are many branches of Buddhism. So perhaps reading up on one at a time? It ultimately is your path so you will find the correct way when the time is right.
> So any reccomended reading, or websites, or anything else would be highly appreciated. Or just general advice on how not to look like I'm doing this just to be trendy (I live near Notting Hill, and a few years ago it was THE trendy thing to do among the trustafarians (the under 30's living on daddies trust fund, who try to look like they're squatters etc!) and so has a bit of a "jumping on the band wagon" kind of reputation around here)There's nothing trendy about seeking inner peace and enlightenment. Some of the people you might least expect to be open to the way of buddha are the best teachers we could come across. Just pick up the book Dharma Punx: A Memoir by Noah Levine (ISBN: 0060008946 punch that into google and you're all over the map with options to purchase and chase down this book from any source you should choose), son of Stephen Levine noted Buddhist teacher. However I do know the trustafarian thing and share your deep sigh at that.
> Thanks for reading rambles!
> Nikki xYou aren't rambling. You're sharing. And sharing quite a bit if you ask me. I think it is noble to question what might be out there and seek answers.
One path is that taught by the SF Zen Center http://www.sfzc.com If you follow their side menu and click on the scroll over of Who We Are--Related Groups you'll come to a page with links to many California Zen Centers that are similar to the SF one as well as ones in other states. They also link to related Buddhist organizations.
I have many books that I enjoy about Buddhism that approach it from different angles. Some people don't like to be bombarded with so much information so that is why I'm not spilling over with a book list right now unless you request I do so.
Namasté
zenhussy ---how do you think I got this name? ; )
Posted by zenhussy on November 29, 2003, at 14:36:02
In reply to OK, Any Buddhists in here??, posted by NikkiT2 on November 28, 2003, at 19:03:01
I am of the nature to grow old.
There is no way to escape growing old.I am of the nature to have ill-health.
There is no way to escape having ill-health.I am of the nature to die.
There is no way to escape death.All that is dear to me and everyone I love
are of the nature to change.
There is no way to escape being separated from them.My actions are my only true belongings.
I cannot escape the consequences of my actions.
My actions are the ground upon which I stand.-The Buddha-
posted on this site (doesn't cite source or translation): http://www.sczc.org/10_buddhaQuote.html
Posted by NikkiT2 on November 30, 2003, at 14:55:08
In reply to Buddha quote that brings *me* peace » NikkiT2, posted by zenhussy on November 29, 2003, at 14:36:02
Zen,
I always wondered about your name.. *g* And had a feeling you would be the ones rpelying with helpful info!! You rock!
I've been looking at the different branches.. But am still so unsure. We're off to the island in Thailand again in March, so I'm hoping to spend more time at the Temple.. I must photo my Buddha that the Monk gave me.. he is so beautiful.
I'll look out that book.. But feel free to overwhelm me!!
Nikki x
Posted by Jai Narayan on November 30, 2003, at 19:37:24
In reply to Re: Buddha quote that brings *me* peace » zenhussy, posted by NikkiT2 on November 30, 2003, at 14:55:08
I remember being in the total place of the void...where no beliefs worked anymore. I looked down the well of my being and I saw the smiling face of Buddha...I knew there was one more belief system that was left for me to explore. this path is for me the only one now. I like the idea of one foot infront of the other. I am so interested in your trip to Malaysia. I will keep my ear to the ground for more information from you. May I ask why you are going?
Posted by zenhussy on December 1, 2003, at 0:47:35
In reply to Re: Buddha quote that brings *me* peace » zenhussy, posted by NikkiT2 on November 30, 2003, at 14:55:08
> Zen,
> I always wondered about your name.. *g* And had a feeling you would be the ones rpelying with helpful info!! You rock!
> I've been looking at the different branches.. But am still so unsure. We're off to the island in Thailand again in March, so I'm hoping to spend more time at the Temple.. I must photo my Buddha that the Monk gave me.. he is so beautiful.
> I'll look out that book.. But feel free to overwhelm me!!
> Nikki xNikki,
I'm ever so jealous of your upcoming trip. BTW I hope that birthdays and anniversaries and such all went well recently.
As for some reading. Okie dokie here ya go!
www.shambhala.com has a terrific collection of buddhist books. Go to their book catalogue and then to search by subject. You'll get a pull down menu with subjects and choose the buddhism one. You get about 200 or so results.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism a most fascinating free encyclopedia with links galore about the different branches of Buddhism. Here is the disclaimer about why this site might not be the end all be all of information http://en2.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Why_Wikipedia_is_not_so_great
From above site: A feature of Buddhism in the West has been the emergence of groups which, while they draw on traditional Buddhism, are in fact an attempt at creating a new style of non-sectarian Buddhist practice. The Shambala group set up by Chögyam Trungpa is one example, and the FWBO (Friends of the Western Buddhist Order) by Sangharakshita is another.
http://www.acmuller.net/ddb/ digital dictionary of buddhism Here is homepage and intro for that site http://www.acmuller.net/ Resources for East Asian Language and Thought
So many ways to classify different schools of thought of Buddhism. I'll go on but only as you answer with more specifics. We'll take it from there. K?
zenhussy
Posted by zenhussy on December 1, 2003, at 0:50:35
In reply to Re: bring on Buddha's book list! » NikkiT2, posted by zenhussy on December 1, 2003, at 0:47:35
Posted by NikkiT2 on December 6, 2003, at 13:41:53
In reply to Re: bring on Buddha's book list! » NikkiT2, posted by zenhussy on December 1, 2003, at 0:47:35
Hun,
Just to let you know, I'm not ignoring you.. I am reading and digesting and will return with comment soon!
nikki xxx
Posted by zenhussy on December 6, 2003, at 14:41:21
In reply to Re: bring on Buddha's book list! » zenhussy, posted by NikkiT2 on December 6, 2003, at 13:41:53
> Hun,
> Just to let you know, I'm not ignoring you.. I am reading and digesting and will return with comment soon!
> nikki xxxNo worries at all. Buddhism is a practice of patience after all. ; )
Enjoy the reading, this stuff and all your b-day goodies!!
zh
Posted by zenhussy on December 7, 2003, at 11:49:37
In reply to OK, Any Buddhists in here??, posted by NikkiT2 on November 28, 2003, at 19:03:01
Nikki,
Sunday's New York Times has an interesting article that pertains a bit to this conversation.
Here's a snippet:
Groundhog Almighty
By Alex Kuczynski
Copyright 2003 The New York Times Company
http://www.nytimes.com/2003/12/07/fashion/07HOG.htmlAngela Zito, a co-director of the Center for Religion and Media at New York University, screens the film for students in her Buddhism class. She said that "Groundhog Day" perfectly illustrates the Buddhist notion of samsara, the continuing cycle of rebirth that Buddhists regard as suffering that humans must try to escape ....
"Groundhog Day," Dr. Zito said, is a cinematic version of the teachings in Mahayana Buddhism, known as "the greater vehicle."
"In Mahayana," she said, "nobody ever imagines they are going to escape samsara until everybody else does. That is why you have bodhisattvas, who reach the brink of nirvana, and stop and come back and save the rest of us. Bill Murray is the bodhisattva. He is not going to abandon the world. On the contrary, he is released back into the world to save it."
Wow. So can anyone (a newspaper reporter?) be a bodhisattva?
"I would call that a Napoleon complex," Dr. Zito said with a sniff. "There is only one bodhisattva, and that is the Dalai Lama."
~~~~~~~~~So even watching Groundhog Day is an exercise in Buddhist teachings. Who knew?!!
Thought you might enjoy this.
Read up on Mahayana Buddhism and go rent Groundhog Day. Spirituality can be fun. = )
zh
Posted by jeung on December 16, 2003, at 0:36:02
In reply to Re: who knew this could be viewed as Buddhist? » NikkiT2, posted by zenhussy on December 7, 2003, at 11:49:37
Thank you for posting the information about this NYT article! I am a Zen Buddhist and a psychology student, as well someone in my own healing process. One of my professors shares my interest in the intersection of psychology and religion. He is always recommending films to me and highlighting their deeper psychological and religious meanings. It will be nice to refer him to this article and a provide him with a new movie for his list.
I stumbled on this site tonight while looking for information about cyclothymia and depakote. It makes me want to say - isn't the internet a wonderful thing! What a wonderful resource, and a wonderful collection of people reaching out to help others. Goes to show you that help, and in this case, the Dharma, is often right in front of you - all you need to do is open your eyes (awaken).
bowing deeply to you
-jeung sahn
Posted by zenhussy on December 16, 2003, at 1:18:03
In reply to Re: who knew this could be viewed as Buddhist? » zenhussy, posted by jeung on December 16, 2003, at 0:36:02
Posted by Jai Narayan on December 16, 2003, at 6:52:37
In reply to Re: who knew this could be viewed as Buddhist? » NikkiT2, posted by zenhussy on December 7, 2003, at 11:49:37
bodhisattva
That is why you have bodhisattvas, who reach the brink of nirvana, and stop and come back and save the rest of us. Bill Murray is the bodhisattva. He is not going to abandon the world. On the contrary, he is released back into the world to save it." Wow. So can anyone (a newspaper reporter?) be a bodhisattva?
"I would call that a Napoleon complex," Dr. Zito said with a sniff. "There is only one bodhisattva, and that is the Dalai Lama."I guess my question is why is the Dalai Lama thought of as the ONLY bodhisattva?
What's the Napoleon complex?
I thought the world was filled with bodhisattvas at this time.
very curious.....curiouser & curiouser....
Posted by Jai Narayan on December 18, 2003, at 18:20:46
In reply to Dalai Lama is the only bodhisattva?, posted by Jai Narayan on December 16, 2003, at 6:52:37
I would love to have someone please try and respond to this question....
Why is the Dalai Lama thought of as the ONLY bodhisattva?
What's the Napoleon complex?
I thought the world was filled with bodhisattvas at this time.
Posted by zenhussy on December 18, 2003, at 19:34:43
In reply to Is everyone too busy with the holidays?, posted by Jai Narayan on December 18, 2003, at 18:20:46
>I would love to have someone please try and respond to this question....
>Why is the Dalai Lama thought of as the ONLY bodhisattva?
>I thought the world was filled with bodhisattvas at this time.Jai,
I am busy but not with holidays (although I do have to go dig out my menorah before nightfall tomorrow) but instead with therapy.
I do want to respond to your questions. There are many different answers. Simply put the opinions expressed in that snippet of that article are those of that professor only. She believes that. Not every buddhist does.
Just as every person on this planet has a different image of a greater being(s) or the image or idea of the lack thereof. We're all entitled to have different beliefs.
I will be responding as I am able to.
>What's the Napoleon complex?Here is one definition of Napoleon complex: (n) An arrogant and aggressive demeanor that arises to combat insecurity about one's small stature
I'll be back with my interpertation of that professor's remarks and your questions.
Take care. Sorry this isn't as timely as could be but that is a great lesson in patience. Verrrrry zen. ; )
zh
Posted by Jai Narayan on December 19, 2003, at 8:01:57
In reply to Re: Is everyone too busy with the holidays? » Jai Narayan, posted by zenhussy on December 18, 2003, at 19:34:43
Dear Zen, I can fully understand why you are busy. Thank you for taking the time you could.
Let's just drop the conversation.
I am looking up the information on my own on the internet and am quite happy with what I am finding.
Thanks.
Posted by zenhussy on December 20, 2003, at 3:26:32
In reply to Thanks, posted by Jai Narayan on December 19, 2003, at 8:01:57
Posted by Jai Narayan on December 20, 2003, at 9:49:22
In reply to may you find your path. peace be with you. (nm) » Jai Narayan, posted by zenhussy on December 20, 2003, at 3:26:32
thanks for the sweet reply. I am not looking for a path right now...I am just looking at paths.
I hope my last post didn't come off any other way except positive. I re-read the part about dropping the conversation and it looked flat. Sorry.
I was concerned about the amount of work all my questions would put you through and really wanted to encourage you to be off the hook. It looked like too much at this time.
I have totally enjoyed your postings on the faith site and as well other sites. You have deep insights and are a thoughtful person.
I am sick right now: fever, cold, joint aches, etc. So my energy is very low right now. I was getting sick when I posted. Sorry if I came across any other way except appreciative.
Posted by zenhussy on December 20, 2003, at 11:43:02
In reply to Re: may you find your path. peace be with you., posted by Jai Narayan on December 20, 2003, at 9:49:22
> thanks for the sweet reply. I am not looking for a path right now...I am just looking at paths.
>
> I hope my last post didn't come off any other way except positive. I re-read the part about dropping the conversation and it looked flat. Sorry.
> I was concerned about the amount of work all my questions would put you through and really wanted to encourage you to be off the hook. It looked like too much at this time.
> I have totally enjoyed your postings on the faith site and as well other sites. You have deep insights and are a thoughtful person.
> I am sick right now: fever, cold, joint aches, etc. So my energy is very low right now. I was getting sick when I posted. Sorry if I came across any other way except appreciative.Jai Narayan,
I'm very sorry you're ill right now. I hope that your fever breaks soon and you begin that climb out of the yucky flu-like symptoms you're having currently.
Questions like yours are not work. I enjoy thinking about things I haven't visited in a while. Unfortunately the meds I take for depression make my cognitive abilities limited to tiny windows of clarity. So I try to read up then or do any writing when my mind clears enough for me to think.
I appreciate your thoughtfulness in not wanting to make more work for me. That is most considerate.
I've never been one for quick e-mail or post turn around but I do respond if not blocked or in the depressed pit.
Again, I'm sorry you're ill and I'm praying your body gets through this soon.
Take care and I hope your special honey is taking good care of you right now. = )
zenhussy
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