After completely reading the book by the Dalai Lama that I had borrowed from the library, I found 'something' worth investigating further within Buddhism. He had spoken about various matters within the text, using a simple, basic and logical manner. I was certainly interested in reading more about peace, compassion, contentment, happiness, and the various other matters that he had covered. The values contained in Buddhism appeared to be very similar to my own self-made choices and attempts.
There was however, one point that I could not relate to - how to handle looking at loved ones, strangers, and enemies with the eyes of equality. Whereas I recognized both the value and possibility of doing so, I was sure he did not have such an enemy as I did, and therefore the advice might not relate to me, myself. I spoke with my friend, who had originally mentioned the Dalai Lama books, and I remember that I told him that I would like to ask the DL what to do in cases such as mine, where the enemy was not only detrimental, but actually intended to be so. There being a major difference in somebody who accidentally annoys one and somebody who intentionally destroys one, in my eyes. I knew very little of the situation between the Chinese and Tibet at that time, but even when first learning of it, I did not view it as an enemy that had threatened and killed his actual family, and only doing so for their own pleasure and revenge.
I continued to poke my nose into Buddhism, and over the next few months, I read about a dozen books. By this time, I was convinced that there was definitely something worth pursuing in Buddhism. I had read the Dalai Lama, Lama Surya Das, Sylvia Boorstein, Jack Kornfield, and various other writers of today from a variety of Buddhist paths. I wanted to know more, much more. It looked very much as if Buddhism was something that could help me with my goals in life.
No comments:
Post a Comment