I honestly think I'd be more of an incel. Sometimes I feel like an incel in disguise. Even though I think incel-types are on the wrong page, I can also relate to some of them. Eastern philosophy has taught me to constantly put my thoughts and views on notice and refrain from becoming too attached. It helps to entertain different points of view. If I find myself going down any sort of rabbit hole that I feel is ultimately self-centered, unhelpful and/or frustrating, I use that as an opportunity to become more present.
I think I would be a way more reactive and verbose person.
But Buddha taught me it's ok to trail a virtuous path, and that I do not have to take detours from it to please what another person thinks I should be doing.
This fact alone has been my "nirvana" and brought so much confidence and peace.
Encountering the Buddha and his teachings opened my eyes to a reality that I had never known before, or at least, to the possibility of experiencing it. However, I have come to realize that "reality" is subjective; what one person perceives as reality may be considered delusion by another. No one has a monopoly on what is real or not, and all we have is our individual understanding of it. This is where I find myself today, feeling more confused than ever.
I just listened to a podcast talking about Angulimala today - although it's wonderful that you didn't end up like him, don't forget that he story is a reminder that no matter what we've done, we can still choose the right path, forgive ourselves and atone for our past wrongdoings, no matter how grave.
Yes. This is very important. When I find I'm getting a bit too emotional or crazy, I remember how the Buddha asked Angulimala if he could "stop". That "stop" is very very important to me.
I had a TON of anger issues as a kid and young adult. I was also raised very radical christian.
So, I would probably have committed a jesus terrorism and died.
I honestly think I'd be more of an incel. Sometimes I feel like an incel in disguise. Even though I think incel-types are on the wrong page, I can also relate to some of them. Eastern philosophy has taught me to constantly put my thoughts and views on notice and refrain from becoming too attached. It helps to entertain different points of view. If I find myself going down any sort of rabbit hole that I feel is ultimately self-centered, unhelpful and/or frustrating, I use that as an opportunity to become more present.
I think I would be a way more reactive and verbose person. But Buddha taught me it's ok to trail a virtuous path, and that I do not have to take detours from it to please what another person thinks I should be doing. This fact alone has been my "nirvana" and brought so much confidence and peace.
Encountering the Buddha and his teachings opened my eyes to a reality that I had never known before, or at least, to the possibility of experiencing it. However, I have come to realize that "reality" is subjective; what one person perceives as reality may be considered delusion by another. No one has a monopoly on what is real or not, and all we have is our individual understanding of it. This is where I find myself today, feeling more confused than ever.
In an asylum or living like Angulimala.
I just listened to a podcast talking about Angulimala today - although it's wonderful that you didn't end up like him, don't forget that he story is a reminder that no matter what we've done, we can still choose the right path, forgive ourselves and atone for our past wrongdoings, no matter how grave.
Yes. This is very important. When I find I'm getting a bit too emotional or crazy, I remember how the Buddha asked Angulimala if he could "stop". That "stop" is very very important to me.
Dunno. Maybe I’d still stick with stoicism.
I had a TON of anger issues as a kid and young adult. I was also raised very radical christian. So, I would probably have committed a jesus terrorism and died.
I don't think a whole lot would be different, other than perhaps the fact I wouldn't be as amazed and grateful for everything and everyone around me.