Sean Astin--what kind of family life?

[Aeschines]

@Linty Fresh

No kidding, I wasn’t saying that they were right to regard themselves as such, I’m saying that Buddhism has people who consider themselves orthodox or observant, just like any other religion.

Er, maybe, but there is no standard term “orthodox” as there is in Christianity or Judaism.

But I think we were arguing at cross-purposes on this point.

So what?

When I said that “spirituality had moved on,” I meant it. Despite the fact that Buddhist texts present some of the most detailed and sophisticated views of spirituality ever put to paper, there just isn’t a population to support the religion “seriously” any more. At the same time, many of the religions best insights have been absorbed by the New Age: karma, reincarnation, meditation, etc. (obviously there is overlap with Hindu thought). In Buddhism there was also lots of unnecessary dogma and outright falsehoods.

When I was 12, I wasn’t satisfied with Christianity, so I looked for another “religion.” The fact of the matter is that religion can’t give you truth; you have to examine the world and discover truth for yourself. I think a lot of people like the Richard Geres are looking for a “relgion” in Buddhism. I think they need to grow up.

[Guinastasia]

Or maybe YOU need to realize that different people get different things out of different religions, and your experience is not the end all and be all.

And that perhaps you don’t know nearly as much as you think you do.

[Linty_Fresh]

@Aeschines

The fact of the matter is that religion can’t give you truth; you have to examine the world and discover truth for yourself.

How poetic. Of course, quite a few of us know this already. Then again, there is nothing to stop the Buddhist from doing this.

I think a lot of people like the Richard Geres are looking for a “relgion” in Buddhism. I think they need to grow up.

They’re not the only ones, Aeschines.

[Aeschines]

@Guinastasia

Or maybe YOU need to realize that different people get different things out of different religions, and your experience is not the end all and be all.

No fuckin’ joke!

And that perhaps you don’t know nearly as much as you think you do.

Ah, but if we were aware of our errors, then we should not be in error.

[Aeschines]

@Linty Fresh

How poetic. Of course, quite a few of us know this already. Then again, there is nothing to stop the Buddhist from doing this.

The Buddhist dogma might very well stop him or her.

They’re not the only ones, Aeschines.

Like I said, I got into Buddism at age 12 and was over it by age 13. If others have to deal with it at age 40+, then that’s their problem.

[Aeschines]

@Eve

They say she’s difficult, they say she’s drunk, even when she’s not. Sure, she takes dolls, 'cause she’s gotta get up at five o’clock in the morning and ‘Sparkle, Patty, sparkle!’ That psychiatrist says that she’s self destructive. So what? What does she do about it? Well, the hell with all of 'em. Even the bad publicity helps when you get to be as big as she is!

Heh.

[Miller]

@Linty Fresh

This is truly beneath you.

No it’s not.

[C_K_Dexter_Haven]

I was able to close the thread this morning, but not post. Here was the explanation I tried to post:

This thread has wandered so far from Sean Astin that the time has come for Moderator Action. If you want to discuss Sean Astin, I guess Cafe Society is the place for it, although it’s not really about “arts and entertainment”… but I guess gossip about stars is Cafe Society material.

However, if you want to discuss Buddhism, pros or cons, the place is the Great Debates forum… NOT here.

And, Linty Fresh and Aeschines, personal insults do not belong in ANY forum, except the Pit. Your comments strike me as being one toe across a fuzzy line. Cool it.

I’m therefore shutting this thread, as having been hijacked beyond belief.
Additional note: on account of the confusion this morning (I couldn’t post), I forgot to include Aeschines in my scolding. I’ve edited to correct. Sorry.