Why I love Buddhism....you?

I was most impressed with the way Japan conducts themselves
as a half Shinto and half Buddhist country.

I can't say how much of their living influence is Religious or cultural.
The whole experience of Japan left a lasting impression
on me as no other country has.
It seemed to me that they cared about bringing the beauty out
of everything. Or working in common to bring out the beauty.
To soak in it and sweep any undesirable traits away.
Hard to really explain.

Discipline,humility,beauty and order, are 4 words that come to mind.

I may have wandered off topic since I really don't know how much
Buddhism influences Japan.

[Miss Hepburn]

Ok - let's keep on topic. You were fine, ImThatIm. :)


Yes, that not caring much what others believe is very nice---refreshing.

[Miss Hepburn]

I love the 'lesson or teaching stories' - Paraphrased, from my memory:
A new head master was needed. Interviews were in process...
The question is - How do you enter the gate?
1st person - "There is no gate."
2nd person - "All is the same within and without."
3rd person - Took off his sandals, placed them on his head and walked away.
Who became the new headmaster? Number 3.

[Unseeking Seeker]

Originally Posted by Miss Hepburn

I love the 'lesson or teaching stories' - Paraphrased, from my memory:
A new head master was needed. Interviews were in process...
The question is - How do you enter the gate?
1st person - "There is no gate."
2nd person - "All is the same within and without."
3rd person - Took off his sandals, placed them on his head and walked away.
Who became the new headmaster? Number 3.

***

More of these please

***

[BigJohn]

One aspect of Buddhism I love revolves around one person in Buddhism I admire and admittedly others admire either directly or indirectly was the one nicknamed [King] Piyadasi which literally means "one who looks with kindness upon everything". His real name was King Asoke/Asoka/Ashoka.

He is the chap that brought into the Buddhist realm vegetarianism and the sanctity of animal life. There are a few other things he brought into the Buddhist realm. One is the attitude toward other religions/belief systems/sects.

Major Rock Edict #7 emphasises this point. The Edict reads:

King Devanampriya Priyadarsin desires (that) all sects may reside everywhere.

For all these desire self-control and purity of mind.

But men possess various desires (and) various passions. They will fulfil (either) the whole (or) only a portion (of their duties). But even one who (practises) great liberality, (but) does not possess self-control, purity of mind, gratitude, and firm devotion, is very mean."

[Phaelyn]

Originally Posted by Miss Hepburn

Who became the new headmaster? Number 3.

The bummer was he could not be found.

3rd person - Took off his sandals, placed them on his head and walked away

Love the metaphors.

[BigJohn]

Buddhists' love of their parents is very refreshing.

Caring for their elderly parents is something the whole World should implement.

Love is Love.

[BigJohn]

Originally Posted by BigJohn

One aspect of Buddhism I love revolves around one person in Buddhism I admire and admittedly others admire either directly or indirectly was the one nicknamed [King] Piyadasi which literally means "one who looks with kindness upon everything". His real name was King Asoke/Asoka/Ashoka.

He is the chap that brought into the Buddhist realm vegetarianism and the sanctity of animal life. There are a few other things he brought into the Buddhist realm. One is the attitude toward other religions/belief systems/sects.

Major Rock Edict #7 emphasises this point. The Edict reads:

King Devanampriya Priyadarsin desires (that) all sects may reside everywhere.

For all these desire self-control and purity of mind.

But men possess various desires (and) various passions. They will fulfil (either) the whole (or) only a portion (of their duties). But even one who (practises) great liberality, (but) does not possess self-control, purity of mind, gratitude, and firm devotion, is very mean."

King Devanampriya Priyadarsin, commonly known as King Asoka, that during his reign, the Tipiṭaka, the Pali canon, which consisted of the Sutta Piṭaka, the Vinaya Piṭaka, and the Abhidhamma Piṭaka were transferred to Sri Lanka from Rajgir where the First Buddhist Council was held.

[BigJohn]

Cigarettes, alcohol, money, etc. seem to still play a major role in Buddhist lives as reflected in offerings left at Spirit Houses. Even though the deceased person tried to keep their issues with cigarettes, alcohol, money, etc., the family members who live them offerings seem to all be familiar with their issues.

Hell money is a typical money left at Spirit Houses but I just noticed a Heaven Money - is this a new item?

[sky]

Originally Posted by BigJohn

Cigarettes, alcohol, money, etc. seem to still play a major role in Buddhist lives as reflected in offerings left at Spirit Houses. Even though the deceased person tried to keep their issues with cigarettes, alcohol, money, etc., the family members who live them offerings seem to all be familiar with their issues.

Hell money is a typical money left at Spirit Houses but I just noticed a Heaven Money - is this a new item?

These are Cultural and not Buddhists.
You will not find any Suttas/Sutras which teach theses Practises....