The Truth (As I see it)

Neverland?

 

That would explain not growing up.

 

Oh how your words wound me :cry:

 

Aw, you're good for it.

 

Buddhism is based on reason. There's no unexplained magic in Buddhism. There are legends relating to the Buddha and what he's done, but most of it is simply him explaining things in a common sense manner to the unenlightened. It often takes a metaphor that disguises itself as a literal object before anyone learns anything though. like when a woman came to the buddha asking that he bring her son back to life;
He told her to collect mustard seeds from every house in the village. it was only after collecting the mustard seeds that she realized it wouldn't change the fact that her son had died, and she instead decided to live on for him.

 

The Therevada tradition is based on the words of the buddha alone, while the mahayana includes lots of folklore and commentary over the centuries.

Short answer: yes, lots of irrational stuff, and a few religious wars and pederast priests too.

Long answer, no it doesn't:
Strictly speaking, the notion of Anatma means that reincarnation is just the process of cause and effect that ripples through time: Not even a single lifetime includes a continuous 'self', just a process of change and causality.

Therefore reincarnation is not mystical, it doesn't describe a soul changing bodies. Consider Zanza, drinking and fornicating all his life. His consciousness, his sense of self, would be similar to a weasel's or maybe one of those cocktail drinking monkeys in the Carribean. After he's dead, we may say that he is reborn as a drunk monkey, for a given value of 'he'.
E.g.,
"As long as monkeys are stealing cocktails and getting drunk somewhere, Zanza will always be with us."

 

No magic? Is this just bullshit, so?

 

I like the way you think ytzk.

 

Man, you crazy...

 

At this time I think you should purchase me an alcoholic beverage and engage in diminutive conversation with me in hopes of establishing a rapport. I must tell you though I like large posteriors and I cannot prevaricate.

 

People skilled in meditation can slow down their metabolism by a significant degree. I don't know whether or not these people are being sustained by so-called spiritual energy, but I do know that Shaolin monks can reduce their metabolism by 65% or more, and generate enough heat to dry cold wet towels wrapped around their bodies, as well as to boil a pot of water.

 

Now, here's what I really don't understand: if it is completely possible for someone to cultivate their mind to such a degree, why is it not practiced by everyone? Ignorance? Misunderstanding? If this sort of psychological-spiritual inner peace is attainable, how much and where do I get it?

 

Self-discipline. Few people possess the will to do these things on their own, they are learned behaviors that come about from years of study and practice. I daresay the reason most people don't do it is that it requires a healthy investment in oneself, time most people would rather invest in food, porn, or relationships with other people.

 

I still don't understand why not to do it. It seems to be advocating itself, in my mind, as the only thing you would ever want.

 

I agree. Peace of mind is the most valuable commodity in the universe.

Also, super powers would be nice.

 

Ironically, this appears to be almost taking on the shape of some sort of superpower.

 

Years of study and practice in exchange for the ability to dry wet towels sound like a fair investment to me.

 

Don't mind Muro: he couldn't help but say that.

 

Does not compute. Reduced metabolism means less body heat produced.

 

I don't think he meant simultaneously, though I don't know.