I spent last weekend with a Buddhist Lama learning a bit more about how to approach death and the process of dying. I thought I would ask members, in what ways have you extended your knowledge of other traditions i.e. from your home culture? Who have you met, what have you experienced, any stories/knowledge to share about the worlds cultures and its great diversity.

I was expecting this to be a strictly male thread only...




..sorry I'll get my coat.

I spent last weekend with a Buddhist Lama learning a bit more about how to approach death and the process of dying. I thought I would ask members, in what ways have you extended your knowledge of other traditions i.e. from your home culture? Who have you met, what have you experienced, any stories/knowledge to share about the worlds cultures and its great diversity.

Sounds interesting Tonee. Would like to hear what YOU learned? Is it somewhere else and I've missed it?

I beleive that humans are always extending themselves, death being one of the biggest learning curves of all.

When I was working (mmm figure of speech - am working very hard now as student writing essays) I decided to study a module each semester for a degree in Social Sciences, just to keep my brain active. Am now full time studying Primary Teaching with Religious Studies. Am really enjoying the RS side of it, as it is really helping me to become aware of my beliefs and respecting others.

One of the most important things I have gained so far is to begin to understand the close ties between Jewish, Christianity and Islamic traditions. Its amasing to think that Muslims believe Jesus is a prophet and was taken up into heaven when he was on the cross and a space to burry him when he returns is reserved next to Mohammed. We are so close, but yet so far.

I spent last weekend with a Buddhist Lama learning a bit more about how to approach death and the process of dying.

Would be interested to know what you learnt.

This seems like a deep subject. Interesting though. I don't like to think about death. :mellow:


I want to live forever! :blush:

I was expecting this to be a strictly male thread only...




..sorry I'll get my coat.
:D
Caught my attention for similar reasons, my smutty friend.

:D
Caught my attention for similar reasons, my smutty friend.

Tut tut always lowering the tone eh?? ;)

tonee - I am absolutely intrigued, I have little knowledge of Buddhism, although I do know that their ethos is not to kill a thing? And near to where I live I often see men in orange robes wandering along the road towards civilisation. [I live in the middle of nowhere - and they obv. live nearby]

Always get Buddhism and Hinduism muddled, they are both similar as Budda was raised in a sect of Hinduism.The goal in Buddhism is to reach Nirvana. This is similar to Hinduism as the goal is to try and escape the continal cycle of death and rebirth as the one of the main beliefs is that life involves suffering. With each good life you lead you get closer. You can be reincarnated as anything. After so many good lifes you are able to reach a state of Nirvana.

As for Nirvana, no one can really say what it is as it is beyond words to describe it. There is also no god in Buddhism.

Buddhists follow five ethics:
1. No killing of any animal
2. No to theft
3. Refrain from irresponsible sex
4. avoid harmful sppech
5. and no drink or drugs that intoxicate.

Your monks are trying to live a spiritually pure life so they may in some life be able to escape rebirth. They will follow these principles and traditionally will not eat after midday, no entertainment, abstain from perfume or ordaments, will not sleep in bed and will not handle money (although the last one I have seen monks in this country do).

Don't know if that helps (the yoga comes in under meditation).

Well, what struck me about the Lama was how easy he was to be with, great belly laugh, charm and comfort level. I didnt do a crash course on Buddhism although I have read the Tibetan Book of living and dying which I like a lot. The Lama was talking about inner strength and outer gentleness, being responsible for yourself in every thought, act, feeling and impact on others. The common thread is of love and compassion but rather than being 'loved up' what he spoke of was accepting difference, experiencing empathy, and understanding the human experience.
The approach of death is like approaching sleep, the very same priniciples except with death, it is the final transition to the next stage so you may hope that before you reach that, you have given some consideration to what you are taking with you or carrying over. And, as you never know when death might come, preparation time is current as you could be hit by a car tomorrow.
I find the subject interesting and the meeting that I attended was very warm and friendly.

The approach of death is like approaching sleep, the very same priniciples except with death, it is the final transition to the next stage .

did he give a clue as to what the next stage is?

did he give a clue as to what the next stage is?
I am going to reference the Tibetan Book of Living and Dying. When you read it, let's chat.

O.K. .... let's.

What happens if you are run over by a juggernaut's back wheels like my brother in law was when he fell off his motorbike on Tower Bridge at the ripe age of 34. What peace did he see?

What happens if you are run over by a juggernaut's back wheels like my brother in law was when he fell off his motorbike on Tower Bridge at the ripe age of 34. What peace did he see?
Sorry, I am not able to answer that. I can only say that I am sorry he died so young and so suddenly. That is shocking.

I can't say I've done anything like that Tonee, and I'm not a particularly religious or spiritual person so it's way down on my list of priorities. That said, I did always mean to go travelling and experience as many different cultures as possible, but I haven't got around to it yet :)