Who's really enlightened? (Doug's Dharma)

Jews against Genocide (City Guardians)

NK are not the only rabbis for ceasefire

Neturei Karta (nkusa.org) is standing up for truth and a dedication to Judaism over the criminal and fringe Zionism movement that thinks genocide is a suitable means that justifies its intended aims. Jewish Jews backed by Judaism recognize that this is preposterous. Judaism enjoins us to save lives, not exterminate them. We cannot say that we can treat indigenous Palestinians the way Jews were treated in Nazi Germany because we were treated that way by white supremacist Germans led by Hitler. Even secular Jews recognize that going against the religion to gain a militant "homeland" for people claiming to follow that religion is just propaganda piled on propaganda, a psyop akin to Caeser's Messiah under the ancient Romans.

Because we are Jews, we cannot remain silent: Iran

• Neturei Karta International
• Jewish rabbis4ceasefire.com

Rebel Christians: Fox's Quakers in US

The Quakers: History, Beliefs, Paradoxes | Society of Friends

(Captivating History) Many other mainline Protestant Christians viewed George Fox and the Quakers as a dangerous sect, so much so that they pressured the British Parliament to pass the Quakers Act of 1662.

• Why were so many Colonists (Pilgrims) Quakers? We were taught those settler colonialists were all [hateful, genocidal] Puritans. When Puritans tortured Quakers

This act set forth in law the “prescribed form” of prayer and worship as designated by the state. It was a formula that specifically left the traditions of the Quakers out.

Unable to gain acceptance in England, the Quakers would soon leave the place of their origin altogether and try their luck in a brave New World on another continent.

Who is the founder of Quakerism (Society of Friends)?

Quaker George Fox

George Fox (1624-1691 O.S.) was an English Dissenter and a founder of the Religious Society of Friends, commonly known as the Quakers.

The son of a Leicestershire weaver, he lived in times of social upheaval and war. He rebelled against religious and political authorities by proposing an unusual, uncompromising approach to the Christian faith.

He travelled throughout Britain as a dissenting preacher, performed hundreds of healings, and was often persecuted by the disapproving authorities [3].

In 1669, he married Margaret Fell, widow of wealthy supporter Thomas Fell; she was a leading Friend (Quaker).

His ministry expanded, and he toured North America and the three Low Countries in Europe.

He was arrested and jailed numerous times for his radical beliefs. He spent his final decade working in London to organize the expanding Quaker movement.

Despite disdain from some Puritans and Anglicans, he was viewed with respect by the American Quaker convert William Penn and the Lord Protector Oliver Cromwell. More

See all captivating history books: amazon.com/author/captiv... Follow on Facebook: captivatinghistory. Follow on Twitter: @CaptivHistory.

Get the audiobook version of The Quakers: audible.com/pd/B08NPG8VVN... Get the paperback version of The Quakers: amazon.com/Quakers-Captiv... and the eBook version of The Quakers: amazon.com/Quakers-Captiv...

Join the Captivating History Book Club: bit.ly/3TMmpU2. Get a FREE mythology bundle eBook covering Greek, Norse, and Egyptian mythology: captivatinghistory.com/ebook

• Get back to the gold standard with The Goldback
• War Is a Racket by Fmr. Gen. Smedley D. Butler
• Captivating History, Nov. 23, 2021; Eds., Wisdom Quarterly Wiki edit

Jews against Jews: 'Prison over Army'

"Prison over Army" | Ultra-Orthodox Jews block roads over draft, rabbi warns of "more fatalities"

(CRUX) June 28, 2024: Hundreds of ultra-Orthodox men blocked a major highway in central Israel for two hours on Thursday (June 27, 2024), to protest a Supreme Court decision ordering young religious Jews to enlist for mandatory military service killing Arabs (Palestinians) for the glory of a future "Israel" (by destroying any and all remnants of Palestina. Military service is compulsory for most Jewish men and women in Israel. But politically powerful ultra-Orthodox parties have won exemptions for their followers to skip military service and instead study in religious seminaries or Yeshivas, dedicating themselves to their religion.

• 0:00 Intro
• 0:55 “To prison! Not to the army!”
• 2:32 “If not for the Torah students, there would be many more fatalities...”
• 4:05 Why ultra-Orthodox draft could topple Netanyahu [who is supported and kept in power currently by radically right wing ultra-Orthodox political figures in his coalition and cabinet.]

#GetCloserToTheNews #israelhamaswar #jews #israelhamaswar #israel #jews #haredi n18oc_world n18oc_crux

• Pro-Palestine Orthodox Jews against Israel (nkusa.org)
• IDF Veterans Against Genocide: breakingthesilence.org.il
• Jewish Voice for Peace (jvp.org)
• NOT IN OUR NAME! (ifnotnowmovement.org)
• ‎شرش | Shoresh | שר”ש‎ (@shoresh_us) • Anti-Zionist Jews
• Code Pink: Women for Peace
• American Veterans for Peace

Let's see inside an Israeli prison (video)

Real Stories, Aug. 6, 2019; Pfc. Sandoval, Sheldon S., Ashley Wells (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly

Inside Israel's jails (imprisoned Palestinians documentary) | Real Stories

(Real Stories) In the confined space of the jails Israelis and Palestinians have to co-exist. Inside Israel's highest security prisons Palestinian freedom fighters and strategic bombers come face to face with the coercive power of the Israeli State.

Facebook.com/RealStories... Instagram: @realstoriesdocs, Twitter.com/realstoriesdocs.  Content licensed from Raw TV. Any queries, please contact us at owned-enquiries@littledotstudios.com. Want to watch more full-length documentaries? Click here: bit.ly/1GOzpIu

The FREEST Countries in the World (ranked)

Definition.org; Pfc. Sandoval, Seth Auberon, CC Liu (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly

Your Country Is Just NOT That Into You

It should go without saying that freedom is an incredibly important part of living a full and dignified life, no matter where in the world we call home. Even Americans deserve some freedoms, not that we always get them.

Unfortunately, not everyone gets to experience freedom equally -- here or abroad. Using data from Freedom House and World Population Review, let's make list of the freest countries in the world.

They'll be scored out of 10 based on metrics such as personal, human, and economic freedom. Let’s just say, some places absolutely surprised us. Here's a list of the world’s freest countries ranked from tenth to best. More

• Where does the USA rank? (definition.org)

Trump's Megachurch cures coronavirus (video)

Dave Plotkin (Orlando Weekly, 3/29/20); Pfc. Sandoval, Ashley Wells (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly

It is better to live in faith (saddha) than to cower in fear of bad spirits and germs.

Trump's Central Florida megachurch makes headlines again for packed Sunday services

Might be better to go Holy Roman Catholic and worship St. Corona Patron Saint of Epidemics

.

Expert: lockdowns won't halt this virus

Pres. Trump's pastors have a cure for coronavirus. One of them is holding curative services every Sunday.

Tampa megachurch held a packed service this Sunday, despite dire warnings by the CDC and other health officials to promote social physical distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

• Trump-friendly megachurch pastors push coronavirus "cures" (The Daily Beast)

The "Main Event" service, hosted by pastor Rodney Howard-Browne, was broadcast live on YouTube for more safety-minded congregants to watch from home, but the church was clearly packed in person.

"Of course we've got the, what they call 'social distancing' in here in this room, and [toxic hand sanitizer at the entrance] there's people in other places and whatever," said Holy man Howard-Browne, to a room full of people standing much closer than six feet apart.

"Corona" is the cell expelling toxins - Steiner

"We believe in laying our hands on the sick and they shall recover."

"I know they're trying to beat me up for having the church operational, but we are not a non-essential service," said Howard-Browne to applause. "And, just so you know, we are totally covered by the law. And people say, 'what law are you covered by?' And I say the First Amendment to the Constitution."

Howard-Browne recently claimed that he will cure Florida of coronavirus, and that he was also able to cure Zika virus.

On Friday, Right Wing Watch posted a video of Howard-Browne with his wife and fellow pastor Adonica Howard-Browne, claiming he will continue to hold services because his church is the most sterile building in America, as it contains 13 machines that can instantaneously kill any virus, adding, "If they sneeze, it shoots it down at like 100 mph. It'll neutralize it in split seconds." More

• Video shows cell phones on Florida beach during spring break, and where they've travelled during coronavirus outbreak
• Here’s the petition calling for Publix employees to receive hazard pay
• Florida pastor says he'll keep church open during coronavirus outbreak, claims to have most sterile building in America
• The founder of Big Cat Rescue in Tampa is not pleased with Netflix's "Tiger King"
• Better Than Sex offers takeout desserts good enough to munch in the buff

If only Christians could watch "Hail Satan?"

Magnolia Pictures & Magnet Releasing; Ashley Wells, Seth Auberon, Wisdom Quarterly

Hail Satan? (official trailer)
Chronicling the extraordinary rise of one of the most colorful and controversial religious movements in American history, this documentary by Director Penny Lane is not what you think. It turns assumptions on their head and makes every American realize that these so-called "Satanists" are fighting for the highest ideals of our nation while being attacked and ridiculed by fearful, small minded, hypocritical mainstream types. And it's very funny. Did you know, for example, that only disgruntled Christians become Satanists? No one else cares about that god or devil, not even the Jews who place their faith in the [Sumerian-based] Old Testament texts. In theaters beginning April 17, 2019 (hailsatanfilm.com).

• Facebook (facebook.com/hailsatanfilm)

Halloween costumes: Why I'm going as Hitler

Editors, Wisdom Quarterly; Mr. Elfman, Forbidden Zone; Dead Kennedys, "Halloween"

This is no costume. It's Mr. Hitler, USA

Here's why I'm going as Adolf Hitler, German Führer, and why you should, too. But don't copy me. Be something worse:

George Bush, Trump, Kavanaugh, serial killer Dahmer, Pol Pot, Idi Amin, Than Shwe, Hillary, a happy prostitute, ghost, racist cop, slut, the Devil, Jesus, child molester, Catholic priest, US soldier...

Pope makes deal with a devilish demon

Nazi officer, sexy nurse, sexy homeless person, clown, funny fat person, AIDS victim, witch, a guy in black face, deformed person, Fat Buddha (Budai), Muhammad, a man in a dress, a pregnant nun, furry, a Star Wars character like Darth Vader, a gorilla, a drug dealer, a gay raver, a superheroine, Notorious Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Harvey Weinstein, Obama, OJ Simpson, Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg, Anne Frank, Genghis Khan, Mao Zedong, Pamela Anderson, a whirling dervish, a fairy, a queen, a gal in a gray business suit... The sky's the limit, as are the depths of hell.

Dress up as a gang rapist? That's going too far!

Why is Halloween (Samhain, Obon, Day of the Dead) the best holiday ("holy day") of the year? It is precisely because we live in a hypocritical society with many verboten (banned, off-limits, out of bounds, beyond the pale) topics.

You don't believe in devils, d'ya?

This, therefore, is the only day of the year we can face our fears, our hypocrisy, our foibles. And we can show our society that it needs to shape up and more closely adhere to our lofty ideals.

It's not easy agreeing with a jerk like Megyn Kelly, who still claims "Santa Claus is white" and "blackface is fine."

Hey, bitch, I'm going to the party as a sexy elf. That's stupid! I'm going as a sexy she-devil.

Danny Elfman in "Forbidden Zone" -- a movie about Venice Beach, LA, by his brother.

The Buddha's Charter of Free Inquiry (sutra)

Ven. Soma (trans.) edited by Dhr. Seven, Crystal Quintero, Wisdom Quarterly; NoEalamInSL

Kalama Sutra (Barbara O'Brien, trans., about.com) In most religions, the authority of a God or prophet, as revealed in scripture and interpreted by religious authorities, is the arbiter of what is true. Buddhism presents a greater challenge: We are the arbiters of what is true. That does not mean that we can choose to believe whatever we like, however. The Buddha's teachings on judging and assessing truth are found in the Kalama Sutra. It is found in the oldest set of Buddhist scriptures, the Tripitaka (Anguttara Nikaya). It has gained great favor in the West because of its advice to question authority and to rely on oneself.
 

The discourse or instruction to the Kalamas is justly famous for its encouragement of free inquiry. The spirit of this sutra signifies a teaching that is free of dogmatism, fanaticism, bigotry, or intolerance.
 

The reasonableness of the Dharma, the "Teaching made known by the Buddha," is evident in its welcoming and careful examination at all stages of the Path to enlightenment.

Indeed, the whole course of training for compassion and wisdom culminating in the purity of the accomplished person, the arhat (enlightened person) is intimately bound up with examination and analysis of internal things: the eye and visible objects, the ear and sounds, the nose and fragrances, the tongue and flavors, the body and tactile impressions, the mind and ideas.

 

So since all phenomena have to be correctly comprehended in the field of dharma, insight is operative throughout. In this sutra it is active in rejecting the unskillful (harmful) and adopting the skillful (beneficial) way. (Continued below.)

 

Instruction to the Kalamas
(AN 65, Tika Nipata, Mahavagga) 

"Do like whatever, what you think is good? No. But you can see the truth: look.

.

The Kalamas of Kesaputta go to see the Buddha.

1. Thus have I heard. Once the Blessed One, while wandering in the Kosala country with a large community of monastics entered a town of the Kalama people called Kesaputta.

They said: "Revered Gautama, the wandering ascetic, the son of the Sakyans, has, while wandering in the Kosala country, entered Kesaputta. The good repute of the Reverend Gautama has spread in this way:

"Indeed, the Blessed One is accomplished, fully enlightened, endowed with knowledge and conduct (practice in accordance with his knowledge), sublime, knower of the worlds, peerless, guide of tamable persons, teacher of divinities and human beings, which he by himself has through direct knowledge clearly understood. He set forth the Dharma, which is good in the beginning, good in the middle, good in the end, possessed of meaning in spirit and letter, complete in everything [needed for other to attain enlightenment], and he proclaims the supreme life that is utterly pure. Seeing such accomplished ones is good indeed."
 
2. Then the Kalamas of Kesaputta went to where the Blessed One was. On arriving there some paid respect to him and sat down on one side; some exchanged greetings with him and after the courteous talk, sat down to one side; some saluted him raising their joined palms then sat down to one side; some announced their name and family name then sat down to one side; some without speaking sat to one side.
 

The Kalamas ask the Buddha for guidance

Why should we believe YOU? Many come through here telling us their philosophies.

 
3. The Kalamas sitting to one side said to the Blessed One: "There are some wandering ascetics and temple priests (Brahmins), venerable sir, who visit Kesaputta. They expound and explain only their own doctrines; the doctrines of others they revile, despise, and pull to pieces. Some others too, venerable sir, come to Kesaputta. They also expound and explain only their own doctrines; the doctrines of others they revile, despise, and pull to pieces. Venerable sir, there is doubt, there is uncertainty in us concerning this. Which of these revered wandering ascetics and Brahmins spoke the truth and which falsehood?"

The criteria for rejection

What is good, what bad, what true?

4. "Kalamas, it is proper for you to doubt, to be uncertain. Uncertainty has arisen about what is doubtful. Come, Kalamas, do not go upon what has been acquired by repeated hearing, nor upon mere tradition, nor upon rumor, nor upon what is written in scriptures, nor on surmise, nor on axioms, nor on specious reasoning, nor on bias towards an idea that has been pondered over, nor on another's seeming ability, nor on the consideration, 'The monastic is our teacher.'

"But, Kalamas, when you yourselves know: 'These things are detrimental (bad, harmful, unprofitable, injurious), these things are blameworthy, these things are censured by the wise, when undertaken and observed, they things lead to harm and suffering,' abandon them.

• Three Poisons of the Heart/Mind
• Three Unwholesome Roots of Karma

Greed, hatred, and delusion

I love this. I hate that. Don't about the other.

5. "What do you think, Kalamas? Does greed [lobha, lust, craving, clinging] appear in a person for one's benefit or harm?" — "For one's harm, venerable sir."

"Kalamas, being given to greed, overwhelmed by greed, a person takes life, takes what is not given, engages in sexual misconduct, commits perjury, and prompts others to do likewise. Will that be long for that person's harm and ill?" — "Yes, venerable sir."
 
6. "What do you think, Kalamas? Does hatred [dosa, aversion, anger/fear, resentment, wrath] appear in a person for one's benefit or harm?" — "For one's harm, venerable sir."

"Kalamas, being given to hate, overwhelmed by hatred, a person takes life, takes what is not given, engages in sexual misconduct, commits perjury, and prompts another to do likewise. Will that be long for one's harm and suffering?"

— "Yes, venerable sir."
 
7. "What do you think, Kalamas? Does delusion appear in a person for one's benefit or harm?"

— "For one's harm, venerable sir."

"Kalamas, being given to delusion, overwhelmed by delusion, a person takes life, takes what is not given, engages in sexual misconduct, commits perjury, and prompts another to do likewise. Will that be long for one's harm and suffering?"

— "Yes, venerable sir."
 
8. "What do you think, Kalamas? Are these things skillful or unskillful?"

— "Unskillful, venerable sir"

"Blameworthy or not unblameworthy?"

— "Blameworthy, venerable sir."

"Censured or praised by the wise?"

— "Censured, venerable sir."

"When undertaken and observed, do these things lead to harm and suffering, or not, or how does it strike you?"

— "When undertaken and observed, these things lead to harm and suffering, or so it seems to us."
 
9. "Therefore did we say, Kalamas, what was said: 'Come Kalamas, do not go on what has been acquired by repeated hearing, nor on mere tradition, nor on rumor, nor on what is written in scripture, nor on surmise, nor on axioms, nor on specious reasoning, nor on a bias towards a view that has been pondered over, nor on another's seeming ability, nor on the consideration, "The monastic is our teacher."

"But, Kalamas, when you yourselves know: "These things are harmful, these things are blameworthy, these things are censured by the wise, when undertaken and observed, these things lead to harm and suffering" then abandon them.'

The criteria for acceptance
10. "Come, Kalamas, do not go on what has been acquired by repeated hearing, nor on tradition, nor on rumor, nor on what is written in scripture, nor on surmise...But, Kalamas, when you yourselves know: 'These things are skillful (beneficial, good, profitable), these things are praiseworthy, these things are indeed praised by the wise, when undertaken and observed, these things lead to benefit and happiness' then enter on and abide in them.

Free from greed, hatred, and delusion

Ahh, peace of mind, peace of mind!

11. "What do you think, Kalamas? Does nongreed appear in a person for one's benefit or harm?"

— "For one's benefit, venerable sir."

"Kalamas, being given to nongreed and no longer overwhelmed by greed, a person refrains from taking life, from taking what is not given, from engaging in sexual misconduct, from committing perjury, and prompts others to do likewise. Will that be long for one's benefit and happiness?"

— "Yes, venerable sir."
 
12. "What do you think, Kalamas? Does nonhatred appear in a person for one's benefit or harm?"

— "For one's benefit, venerable sir."

"Kalamas, being given to nonhatred and no longer overwhelmed by hatred, one refrains from taking life, from taking what is not given, from sexual misconduct, from committing perjury, and prompts others to do likewise. Will that be long for one's benefit and happiness?"

— "Yes, venerable sir."
 
13. "What do you think, Kalamas? Does nondelusion appear in a person for one's benefit or harm?"

— "For one's benefit, venerable sir."

"Kalamas, being given to nondelusion and no longer overwhelmed by delusion, one refrains from taking life, from taking what is not given, from sexual misconduct, from committing perjury, and prompts others to do likewise. Will that be long for one's benefit and happiness?"

— "Yes, venerable sir."
 
14. "What do you think, Kalamas? Are these things skillful or unskillful?"

— "Skillful, venerable sir."

"Blameworthy or praiseworthy?"

— "Praiseworthy, venerable sir."

"Censured or praised by the wise?"

— "Praised, venerable sir."

"When undertaken and observed, do these things lead to benefit and happiness, or not, or how does it strike you?"

— "When undertaken and observed, these things lead to benefit and happiness, or so it seems to us."
 
15. "Therefore, did we say, Kalamas, what was said: 'Come Kalamas, do not go on what has been acquired by repeated hearing, nor on tradition, nor upon rumor, nor upon what is written in scripture, nor on surmise...

"But, Kalamas, when you yourselves know: "These things are skillful, these things are praiseworthy, these things are indeed praised by the wise, when undertaken and observed, these things lead to benefit and happiness" then enter on and abide in them.'

The Four Exalted States

16. "The disciple of the noble ones, Kalamas, who in this way is devoid of greed (lust, craving, clinging), devoid of aversion, undeluded, clearly comprehending and mindful, dwells, having pervaded with loving kindness one quarter, likewise the second, likewise the third, likewise the fourth, so above (zenith), below (nadir), and across, one dwells, having pervaded all of those directions because of the existence of all living beings everywhere, the entire world, with great, exalted, boundless loving kindness freed of hatred and malice.

• The Four "Exalted Dwellings" (Brahma Viharas)

"One lives having pervaded with compassion one quarter, likewise the second, likewise the third, likewise the fourth, so above, below, and across, one dwells having pervaded all of those directions because of the existence of all living beings everywhere, the entire world, with great, exalted, boundless compassion that is freed of hate and malice.
 
"One lives having pervaded with joy/gladness (mudita, happiness in the success of others, joy in their joy) one quarter, likewise the second, likewise the third, likewise the fourth, so above, below, and across, one dwells having pervaded because of the existence of all living beings everywhere, the entire world, with great, exalted, boundless joy/gladness freed of hate and malice.
 
"One lives having pervaded with equanimity one quarter, likewise the second, likewise the third, likewise the fourth, so above, below, and across, one dwells, having pervaded because of the existence of all living beings everywhere, the entire world, with great, exalted, boundless equanimity that is freed of hate and malice.

The Four Solaces

"O, if only we had such solaces, such peace of mind!" - The Four Great Sky-Kings

.

17. "The disciple of the noble ones, Kalamas, who has such a hate-free mind/heart, such a malice-free mind/heart, such an undefiled mind/heart, and such a purified mind/heart, is one by whom Four Solaces are found here and now.
 
"'Suppose there is a hereafter and there is a fruit, result, of karma (deeds) done well or ill. Then it is possible that at the dissolution of the body after death, I shall arise in the heavenly world(s), which is possessed of the state of bliss.' This is the first solace found by such a [skillful] person.
 
"'Suppose there is no hereafter and there is no fruit, no result, of karma done well or ill. Yet in this world, here and now, free from hatred, free from malice, safe, sound, and happy I keep myself.' This is the second solace found by such a person.
 
"'Suppose harmful (results) befall a doer-of-harm. I, however, think of doing harm to no one. Then, how can harmful (results) affect me who dos no harmful karma (deed)?' This is the third solace found by such a [wise] person.
 
"'Suppose harmful (results) do not befall a doer-of-harm. Then I see myself purified in any case.' This is the fourth solace found by such a person.
 
"The disciple of the noble ones, Kalamas, who has such a hate-free mind, such a malice-free mind, such an undefiled mind, and such a purified mind, is one by whom, here and now, these Four Solaces are found."
 
"So it is, Blessed One! So it is, Sublime One! The disciple of the noble ones, venerable sir, who has such a hate-free mind, such a malice-free mind, such an undefiled mind, and such a purified mind, is one by whom, here and now, Four Solaces are found!
 
"'Suppose there is a hereafter and there is a fruit, result, of karma done well or ill. Then it is possible that at the dissolution of the body after death, I shall arise [be reborn] in a heavenly world, which is possessed of the state of bliss.' This is the first solace found.
 
"'Suppose there is no hereafter and there is no fruit, no result, of karma done well or ill. Yet in this world, here and now, free from hatred, free from malice, safe, sound, and happy I keep myself.' This is the second solace found.
 
"'Suppose harmful (results) befall a doer-of-harm. I, however, think of doing harm to no one. Then, how can harmful (results) affect me who does no harmful deed?' This is the third solace found.
 
"'Suppose harmful (results) do not befall a doer-of-harm. Then I see myself purified in any case.' This is the fourth solace found.
 
"The disciple of the noble ones, venerable sir, who has such a hate-free mind, such a malice-free mind, such an undefiled mind, and such a purified mind, is one by whom, here and now, these Four Solaces are found.
 
Reaction of the Kalamas

Hooray! Let's celebrate. We finally found a teacher who makes sense and arouses faith!

.

"Marvelous, venerable sir, marvelous! Venerable sir, it is as if a person were to turn face upwards what is upside down, or to uncover the concealed, or to point the way to one who is lost, or to carry a lamp into the darkness, thinking, 'Those who have eyes will be able to see visible objects.' So has the Dharma been set forth in many ways by the Blessed One.

"Venerable sir, we go to the Blessed One for guidance, to the Dharma for guidance, and to the Community of [Enlightened] Disciples for guidance. Venerable sir, may the Blessed One regard [and remember] us as lay followers who have gone for guidance for life from today onwards."

• The Buddha taugh the Kalamas more (Kessaputtiya Sutras)

The extracts given below are to clarify knowledge of conditionality (the dependent origination of all things) and arhatship (enlightenment and liberation from all rebirth and suffering). The methods of examination in the Kalama Sutra and the extracts cited here have sprung from the knowledge of things as they truly are. The tenor of these methods is implied in all direct experience.

Further, as penetration and comprehension, the constituents of wisdom are the result of such understanding, the place of critical examination and analysis in the development of right view is obvious. Where is the wisdom or view that can descend, all of a sudden, untouched and uninfluenced by right understanding?
 
The Kalama Sutra, which sets forth the principles that should be followed by a seeker of truth and that contains a standard by which things are judged by, belongs to a framework of the Dharma. The Four Solaces taught in the sutra point out the extent to which the Buddha permits suspense of judgment in matters beyond normal cognition. The solaces show that the reason for a virtuous life does not necessarily depend on belief in rebirth or karmic consequences, but on mental well-being acquired through the overcoming of greed, hatred, and delusion.
 
More than 50 years ago, Moncure D. Conway, the author of My Pilgrimage to the Wise Men of the East, visited Colombo, Sri Lanka. He was a friend of Ponnambalam Ramanathan (then solicitor general of Sri Lanka), and together with him Conway went to the Vidyodaya Pirivena to learn something of the Buddha's teaching from Ven. Hikkaduve Siri Sumangala Nayaka Thera, the founder of the institution.

The latter explained to them the principles contained in the Kalama Sutra and at the end of the conversation Ramanathan whispered to Conway: "Is it not strange that you and I, who come from far different religions and regions, should together listen to a sermon from the Buddha in favor of that free thought, that independence of traditional and fashionable doctrines, which is still the vital principle of human development?" — Conway: "Yes, and we with the (Kalama) princes pronounce his doctrines good."

Supplementary texts

"Friend Savittha, apart from confidence (faith, conviction, saddha), apart from liking something, apart from repeated hearing, apart from specious reasoning, apart from a bias towards a view that has been pondered, I know this, I see this: 'Decay and death are due to [re]birth.'"  

-Samyuttanikaya, Nidanavagga, Mahavagga, Sutra No. 8

 

"Here a meditator, having seen an object with the eye, knows when greed, hatred, and delusion [passion, aversion, confusion] are within, 'Greed, hatred, and delusion are in me.'

"One knows when greed, hatred, and delusion are not within, 'Greed, hatred, and delusion are not in me.' Meditators, do these things have to be experienced through confidence (faith, conviction), liking, repeated hearing, specious reasoning, or bias towards a view that has been pondered?"

— "No, venerable sir"

"Meditators, this is the way by which a meditator -- apart from faith, liking something, repeated hearing, specious reasoning, or bias towards a view that has been pondered -- declares realization of direct knowledge: I know  [directly] that [re]birth has been exhausted, the supreme life has been lived, that what  had to be done has been done, and that there is no more of this [rebirth and suffering] to come."

-Samyuttanikaya, Salyatanavagga, Navapuranavagga, Sutra No. 8

LA: Indigenous Peoples Day FACT SHEET

Chrissie M. Castro (323) 420-6844; Xochitl, Dhr. Seven (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly

Sex and the Muslim girl: new book tells all

Alia Waheed (The Guardian); Ashley Wells, Crystal Quintero, CC Liu (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly

 

Muslim Sex Manual: Halal

Taboo-busting sex guide offers advice to Muslim women seeking fulfilling love lives The Muslimah Sex Manual: A Halal Guide to Mind Blowing Sex is praised for empowering women seeking fulfilling love lives.
 

It was a confession by a newlywed friend about her disastrous sex life that gave Umm Muladhat an idea for a groundbreaking book.

  

"Women's rights are human rights."

Published last week, The Muslimah Sex Manual: A Halal Guide to Mind Blowing Sex [halal is to Muslims what "kosher" is to Jews] is the first such guide written by a Muslim woman. The author has chosen to stay anonymous, using an alias.

Candid advice is offered on everything from kissing to cowgirl positions -- with the core message being that Muslim women can and should enjoy a varied sex life and take the lead in physical relationships.

Make love not jihad: mail order brides

While some critics have accused the author of fetishizing Muslim women and encouraging promiscuity, the book has been welcomed by readers who have lauded her as a Muslim Belle De Jour, bringing a taboo subject into the open:

“I’ve received encouraging feedback, but also a significant number of demeaning and disgusting messages,” said Muladhat.

“One woman said it’s not needed; they learn everything from their mothers. I doubt any mother speaks in as explicit detail as I have.

We know nothing of sex. These are accidents.

“I put an emphasis on having sex only with your spouse, but having the full range of sexual experiences with that spouse. Islamically, there’s an emphasis on enjoying physical relationships within the context of marriage, not just for procreation [like Catholicism dictates to its followers]. It is the wife’s right that her husband satisfy her sexually.”

Muslim women’s organizations have praised her, saying the book will empower Muslim women and protect them from entering into sexually abusive relationships. More

 

"Daddy"? Yuck! I don't want to marry a much older man! - But I already paid your dowry.

I am not sure about this book. Let us ban it in Saudi Arabia, home of the CIA's Wahhabism.

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