本文发表在 rolia.net 枫下论坛How do we tell our family and friends who aren’t Buddhist about our interested in the Dharma? (From English edition)
At the beginning of our practice, we tend not to be sure of ourselves or very confident in the Dharma, so we are very sensitive to others comments about what we are doing. As we gradually relax into the practice, we’ll find it easier to talk with our family, friends, and colleagues about Buddhism. Of course, we should not become preachers, using a lot of Buddhist jargon to impress others. Rather, we should answer people’s questions simply, responding in a way that will make sense to them. There are many ways to talk about Buddhism without using Dharma words: after all, Buddhism is basically a common sense approach to life. When our friends talk to us about their problems, we can discuss the antidotes to anger, jealousy, or clinging attachment in a simple way without even using the word “Buddhism”. Giving people more information than they want is not skillful. Therefore, we should listen carefully to someone’s question and respond to it accurately without going on and on about unrelated or complicated topics that may interest us, but not the other person.
When talking with people of other religions, we can discuss the points that Buddhism has in common with their faith. Every religion values ethics, love, and compassion, so it’s skillful to speak about these when first explaining Buddhism. Don’t start off by talking about rebirth, karma, Buddha, Dharma, Sangha, and other unfamiliar words and concepts. Also, we can emphasize that according to Buddhism, the diversity of religions in the world is good because that gives people the opportunity to find a philosophy and practice that suits them. Everyone doesn’t need to become a Buddhist. Speaking in this way makes people of other faiths relax; because they know we respect their beliefs and will not try to convert them.
Those who are married may want to invite their spouse and children to meet their teachers and Dharma friends or to visit their Dharma center if they’re interested. Some people neglect their families because they’ve become excited about helping all sentient beings and becoming a Buddha. They practice patience with everyone but their spouse and children, and expect the rest of the family to do all the household chores while they meditate. This isn’t very skillful! While Dharma practitioners want to lessen their clinging attachment to their families, they should not neglect them. Dharma involves generating genuine love and compassion for people we’re in daily contact with, not just for sentient beings universes away whom we never see!更多精彩文章及讨论,请光临枫下论坛 rolia.net
At the beginning of our practice, we tend not to be sure of ourselves or very confident in the Dharma, so we are very sensitive to others comments about what we are doing. As we gradually relax into the practice, we’ll find it easier to talk with our family, friends, and colleagues about Buddhism. Of course, we should not become preachers, using a lot of Buddhist jargon to impress others. Rather, we should answer people’s questions simply, responding in a way that will make sense to them. There are many ways to talk about Buddhism without using Dharma words: after all, Buddhism is basically a common sense approach to life. When our friends talk to us about their problems, we can discuss the antidotes to anger, jealousy, or clinging attachment in a simple way without even using the word “Buddhism”. Giving people more information than they want is not skillful. Therefore, we should listen carefully to someone’s question and respond to it accurately without going on and on about unrelated or complicated topics that may interest us, but not the other person.
When talking with people of other religions, we can discuss the points that Buddhism has in common with their faith. Every religion values ethics, love, and compassion, so it’s skillful to speak about these when first explaining Buddhism. Don’t start off by talking about rebirth, karma, Buddha, Dharma, Sangha, and other unfamiliar words and concepts. Also, we can emphasize that according to Buddhism, the diversity of religions in the world is good because that gives people the opportunity to find a philosophy and practice that suits them. Everyone doesn’t need to become a Buddhist. Speaking in this way makes people of other faiths relax; because they know we respect their beliefs and will not try to convert them.
Those who are married may want to invite their spouse and children to meet their teachers and Dharma friends or to visit their Dharma center if they’re interested. Some people neglect their families because they’ve become excited about helping all sentient beings and becoming a Buddha. They practice patience with everyone but their spouse and children, and expect the rest of the family to do all the household chores while they meditate. This isn’t very skillful! While Dharma practitioners want to lessen their clinging attachment to their families, they should not neglect them. Dharma involves generating genuine love and compassion for people we’re in daily contact with, not just for sentient beings universes away whom we never see!更多精彩文章及讨论,请光临枫下论坛 rolia.net