One of the proverbs of the OT goes....(sorry, can't locate the exact chapter and verse)....
He who answers a thing before he heareth it, it is a shame and a folly unto him.
(and to her I suppose...
)
It seems to me, reading through so many threads on so many forums, that many - at least to my own mind and understanding - answer many things before they "heareth it". Often the sheer ignorance displayed by those who seem to have come to final conclusions about teachings other than their own is tragic ( And I do mean tragic, in the sense of the consequences of such ignorance seen throughout history)
What is it truly to "hear" something? When can we truly claim to "know" the truth of a Faith other than our own? Or even within our own Faith, an interpretation other than our own?
Would it not be best to seek to "hear" our own Faith, and follow our own guidance, and leave any judgement of others to a Reality greater than our own?
And as a Buddhist, I'll throw in a phrase used in the "Salutation to the Three Jewels" to describe the Dharma...................EHIPASSIKO, usually translated as "come and see (for oneself)" The invitation is given and offered. Maybe we can only truly accept one - which becomes our own unique and unrepeatable journey?
He who answers a thing before he heareth it, it is a shame and a folly unto him.
(and to her I suppose...
It seems to me, reading through so many threads on so many forums, that many - at least to my own mind and understanding - answer many things before they "heareth it". Often the sheer ignorance displayed by those who seem to have come to final conclusions about teachings other than their own is tragic ( And I do mean tragic, in the sense of the consequences of such ignorance seen throughout history)
What is it truly to "hear" something? When can we truly claim to "know" the truth of a Faith other than our own? Or even within our own Faith, an interpretation other than our own?
Would it not be best to seek to "hear" our own Faith, and follow our own guidance, and leave any judgement of others to a Reality greater than our own?
And as a Buddhist, I'll throw in a phrase used in the "Salutation to the Three Jewels" to describe the Dharma...................EHIPASSIKO, usually translated as "come and see (for oneself)" The invitation is given and offered. Maybe we can only truly accept one - which becomes our own unique and unrepeatable journey?