Hello everyone

[Susma Rio Sep]

Ever been a Catholic or Christian?

cool. thankyou.

Maybe, Miss Little, you can share with me your understanding of Buddhism, this faith being your present one.

I read that in Buddism the end goal of existence is to be freed of recurring 'rebirths', by overcoming desires, or or by whatever truths and paths.

In Christanity if ever you were once, then you know that the end objective of existence for humans is to get to be with God forever and ever. Of course we don't know what it is with being in the presence of God. But we still retain our identity. That's the belief.

Now, in Buddhism, what do you understand about the end of your existence in the final phase which will no longer be changed, not any further -- or can you if you still retain your identity opt for a rebirth.

What I seem to make out from readings on Buddhism, and I must confess that I read from the standpoint of my previous religious acquaintance as a Catholic -- now a postgraduate one, the end of human existence is to return to the universal lump of being and thus divest all identity. What is this lump?

Susma Rio Sep

 

[LittleLotus]

Is this a sincere question or an attempt to make a point?

 

[Susma Rio Sep]

From your own understanding...

Is this a sincere question or an attempt to make a point?

Sincerely, I would like to know what is your own personal answer to my inquiry. If you refer me to sources, then I would not be so satisfied; also if you tell me what you have learned from others -- unless you relay what you have learned from others in your own very personally assimilated comprehension.

Am I making a point? Not really; I am only curious in an academic manner -- no judgmental calls, how people in a religion know and expound their beliefs and observances to outsiders.

My interest in this connection is not different from my interest in aesthetics of feet and footwear among different peoples.

Susma Rio Sep

 

[LittleLotus]

complete selflessness

 

[Susma Rio Sep]

complete selflessness

Is that selflessness generosity towards others or is that extinction?

I understand that Buddha attained Nirvana, and he is also some kind of a dispenser of mercy. And the Buddhist saint, the Goddess of Mercy, Kwan-yin, is also a dispenser of succor -- for having attained complete selflessness?

What is it then, complete generosity or complete extinction?


Susma Rio Sep

 

[LittleLotus]

unconditional compassion