depth of evil was not underestimated

[old3bob]

4 hours ago, johndoe2012 said:

From Flight of the Garuda by Keith Dowman on the invasion by Communist in Tibet

 

 

ok, but a certain point or growth needs to reached for that lesson to give such results, for if students in a monastery or householders in town are mowed down or turned before that point then its a no go...

Edited 3 hours ago by old3bob

[stirling]

6 hours ago, old3bob said:

Dharma equals universal, spiritual law,  thus not law for suiting whatever designs individuals or  just a human perspective may want to fit it into.   

 

I can get behind that, though I would't use the word dharma for it. I just call that reality. Reality is what there is - it is what is happening in this moment. We all have our story about reality and our "self', but that isn't reality. That story is our karma. Resistance to reality causes struggle/suffering. Acceptance of reality as it is and without mental resistance is equanimity, or "being in the Tao".

 

That doesn't mean you can't have an intention for how things might be next, or act in this moment in movement toward that intention. 

[stirling]

6 hours ago, johndoe2012 said:

Always be kind = Mr nice guy which unfortunately doesn't work in abusive relationships where boundaries need to set and enforced. 

 

If one thinks this way - always be kind - lessons will be learned towards a more balanced approach in my experience. 

People are unkind out of fear. Those with no fear are never unkind. If someone is unkind to you, realizing that their actions are based in fear can be fuel for compassion. This doesn't mean that you have to take the punishment that someone metes out, but it might mean that you gain deeper insight into the nature of struggle/suffering by understanding their actions.

 

You can still be kind when telling someone that what they are doing isn't going to be appropriate with you in the mix. Being firm with someone who is being abusive, done from compassion, IS a kindness.