This lets you know where we are.
Am I a Buddhist?
Pauline in action.
Pauline’s post about Watt Buddharangsee, meaning Move or Change Places Temple, prompted me to think, All schools of Buddhism have the basic logical (Dharma) teachings of The Buddha. The Four Noble Truths and The Eightfold Path.
This shrine shows the wheel with eight spokes.
The countries of South East Asia that have adopted Buddhism have incorporated their own cultures and customs in it. This resulted in many different varieties of Buddhism.
Inside the Stupa showing a stained glass Buddha window.
Still the fundamental teachings are the same. To abstain from all kinds of evil, promote all that is beneficial and purify the mind.
Stupa out side.
To understand all things are impermanent and subject to change, abstain from all kinds of evil and personally develop ethical behaviour, as outlined in the Buddha’s basic teaching. Consequently there have been no major conflicts between different Buddhist religious groups.
Pauline put this photo in her post.
The three major Abrahamic religions conversely are in aggressive conflict for domination. Regardless of the fact that their God, the one they claim to be almighty, condemns killing.
Why is this little church abandoned?
Perhaps Lau Tzu had it right when he said “The Tao that can be named is not the true Tao.” (The Tao is the inexplicable force that keeps the whole cosmos in equilibrium.) Another aspect of Taoism is yin and yang, when yin and yang are in balance it is believed to be perfect harmony. This is described as Wu Wei meaning in flow with nature.
The trees were an ideal setting for the Stupa.
I am not a Taoist, Buddhist, Hindu and defiantly not one of the many factions of the Abrahamic dogmas, Jews, Christians or Muslims with their multitude of denomination all arguing for dominance.
The trees looked good from all angles.
I believe they all have the same good basic ethics but much of the good is lost in the belief in the supernatural, other myths and wishful thinking.
The monks do not use a noisy blower on the leaves.
jacksjottings 
Wonderful Jack – a peaceful little corner of South-East Asia in Australia. _/\_
I am fortunate to live in this corner of the world. _/\_
Oh, my gosh, those leaf blowers have ruined many a peaceful Sunday morning throughout the world!
I think Buddhism is lovely. Though I was raised a Catholic, I often lament that so many “Christians” seem to move the “Thou Shalt Not Kill” commandment aside whenever the government gets involved in a war. I wonder what I would do if I had a gun and was in a situation where I saw innocent people being killed by a shooter. Would I shoot the crazy person with the gun or would I remember the commandment? All I know for sure is that I wouldn’t want to be in that situation.
Ginene
We do not have a choice how we are raised or in what country. So we need to rethink our politics and religion when we are adults.
Everyone’s situation is different.
I personally do not like being commanded.
If a psychopath attacked me or some one in my close circle I would use what ever force was necessary.
The thing is not to believe unverified media reports without question. War is big business do not respond out of fear.
Fear is used by people with ulterior motives or by people that are not necessarily evil. They may be ignorant and misinformed.
All I know for shore Ginene is I would not drop a bomb on a town or city.
After those grave words let us try to spread caring kindness and consideration to foster peace in the world. We can start by sweeping up the leaves. _/\_
Lovely trees! I really enjoy your own flavour of spirituality Jack!
_/\_
Thank you Val, if people are open minded, they can respect and look for what is good. _/\_
I am not religious, but Buddhism makes most sense.
I would not call my self religious I am too independent for that. Ethics and philosophy is as good as it gets.
That was the name of a good movie https://pommepal.wordpress.com/2015/12/18/garden-gazing-or-should-that-be-grazing/ I like the line “You make me want to be a better man.”
Very nice to see Pauline and you at peace with life, cocooned in a serene setting of meticulously manicured greens surrounding the oasis of compassion. You need not be anything or belong to any religious dispensation, jack. It is enough if you are good. Be well. Look forward to more of yours and your beautiful outdoors in the coming year….cheers..
Pleased to have you looking in on us.
Yes that is what I think once you put a name to your belief’s you are open for argument. Take vows or affiliate with a religion you are required to abide with all rules and have lost your freedom of choice. I am sure you agree the world does not need dogmatic religions. All the very best to you and your loved ones Raj _/\_
Yes, I love the simplicity and pure truth of (particularly Tibetan) Buddhist teachings. Also Lao Tzu. Much to be said and felt with far less rhetoric, condemnation and judgment. Aloha, Jack.
Thanks for your comment I like the Hawaiian Aloha it is similar to the Buddhist Wai.That is how I like to sign off with_/\_
A thoughtful post for this time of year when we are surrounded by the commercialism of Christmas. Wishing you and Pauline a peaceful New year.
Yes in past years I have done a post on the way Christmas is being exploited.
I hope you have a nice Christmas with family and friends. That is the good thing about Christmas it brings people back together. We plan to have a peaceful New Year, lasting all year.
Hope yours is wonderful too. _/\_
Breath taking these beautiful pictures. Those trees are lovely and a lot of care and hard work put into them . Enjoy your wonderful Journey’s Jack.
They are beautiful trees the whole place was beautiful my photos could not do it justice. Thank you for your kind comment, I am enjoying my journey it is a wonderful path to travel. _/\_
Hard work but joyous and rewarding.
Your noticing and commenting pleases me.
Hard work but joyous and satisfying work is the reward for
the gardener who shaped those trees.
My path is a wonderful journey, thanks for your king wishes.
With your appreciation and response to beauty I am sure your journey will be pleasant. _/\_