Samsara: The cycle of death and rebirth to which life in the material world is bound. There are six levels that make up the possible range of existence in samsara: the gods, demi-gods, humans, animals, hungry ghosts, and hell denizens.
Well, personally I'm going to either pass on the last two or reside there exclusively. I mean . . . I get what a hell denizens is but I'm unclear about the hungry ghosts which would be an EXCELLENT name for a hard rock band.
Bodishattvas: One whose goal is awakening; hence, an individual on the path to becoming a Buddha.
Well, personally, I'm good with the first part but I'm having trouble even finding the path referenced in the second half.
Tantra: This philosophy in early Hindu thought centers around special techniques for imagining a fully developed state of body and mind effectively helping others. It provides a way to restrain and thus transcend our limited perception of our bodies and minds so we may perceive ourselves shining with wisdom and compassion. Not to be confused with tantrum. That concept I'm familiar with.
The main thing I like about Buddhism is that it's so positive. It really emphasizes getting better without the "you're going to be punished if you don't get better" part. The monotheistic religions are so sure of themselves: "This is how it's done and if you do otherwise you're going to burn forever in a lake of fire." That isn't very fun. I have a fertile imagination and I couldn't come up with lake of fire. Who comes up with this stuff? You have to put that in the book? "Welcome everyone to our service this morning. It's a beautiful day and we have coffee and cake after the service and let's not forget about an eternity being burned alive but never dying so let's not fuck up out there today. Okay, it's time for the kiddie sermon. Will all of the small children who haven't shit themselves out of sheer terror come on down front and sit real close to their real fun pastor."
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