The cure to depression is... chocolate.

[icarus]

I like this amnesty meme that's everywhere.

I now realise that most of my frustration and depression stems from a conversation with a Buddhist friend who viciously implied I'm wasting my time writing and going to school. He's a lama and knew just how to say it to really make it hurt and fester, and I've had a bad time with both writing and school ever since. But he hit below the belt because he's pissed that I've abandoned his Buddhist projects. Frankly I was rather sarcastic about their raising their prices for teachings, and said that Buddhism is for the rich.

There are two theories of US Buddhism:
A) charge a lot, make it nice, and use the extra money to grow and publish.
B) go cheap as you can and make it accessible for everyone.

He's from theory A. I ascribe to theory B. In fact I think that theory A is unethical and contrary to the Buddha's principles, as well as bordering on and encouraging corruption (the official Buddhist term is Worldly Dharma). Of course the most successful temples ascribe to theory A. That does not mean they are the most pure. I've left his group over this issue.

So his dig is still eating at me successfully, but at least I know what's going on.

I'm sorry that I didn't leave comments open yesterday. I just needed to gripe, and there were too many things going on in the sidelines for my fandom friends to really help.

Comments

[dphearson.livejournal.com]

*hugs*

Buddhism does unfortunately have the view of teory A, which has kept it from growing in this country, where it could thrive. Good on you for calling the Lama on his ideas, and bad on him for non-humility.

[dancingrain.livejournal.com]

I am with you, B all the way.

(icon simply because I think Oolong had some Buddhist tendencies.. :D)

[riibu.livejournal.com]

Hi! Doing the worldly things, like writing or going to school, doesn't mean you're wasting your time -that's only life. I think one can find time and place for Buddhist practice in the middle of this hectic life (at least that's what I'm trying to do myself). And if you ascribe to different theories it's natural you are not comfortable with his projects. Take care!

[jessindistress.livejournal.com]

He's from theory A. I ascribe to theory B. In fact I think that theory A is unethical and contrary to the Buddha's principles, as well as bordering on and encouraging corruption (the official Buddhist term is Worldly Dharma). Of course the most successful temples ascribe to theory A.

D00d... I'm not at all religious, although Buddhism interests me, and a lot of my philosophy on life would probably line up with it better than most of the other religions... but I totally get what you mean. *nods*

And... (((hugs))) Hope things sort themselves out soon, hon.

~Jess

[electricandroid.livejournal.com]

*hugs you muchly*

would have replied sooner but away for weekend - still a bit GAH over your review - will wander around with a dazed and dopy look in my eyes...

*hugs*

Re:

[icarusancalion.livejournal.com]

I know how you feel exactly. *looks starry-eyed* I got a review from Telanu for 'Primer to the Dark Arts' and nearly died. I was in the same place you are in now just one year ago.

Yeah. I'm still dazed over that review. She told me she wanted Primer for Walking The Plank, once it was finished. *Icarus bumps into wall.*

Icarus