At portlandbuddhistcenter.org I saw this “simple” message of Buddhism:
- We can’t depend on anything to be permanent
- Our actions have consequence
- We can change for the better
OK, this messes with my head. Given #1, #2 makes me respond, “But don’t worry, the consequences won’t be permanent.” And #3 makes me respond, “That’s terrible. The improvements won’t last!” And can we even depend on #1 to be permanent?
I guess I’m not enlightened enough to grasp this “simple” message! I’m laughing only to keep from crying. I’ve met a number of people whose friends/family members are embracing Buddhism (or embracing what they think Buddhism is). If they think Christianity is complicated . . .
