Check out this video next on Buddhism and happiness: th-cam.com/video/LWaBYTf6jv0/w-d-xo.html If you enjoy these videos, consider joining us on Patreon! Get fun benefits like exclusive behind-the-scenes videos, audio-only versions, and extensive show notes: www.patreon.com/dougsseculardharma 🙂
Great video. But I'd like to pose a follow up question based on my personal observation. I think what makes many people worry about this topic is how ambition or passion (that driving emotional force) seems to be "dulled", at least initially, in practice. Just from being more mindful. For instance: There is a lot of emotional energy that can be derived from being discontent with a situation. Negative emotions can be very motivating and they certainly have a place in our human experience. Now common Buddhist teachings (from my understanding) don't seek to eradicate those negative experiences completely, but rather try to remove the dukkha aspect of it. The "second arrow", so to speak. This involves, at least partially, acceptance of the situation that one is discontent about. While in practice this doesn't equate to being passive, I think many people observe that much of the initial passion/motivation is lost in this stage. You add a stage of cognizance, which inherently makes the process to act less impulsive, less "driven". While it is easy to see how this, at least in theory, would be preferable (especially if one seeks to act with good intentions), acting with awareness requires more effort. As if you stop the momentum, reevaluate and then have to get the motor going again through sheer willpower. As though when letting go of the "second arrow", you are also inherently less bothered by the first one. Which is great, subjectively, but seems to run the danger of not pulling that first arrow out at all. I hope I was able to make myself clear and would love to hear your thoughts on this. (Especially if you have some recommended reading on this topic.) I suspect that this "issue" may just be an initial one, which lessens with time.
Yes that's a good point Robin, I think it might suggest that the unskillful passions of greed and hatred for example can be great motivators and provide us a lot of energy. The problem is that they aren't to our benefit nor to the benefit of others. So when giving up these unskillful traits we may find ourselves with oddly less energy or motivation, at least for a time. I think that's where more beneficial passions of kindness, compassion, or just curiosity can come into play.
Sadhu! Sadhu! I didn't expect you would be making a whole video on my question! Thank you for your wisdom ! I found particularly interesting the possibility of interpreting passion as the factor for awakening energy and curiosity as the factor for awakening investigation of reality. My new approach to Buddhism is based on the 14 mindfulness trainings by Thich Nhat Hanh: "...we are determined not to ... be bound to any doctrine, theory, or ideology, even Buddhist ones. We are committed to seeing the Buddhist teachings *as a guiding means* that help us learn to look deeply and develop understanding and compassion..." For me that means I don't have to agree with the Buddha in every detail to call myself a Buddhist. This insight made me much more free. Once again I thank you and happy Vesak!
You're very welcome David, thanks for the great question! Thich Nhat Hanh's approach is very wise I think, we should take guidance from wherever we find skillful teachings. 🙏
This understanding of Buddhist Livelihood lends itself to forming a coalition with workers to improve pay and working conditions and fight the worst ills of capitalism. This why I'm both a Buddhist and politically to the left. These two identifications seem mutually beneficial.
@DougsDharma yeah I got one for you. If I'm going to grow old, get sick, and have everything and everyone I love pass, then what's the point? I'm talking about suicide. Since this is secular, I don't have to worry about reincarnation or karma.
To me the point of practice is to try to live the best life possible, which means not only thinking for myself but for others. Also there is a lot I am very attached to in life! So another key point of practice is coming to terms with change and the end of things through learning non-attachment.
My practice helps me focus on work and hobbies in a more focused way, while understanding that I do not have to be so attached to outcomes. That does not mean that I do not work hard for outcomes though. I am just open to whatever happens. I see Buddhism and science in a symbiotic relationship and as coexisting partners in the search for truth. I used to have the same concerns, though, as the questioner in this video, but I no longer do.
To be Buddhist just to be Buddhist seems like a complete waste to me, and defeats the purpose ...as I see it. To me the purpose is to make you better in the real world.
Sometimes Buddhism is the best tool I use to take some Actions (Karma) with a hope to get good results. I try to follow the Buddhist 5 precepts to get support from the nature. And with the help of Buddhism I could let go somethings and some people to make it easy to fulfill my ambitions. Sometimes Buddhism doesn't stop problems, but it helps us to face the problems. I think we can use Buddhism to reduce suicides too.
Hi there Doug, I loved your response to the person who left you a question and I had one of my own! Hoping that you have time to reply, and that this question may help others: How can we readily accept change in ourselves? Even positive change sometimes scares us because it makes us feel that it challenges the very fiber of our being/personality. It removes us from our comfort zones, and we may just be very comfortable with our own negative attributes/thinking. I'm fine with changing my beliefs on a topic though. For example, with research/science. If someone can prove me wrong about, say, an aspect of nutrition, then I don't feel threatened by it because I want to be the type of person who changes their mind when better evidence presents itself. The idea is an external one to me (nutrition) and not an internal trait. I am able to easily separate myself from my beliefs. I simply want to believe in the truth. However, the hard part is changing personality traits and your inner voices that don't benefit you. Should we work on flaws, or "let them be" to some degree? Should we only change if it actually poses a real problem to ourselves and the ones around us? When we decide to change, how do we do so effectively and without the fear? Thank you!
Those are great questions Amber and I can’t hope to answer them all here! But in general the best way to change is by seeing directly for ourselves how the patterns of our behavior cause us unnecessary pain and suffering. When we sit with the pain of something and witness it, it can make us change naturally. I think that’s a more direct path than just intellectually telling ourselves that we should change.
@@DougsDharma Thank you so much for the prompt response, I really appreciate it! I believe you're right, we do seem to change naturally in response to difficulty, whether it be physical, financial, emotional, etc. I suppose the key is awareness. If we work on being aware of our situations and our internal states, we will know what to do when the problem arises. Our natural problem-solving tendencies as humans will help us prevent them in the future, and this may translate as changing our behavior and thinking. Thanks again!
I found it helpful that u used the distinction between lay buddhists & monks to clarify the issue, but I believe it could go further. I dont think someone can pursue nirvana in this lifetime & other major goals. So to accept that we are lay buddhists is to admit that we arent solely focused on nirvana in this lifetime. Instead we can focus on things like minimizing suffering, our own & others. Those kinds of buddhist intentions are compatible with "worldly" goals. I find this humbling. Im not "the next buddha" (as if there is such a thing). Im here to do exactly what Im here to do, and the dharma & my buddha nature can help me do it well.
The 'middle way' is subjective in my opinion. Each person must practice to the degree of intensity to which they are able to achieve the right amount of balance in their life. When I get too ambitious in my meditation practice and study, I get very depressed. I need to ease off. Some may say that I'm practicing wrong or have wrong view. I say bull. The highest goal of practice is to end our existence and have no rebirth. That doesn't work for me. There's no way I can spin that story to make it sound anything less than nihilistic, sad and depressing. Yes, suffering is part of life. But we all must look at the things that make that suffering worth enduring. We can live with mission, and use Buddhist practices and teachings to help us ameliorate the suffering that is endemic to the fulfillment of that mission.
Sure, each of us has to come at practice from our own space. My secular approach is to leave the question of other lives aside and focus on a practice for making this life better.
@@DougsDharma I really appreciate coming into contact with secular Buddhism. It has really helped me come back to Buddhism. I don’t consider myself a pure secular Buddhist, or only a Buddhist, because coming into contact with Near Death Experience testimonials has changed my mind about an afterlife, reincarnation and the possibility of a God. I guess that makes me a Deist. I struggle with the notion that rebirth is something that happens without our consent. I think rebirth is something everyone chooses because something compelling happens in the afterlife which makes us want to return. But I can’t prove any of that so I guess I will have to wait and see. All these worries about what may happen in the future do rob me of happiness now. So happiness in the present is always the priority. I’ve noticed that being obsessed with mindfulness in every moment isn’t always the answer for me. It can make life a bit dull. So I’ve given up on trying to be perfect at that. I try to pay attention to when I get too caught up in my ambitions, plans, etc. I choose to stop, meditate more, stay off my devices, etc. I’ve gone from making Buddhist practice a tool in my life rather than making it my identity. And I think that’s what seems to be working for me.
I feel I am more enabled to pursue my ambitions while practicing and acepting more easily things I don't achieve. But I feel it's somewhat related to my ADD traits, because I've seen people that go like crazy pursuing their passions, with an amount of focus that I never had in life and they deal with it way better than I do...
Yes, well I wouldn't worry too much about how others deal with such things. There will be always those who deal with things better than we do, or at least seem to, and those who seem to do worse.
I am your fan. I try to watch your vedio in regular. Most of the Buddhist countries will be celebration Vesak day or Buddha Purnima day tomorow. We are waiting to knowing your message in this holy day. Thank you very much. ....from Bangladesh.
Yes I agree. This is why the Buddha created the Sangha and the Laypeople. Which are different, Lay people is people who wants to remain in the ordinary life of society. And are able to develop according to their curiosity and wisdom. So they are able to offer offerings to the Sangha and create more good merits, which will help one to start the path to monkhood. Which will happen in future births. And they can pursue thier own dreams and goals while doing this, you don't have to live like a monk inside of your own house. Unless you choose to do that, a couple of people probably do that. Basically it's entirely upto you how you wish to pursue the life of a layperson. When to go temple and when to meditate etc. Yet the Buddha advised us (laypeople) to follow the 5 percepts, as its the bare minimum to live a meritorious life and it's very helpful for when one practises meditation. So if you have the ambition to become a billionaire, pursue it. But also remember to make time for learning/practising the Dhamma and giving offerings to the Sangha. The Sangha is the monks and nuns that wants to pursue the noble eight fold path in this life itself. Because they have the merits and the wisdom to pursue it, monkhood is very difficult. There are people who become monks and come back to society after. Only a few live as monks till their life spans ends.
Doug: I see that you nicely respond to other's comments and I'm feeling really motivated to write a question concerning my life that I have been thinking heavily about. I make modern music and the music industry is very competitive. My music comes from good intentions and it is the sole driving power to my music: make music with a lot of meaning and depth. Although sometimes, in music, things can be misconstrued. I sing more relatable songs that happiness songs. There is a lot of work involved in creating things. I want to bring a sense of light to my fans that I feel art can bring and I am still working on how best to do it as the modern music industry deals a lot with superficial things. In society, I do feel like we deal with a lot of choices for example is social media mentally harmful or helpful. I want to feel that I am doing the right thing because thats always why I wanted to make music. I do like fashion as a form of self expression and don't buddhist leaders self identify? Do you have any thoughts? Sorry this will be my last message like this. Thanks for all that you do. Never been that straight forward online. Thanks.
Sure Kashimir! There's no easy answer to these questions, but the fact that you're asking them is what's important. Make them part of your practice! Figure out how to work with them in the most skillful way you can. For the Buddha there was a huge difference between being a monastic and being a layperson. If you were a monastic you wouldn't be playing music at all, nor would you be making a living, since you couldn't use or even touch money. As a layperson however all of that is perfectly fine. But as laypeople we have a tougher time of it, since we live in much "greyer" worlds, where we have to answer the kinds of questions you ask. If you're interested one of my courses over at onlinedharma.org/ is about just this kind of concern: dealing with lay life, at least from the Buddha's perspective.
Is there not another alternative between having a passion for helping others, and having one for hurting others (for instance through deception)? Is there room in Buddhism for an individual that has a passion for doing something for its own sake, for instance making art or music, and not for any audience except himself?
Well the path is something practiced just by oneself, though its result is for the broader benefit of all. There's nothing ethically wrong in Buddhism with just pursuing some solitary passion like playing an instrument for yourself. This would be seen as a form of sense enjoyment.
Are you passionate for the truths of the universe (science) or are your ambition centered around the idea of "becoming a scientist"? Do you feel music in your bones or do you CRAVE the idea of being a musician? For me this has always been an issue.
Dear Doug, Your videos are very helpful and I am most appreciative of them. A question that's unrelated to this video but I am curious about your answer to it is the view of so called Left Hand Practices such as psychedelic / deliriant drug use and stuff like astral projection, kasina meditation, the occult and acquisition of Siddhi . Do you think such practices can be helpful in gaining insight or create better conditions for development of insight and are worthy things to pursue as in being beneficial for walking the path? Thank you very much again for your videos,
Well all I can say is that my approach is secular so most of these don't really appeal to me personally, though they may to some. It's a matter of taste I think. That said, there is a difference between say kasina meditations and the occult. Kasina meditations are straightforward meditations on a variety of constructed objects. While they aren't a practices I've ever done, if I had a teacher who wanted me to try, I would.
Hi there Doug, very nice and balanced approach to the topic, thank you🙏🏻. About the possibility of participating in the book club you mentioned, what tier would one have to participate with through Patreon?
It's just at the "Sprout" tier, I went through a book in some prior behind-the-scenes videos. At the moment we have to choose another book so we're in between just now. 🙂
Just a comment about the question itself. David seems not to be much concerned about the truth of the belief system, as he says, but mainly about the effects on his life. So, would he follow a set of believes that seems to bring positive effects on his life, without concern for its relation with reality? I am just asking and pondering myself about the pragmatical value and the philosophical value of Dharma/Dhamma .
Yes that can be a real rabbit hole! My own sense is that the teaching is pragmatically valuable (it is helpful) because it reveals fundamental truths and so allows us to live in line with reality.
@@DougsDharma yeah, actually the Buddha said something like even if there no future lives and no nirvana, the way of life he adviced would bring benefits in this very life. By the way Dough, how is your family in law? Are they safe?
But ultimate goal of Buddhism is to extinguish passions as passions lead to mental formations which lead to generation of karma, hence, cycle of birth and death. Although lay people are not expected to attain arahatship as it is impossible for them. But still they can attain stream entry which doesn't require ending of passions but it is natural for stream enterer to let go of passions within future lives
Well it's not clear that arahantship is impossible for laypeople (see for example SN 55.54), though it may well be impossible for a layperson to remain in a normal life after arahantship. That said, stream entry seems more achievable. 😄
@@DougsDharma I don't believe that desires can be removed as simply as stated in the sutta you quoted where lay follower just goes on removing desire for even higher heavenly realms. And what about other desires, like food, sex, and all the desires are removed by the lay person just by questioning. I don't think desires are that easy to transcend.
I don't understand the point of answering this question through a layman's perspective. Most of the time, they will not be able to achieve enlightenment so whats the point? They do not have the correct toolset and they are already living lives of pursuing ambitions and passions. The ones who have to make the sacrifices like monks are what should have been the topic of this video. They have detached themselves from society and have sacrificed themselves from becoming doctors, engineers, etc. A potential for something great for society lost completely. The somber answer is there. Buddhism is not compatible with scientific curiosity.
Check out this video next on Buddhism and happiness: th-cam.com/video/LWaBYTf6jv0/w-d-xo.html
If you enjoy these videos, consider joining us on Patreon! Get fun benefits like exclusive behind-the-scenes videos, audio-only versions, and extensive show notes: www.patreon.com/dougsseculardharma 🙂
Great video.
But I'd like to pose a follow up question based on my personal observation.
I think what makes many people worry about this topic is how ambition or passion (that driving emotional force) seems to be "dulled", at least initially, in practice. Just from being more mindful. For instance: There is a lot of emotional energy that can be derived from being discontent with a situation. Negative emotions can be very motivating and they certainly have a place in our human experience. Now common Buddhist teachings (from my understanding) don't seek to eradicate those negative experiences completely, but rather try to remove the dukkha aspect of it. The "second arrow", so to speak. This involves, at least partially, acceptance of the situation that one is discontent about. While in practice this doesn't equate to being passive, I think many people observe that much of the initial passion/motivation is lost in this stage. You add a stage of cognizance, which inherently makes the process to act less impulsive, less "driven". While it is easy to see how this, at least in theory, would be preferable (especially if one seeks to act with good intentions), acting with awareness requires more effort. As if you stop the momentum, reevaluate and then have to get the motor going again through sheer willpower. As though when letting go of the "second arrow", you are also inherently less bothered by the first one. Which is great, subjectively, but seems to run the danger of not pulling that first arrow out at all.
I hope I was able to make myself clear and would love to hear your thoughts on this. (Especially if you have some recommended reading on this topic.) I suspect that this "issue" may just be an initial one, which lessens with time.
Yes that's a good point Robin, I think it might suggest that the unskillful passions of greed and hatred for example can be great motivators and provide us a lot of energy. The problem is that they aren't to our benefit nor to the benefit of others. So when giving up these unskillful traits we may find ourselves with oddly less energy or motivation, at least for a time. I think that's where more beneficial passions of kindness, compassion, or just curiosity can come into play.
Sadhu! Sadhu! I didn't expect you would be making a whole video on my question! Thank you for your wisdom ! I found particularly interesting the possibility of interpreting passion as the factor for awakening energy and curiosity as the factor for awakening investigation of reality. My new approach to Buddhism is based on the 14 mindfulness trainings by Thich Nhat Hanh: "...we are determined not to ... be bound to any doctrine, theory, or ideology, even Buddhist ones. We are committed to seeing the Buddhist teachings *as a guiding means* that help us learn to look deeply and develop understanding and compassion..." For me that means I don't have to agree with the Buddha in every detail to call myself a Buddhist. This insight made me much more free. Once again I thank you and happy Vesak!
You're very welcome David, thanks for the great question! Thich Nhat Hanh's approach is very wise I think, we should take guidance from wherever we find skillful teachings. 🙏
This understanding of Buddhist Livelihood lends itself to forming a coalition with workers to improve pay and working conditions and fight the worst ills of capitalism. This why I'm both a Buddhist and politically to the left. These two identifications seem mutually beneficial.
Yes, I tend to think so too. Thanks albinotron.
You always ask the best questions that I never thought of.
Thanks! If you think of any more let me know! 😄
@DougsDharma yeah I got one for you. If I'm going to grow old, get sick, and have everything and everyone I love pass, then what's the point? I'm talking about suicide. Since this is secular, I don't have to worry about reincarnation or karma.
To me the point of practice is to try to live the best life possible, which means not only thinking for myself but for others. Also there is a lot I am very attached to in life! So another key point of practice is coming to terms with change and the end of things through learning non-attachment.
My practice helps me focus on work and hobbies in a more focused way, while understanding that I do not have to be so attached to outcomes. That does not mean that I do not work hard for outcomes though. I am just open to whatever happens. I see Buddhism and science in a symbiotic relationship and as coexisting partners in the search for truth. I used to have the same concerns, though, as the questioner in this video, but I no longer do.
To be Buddhist just to be Buddhist seems like a complete waste to me, and defeats the purpose ...as I see it. To me the purpose is to make you better in the real world.
Sometimes Buddhism is the best tool I use to take some Actions (Karma) with a hope to get good results. I try to follow the Buddhist 5 precepts to get support from the nature. And with the help of Buddhism I could let go somethings and some people to make it easy to fulfill my ambitions. Sometimes Buddhism doesn't stop problems, but it helps us to face the problems. I think we can use Buddhism to reduce suicides too.
Thanks for that Suresh!
Love your videos doug! Thanks for bestowing us with all this knowledge!
My pleasure shivika! 🙏
Hi there Doug, I loved your response to the person who left you a question and I had one of my own! Hoping that you have time to reply, and that this question may help others:
How can we readily accept change in ourselves? Even positive change sometimes scares us because it makes us feel that it challenges the very fiber of our being/personality. It removes us from our comfort zones, and we may just be very comfortable with our own negative attributes/thinking.
I'm fine with changing my beliefs on a topic though. For example, with research/science. If someone can prove me wrong about, say, an aspect of nutrition, then I don't feel threatened by it because I want to be the type of person who changes their mind when better evidence presents itself. The idea is an external one to me (nutrition) and not an internal trait. I am able to easily separate myself from my beliefs. I simply want to believe in the truth. However, the hard part is changing personality traits and your inner voices that don't benefit you.
Should we work on flaws, or "let them be" to some degree? Should we only change if it actually poses a real problem to ourselves and the ones around us? When we decide to change, how do we do so effectively and without the fear?
Thank you!
Those are great questions Amber and I can’t hope to answer them all here! But in general the best way to change is by seeing directly for ourselves how the patterns of our behavior cause us unnecessary pain and suffering. When we sit with the pain of something and witness it, it can make us change naturally. I think that’s a more direct path than just intellectually telling ourselves that we should change.
@@DougsDharma Thank you so much for the prompt response, I really appreciate it! I believe you're right, we do seem to change naturally in response to difficulty, whether it be physical, financial, emotional, etc. I suppose the key is awareness. If we work on being aware of our situations and our internal states, we will know what to do when the problem arises. Our natural problem-solving tendencies as humans will help us prevent them in the future, and this may translate as changing our behavior and thinking. Thanks again!
I found it helpful that u used the distinction between lay buddhists & monks to clarify the issue, but I believe it could go further.
I dont think someone can pursue nirvana in this lifetime & other major goals. So to accept that we are lay buddhists is to admit that we arent solely focused on nirvana in this lifetime. Instead we can focus on things like minimizing suffering, our own & others. Those kinds of buddhist intentions are compatible with "worldly" goals.
I find this humbling. Im not "the next buddha" (as if there is such a thing). Im here to do exactly what Im here to do, and the dharma & my buddha nature can help me do it well.
Sure, that's one way to approach it. Thanks Quinn!
The 'middle way' is subjective in my opinion. Each person must practice to the degree of intensity to which they are able to achieve the right amount of balance in their life. When I get too ambitious in my meditation practice and study, I get very depressed. I need to ease off. Some may say that I'm practicing wrong or have wrong view. I say bull. The highest goal of practice is to end our existence and have no rebirth. That doesn't work for me. There's no way I can spin that story to make it sound anything less than nihilistic, sad and depressing. Yes, suffering is part of life. But we all must look at the things that make that suffering worth enduring. We can live with mission, and use Buddhist practices and teachings to help us ameliorate the suffering that is endemic to the fulfillment of that mission.
Sure, each of us has to come at practice from our own space. My secular approach is to leave the question of other lives aside and focus on a practice for making this life better.
@@DougsDharma I really appreciate coming into contact with secular Buddhism. It has really helped me come back to Buddhism. I don’t consider myself a pure secular Buddhist, or only a Buddhist, because coming into contact with Near Death Experience testimonials has changed my mind about an afterlife, reincarnation and the possibility of a God. I guess that makes me a Deist.
I struggle with the notion that rebirth is something that happens without our consent. I think rebirth is something everyone chooses because something compelling happens in the afterlife which makes us want to return.
But I can’t prove any of that so I guess I will have to wait and see.
All these worries about what may happen in the future do rob me of happiness now. So happiness in the present is always the priority.
I’ve noticed that being obsessed with mindfulness in every moment isn’t always the answer for me. It can make life a bit dull. So I’ve given up on trying to be perfect at that.
I try to pay attention to when I get too caught up in my ambitions, plans, etc. I choose to stop, meditate more, stay off my devices, etc.
I’ve gone from making Buddhist practice a tool in my life rather than making it my identity. And I think that’s what seems to be working for me.
I feel I am more enabled to pursue my ambitions while practicing and acepting more easily things I don't achieve. But I feel it's somewhat related to my ADD traits, because I've seen people that go like crazy pursuing their passions, with an amount of focus that I never had in life and they deal with it way better than I do...
Yes, well I wouldn't worry too much about how others deal with such things. There will be always those who deal with things better than we do, or at least seem to, and those who seem to do worse.
Thank you
You're very welcome!
This video does a pretty good job of distinguishing greed from wealth, and how they are independent.
Yes, though all too often they go together, so one does have to be careful.
I am your fan. I try to watch your vedio in regular. Most of the Buddhist countries will be celebration Vesak day or Buddha Purnima day tomorow. We are waiting to knowing your message in this holy day. Thank you very much. ....from Bangladesh.
Thank you SK Barua! My message is the same this day as every day! 😀
Very interesting video
🙏😊
Yes I agree.
This is why the Buddha created the Sangha and the Laypeople.
Which are different, Lay people is people who wants to remain in the ordinary life of society. And are able to develop according to their curiosity and wisdom. So they are able to offer offerings to the Sangha and create more good merits, which will help one to start the path to monkhood. Which will happen in future births. And they can pursue thier own dreams and goals while doing this, you don't have to live like a monk inside of your own house. Unless you choose to do that, a couple of people probably do that. Basically it's entirely upto you how you wish to pursue the life of a layperson. When to go temple and when to meditate etc. Yet the Buddha advised us (laypeople) to follow the 5 percepts, as its the bare minimum to live a meritorious life and it's very helpful for when one practises meditation. So if you have the ambition to become a billionaire, pursue it. But also remember to make time for learning/practising the Dhamma and giving offerings to the Sangha.
The Sangha is the monks and nuns that wants to pursue the noble eight fold path in this life itself. Because they have the merits and the wisdom to pursue it, monkhood is very difficult. There are people who become monks and come back to society after. Only a few live as monks till their life spans ends.
Thanks for that Anonymous Shanks.
Hey, this is great!
Thanks for the comment, Eli!
Doug: I see that you nicely respond to other's comments and I'm feeling really motivated to write a question concerning my life that I have been thinking heavily about. I make modern music and the music industry is very competitive. My music comes from good intentions and it is the sole driving power to my music: make music with a lot of meaning and depth. Although sometimes, in music, things can be misconstrued. I sing more relatable songs that happiness songs. There is a lot of work involved in creating things. I want to bring a sense of light to my fans that I feel art can bring and I am still working on how best to do it as the modern music industry deals a lot with superficial things. In society, I do feel like we deal with a lot of choices for example is social media mentally harmful or helpful. I want to feel that I am doing the right thing because thats always why I wanted to make music. I do like fashion as a form of self expression and don't buddhist leaders self identify? Do you have any thoughts? Sorry this will be my last message like this. Thanks for all that you do. Never been that straight forward online. Thanks.
Sure Kashimir! There's no easy answer to these questions, but the fact that you're asking them is what's important. Make them part of your practice! Figure out how to work with them in the most skillful way you can. For the Buddha there was a huge difference between being a monastic and being a layperson. If you were a monastic you wouldn't be playing music at all, nor would you be making a living, since you couldn't use or even touch money. As a layperson however all of that is perfectly fine. But as laypeople we have a tougher time of it, since we live in much "greyer" worlds, where we have to answer the kinds of questions you ask. If you're interested one of my courses over at onlinedharma.org/ is about just this kind of concern: dealing with lay life, at least from the Buddha's perspective.
@@DougsDharma THANK YOU I really appreciate your feedback. I am going to think about the courses. THANKS AGAIN you've helped me
@@DougsDharma by the way I am really interested in the course on lay people and as soon as I can, I am going to take it. thanks again.
Is there not another alternative between having a passion for helping others, and having one for hurting others (for instance through deception)? Is there room in Buddhism for an individual that has a passion for doing something for its own sake, for instance making art or music, and not for any audience except himself?
Well the path is something practiced just by oneself, though its result is for the broader benefit of all. There's nothing ethically wrong in Buddhism with just pursuing some solitary passion like playing an instrument for yourself. This would be seen as a form of sense enjoyment.
Are you passionate for the truths of the universe (science) or are your ambition centered around the idea of "becoming a scientist"? Do you feel music in your bones or do you CRAVE the idea of being a musician? For me this has always been an issue.
Right, that's a good way to look at it. Don't worry about labels, just go with what moves you.
Dear Doug,
Your videos are very helpful and I am most appreciative of them.
A question that's unrelated to this video but I am curious about your answer to it is the view of so called Left Hand Practices such as psychedelic / deliriant drug use and stuff like astral projection, kasina meditation, the occult and acquisition of Siddhi . Do you think such practices can be helpful in gaining insight or create better conditions for development of insight and are worthy things to pursue as in being beneficial for walking the path?
Thank you very much again for your videos,
Well all I can say is that my approach is secular so most of these don't really appeal to me personally, though they may to some. It's a matter of taste I think. That said, there is a difference between say kasina meditations and the occult. Kasina meditations are straightforward meditations on a variety of constructed objects. While they aren't a practices I've ever done, if I had a teacher who wanted me to try, I would.
Hi there Doug, very nice and balanced approach to the topic, thank you🙏🏻. About the possibility of participating in the book club you mentioned, what tier would one have to participate with through Patreon?
It's just at the "Sprout" tier, I went through a book in some prior behind-the-scenes videos. At the moment we have to choose another book so we're in between just now. 🙂
Doug's Dharma That sounds awesome! I will definitely sign up again, love the idea.
Just a comment about the question itself. David seems not to be much concerned about the truth of the belief system, as he says, but mainly about the effects on his life. So, would he follow a set of believes that seems to bring positive effects on his life, without concern for its relation with reality? I am just asking and pondering myself about the pragmatical value and the philosophical value of Dharma/Dhamma .
Yes that can be a real rabbit hole! My own sense is that the teaching is pragmatically valuable (it is helpful) because it reveals fundamental truths and so allows us to live in line with reality.
@@DougsDharma yeah, actually the Buddha said something like even if there no future lives and no nirvana, the way of life he adviced would bring benefits in this very life. By the way Dough, how is your family in law? Are they safe?
Yes thanks Alicia, fortunately everyone is safe and well.
But ultimate goal of Buddhism is to extinguish passions as passions lead to mental formations which lead to generation of karma, hence, cycle of birth and death. Although lay people are not expected to attain arahatship as it is impossible for them. But still they can attain stream entry which doesn't require ending of passions but it is natural for stream enterer to let go of passions within future lives
Well it's not clear that arahantship is impossible for laypeople (see for example SN 55.54), though it may well be impossible for a layperson to remain in a normal life after arahantship. That said, stream entry seems more achievable. 😄
@@DougsDharma
I don't believe that desires can be removed as simply as stated in the sutta you quoted where lay follower just goes on removing desire for even higher heavenly realms. And what about other desires, like food, sex, and all the desires are removed by the lay person just by questioning.
I don't think desires are that easy to transcend.
@@prashantlakhera6156 Certainly for most of us they are not. It would take a very long time. But there may be a very few of us who are ready.
Thank you Doug! Do you keep the Uposatha day? If yes, could you make a video about it and give some advices?
Interesting question Sobaka, I don't do that but it is something worth contemplation!
I have nothing.
And how do you hold that?
@@DougsDharma with two hands
I don't understand the point of answering this question through a layman's perspective. Most of the time, they will not be able to achieve enlightenment so whats the point? They do not have the correct toolset and they are already living lives of pursuing ambitions and passions. The ones who have to make the sacrifices like monks are what should have been the topic of this video. They have detached themselves from society and have sacrificed themselves from becoming doctors, engineers, etc. A potential for something great for society lost completely. The somber answer is there. Buddhism is not compatible with scientific curiosity.
Monastics cannot support themselves without lay donors. Monastics require the laity, they are not separate from the laity.