From: Jon Johanning <jjohanning at igc.org>
On Aug 22, 2004, at 6:14 PM, BrownBingb at aol.com wrote:
Not at all what Buddhism is about, but it's probably useless to clarify this point on this list. Brian and I have tried to do it several times, with no result. So I won't repeat that effort now.
^^^^^ CB: Oh, I guess I thought when you mentioned existenialism you were suggesting some overlap with Buddhism.
^^^^
Buddhism isn't about getting you to think anything -- think whatever you like. But traditionally, a Buddhist teacher would mobilize the concept of rebirth, pointing out that "making hay" as a philosophy of life would just be wasting a human life, which (in the traditional Buddhist view) is extremely rare -- most rebirths are as animals or even less desirable beings.
^^^^^ CB: Why would making hay just be wasting a human life ?
^^^^^^^
Since the idea of rebirth doesn't cut much ice with most Westerners, the best one could say nowdays is that if that's the way you want to spend your life, OK, as long as you don't harm others (by neglecting your responsibilities towards your children, killing someone by drunk driving, etc.).