[lbo-talk] Re: Buddhism and Body Parts

BklynMagus magcomm at ix.netcom.com
Wed Feb 4 07:44:33 PST 2004


Dear List:

My own take on Buddhism and body parts.

1. Buddhism teaches non-attachment, not renunciation. To renounce desire is an extreme, just as over-indulgence of desire is an extreme. The goal is not to turn oneself into a tree or a rock, but to acknowledge the rising of desire without attaching to it. Renunciation/indulgence are easier to achieve since they are extreme and absolute.

2. Since Buddha taught that the best platform for achieving enlightenment was a human rebirth, he wasn't against sex. What he taught was the mindful expression and fulfillment of sexual desire.

3. Buddha always said never to rely on his own words, but to trust one's own experience. A person does not simply do something because the Buddha says so. The motivation and proof is interior not exterior.

4. There are some interesting writings from the 1930's (I think) from Taiwanese monks who were also Marxists. They blend the two approaches in interesting ways.

5. There was a school of Buddhism that maintained all things were an illusion, a product of mind. Gradually that came to be seen as an extreme. Nargajuna is good to read on this (The Fundamental Wisdom of the Middle Way). Thich Nhat Hanh is also very good to read on Buddhism (Vietnamese Zen approach).

Brian Dauth Queer Buddhist Resister



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