Isms Floating through my Brain.

Buddhism
Jainism
Vegetarianism

"Come in to my world, I've got to show, show, show you."

Welcome my mind.

It's a very, very messy place these days, just to warn you.

Yesterday I had filial respect and responsibility on my mind. In China, respecting one's parents is the most important task a child has. Everything he or she does must be with regard to them. When Buddhism first entered the picture in China in the 1st Century CE, people had problems with it because it required one at the very least acknowledge the sangha if not join it. This took the firstborn son from the parents, and people worried that it was interfering with the filial respect. However, eventually, it became an honor.

Then, of course there is the Commandment that declares people must "honor thy father and mother."

Respect for parents is such a huge theme in religions; it is necessary for the soul to reach enlightenment. What happens then, when you have no respect for a parent (except the basic respect that you have for any other human being)? I hope that in time I will forgive and have compassion for my father, but what if that never happens? What if I'm not strong enough? Am I destined to the fiery pits of hell or to never leave the endless cycles of samsara?

Anyway, that was yesterday. Today, however, is another day. Today I've been thinking about vegetarianism. This is not a new thought for me. I entertain it every few months or so. Currently, I eat dairy, poultry, and fish. I haven't eaten red meat or pork in years (6+) and I am not tempted to in the least. I know I'm strong enough to do this. I should just go ahead and take the plunge. It will be difficult for a few months, but nothing I can't handle.

Ok, moving on.

Buddhism. I really, really love it so much. Apparently Dr. Ess calls himself a Buddhist-Methodist...perhaps I should chat with him...?

Jainism. I stumbled across this while I was looking at vegetarianism. It's interesting, and I highly recommend that you look it up on Wikipedia.

Quick things going through my head. Much to mull.