Rational Nation USA

 

  Buddhism doesn’t have just one thing to say about consuming alcohol and other intoxicants. In time for party season, we look at the surprising diversity of Buddhist views. Just a Little A little beer or wine is okay, says Sozan Miglioli, as long as you remain mindful of yourself and others. In Zen, we try to understand the spirit of the five precepts rather than just the words. The precepts are guides toward the cessation of suffering, not strict or prescriptive admonitions. They are there to open our eyes, to help us see clearly what creates unwholesome karma. A definition of enlightenment is “to see reality as it is.” For this reason, the precept “I vow not to intoxicate the mind or body of self or others” is very important. It asks us to keep our eyes open, our awareness alive, to what creates suffering in this world. It directly addresses the issue of not seeing things clearly and can guide us on our path of awakening in many different ways. Being mindful of the effect of our...

  Mahayana New Year is celebrated this year on January 7 by Buddhists around the world. The term Mahayana encompasses Buddhist ideologies and philosophies. Mahayana is one of the two main branches of Buddhism and is mostly practiced in Northeast Asia — China, Japan, Tibet, Taiwan, Mongolia, and Korea. Each region has its own customs and traditions for practicing Mahayana Buddhism.  HISTORY OF MAHAYANA NEW YEAR In English, Mahayana means ‘Great Vehicle.’ This can be interpreted in different ways by devout followers of Buddhism. The Mahayana branch of the religion is practiced around the world. The belief of Mahayana Buddhists is that enlightenment or eternal Nirvana can be achieved during the course of an individual’s life. This state of enlightenment is not only attainable by monks, but by regular Buddhist practitioners too. The ultimate goal is for everyone to make use of the opportunity of enlightenment. The Mahayana New Year dates differ for each country based on their cust...

 

  "I am not a criminal," he said in the interview. "This [controversy] will not deter me from having good legislative success. I will be effective," he told The New York Post on Monday. "I will be good." Of course we can believe Santos. Just like we could believe another lying republican that attempted to overthrow the government of the USA.  To be safe, when in doubt, don't believe a republican. He/she is most likely lying. Full article BELOW the FOLD