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HarajukuGirl · Apr 26, 2008, 02:45 PM

Hey everyone.

I was just wondering... Who would be more for Buddhism? A Scholar, or a regular towns man?

A Merchant would be agiasnt it right?

I really don't know the key concept of Buddhism.

I am trying to do some research but I am a little stummped...

If you can help I would greatly appreciate it.

I am writtign an essay, a DBQ about Buddhism so, some backround info, from actually Buddhist many be useful! :) Google has been plenty of good info, but it doesn't help my question of who would like Buddhism more, between a Scholar, or regular man, or merchant, etc.

My essay is about the reaction to the spread of Buddhism in China... I am only confused on who would be more pro Buddhism.

TY ! :D

Thank you very much.

Stratmando · Apr 26, 2008, 04:07 PM

I think Bhuddism is better suited for a Regular? Person. In my country(Doctors, Lawyers, and other Professionals) seem to be taught to make maximum profit, Mighty dollar is the Bottom Line. You can't choose Maximum Profit over what is right. I think Bhuddism is not good or suitable for Professional Money Makers. Bhuddism is probably better for people able to have an open mind and care for people other than themselves. My opinion.

HarajukuGirl · Apr 26, 2008, 04:09 PM

Ah I see ty.

So, a person who follows the teachings of Confucius, most likely wouldn't be a strong Buddhist? Because Confucianism is Knowledge and Strong Government, and a strong government is
Power.

AM I correct?

Stratmando · Apr 26, 2008, 04:24 PM

Not real good on Religions, I could be way off, but felt it was more Yin and Yang. I don't like to mix religion and government?

HarajukuGirl · Apr 26, 2008, 04:38 PM

Hm.. I see... Thank you

Stratmando · Apr 26, 2008, 06:13 PM

What is your thoughts?

Choux · Apr 26, 2008, 06:14 PM

The key concept of Buddhism is to alleviate suffering/worry so that the individual who practices the path of Buddhism will eventually attain Enlightenment(wisdom). I think the person most likely to be a convert to Buddhism in China would be a townsman, a person who had less protection against the events in life that cause suffering... a scholar has education to help him deal with situations, a merchant has his business/money.

Confucianism is a way of practical wisdom... it has the goal of wisdom in common with Buddhism so they would seem to be a good match in that respect.

HarajukuGirl · Apr 26, 2008, 06:15 PM

Well..

I haven't started my essay yet.. but I think..

A Merchant, and a person who follows Confucianism will not aprove of Buddhism.

Because both seek power...
And power is a desire, and desire is frowned upon for Buddhism.

This is what I think so far.

A scholar may be more of a follwer because a Bhuddist acives goodness and wisdom.

HarajukuGirl · Apr 26, 2008, 06:16 PM

Originally Posted by Choux

The key concept of Buddhism is to alleviate suffering/worry so that the individual who practices the path of Buddhism will eventually attain Enlightenment(wisdom). I think the person most likely to be a convert to Buddhism in China would be a townsman, a person who had less protection against the events in life that cause suffering....a scholar has education to help him deal with situations, a merchant has his business/money.

Confucinism is a way of practical wisdom....it has the goal of wisdom in common with Buddhism so they would seem to be a good match in that respect.

Thank you for the reply.

Yes I agree with you, it is similar to what I wrote in the post above this.

Xrayman · May 6, 2008, 04:24 PM

Originally Posted by Stratmando

I think Bhuddism is better suited for a Regular? Person. In my country(Doctors, Lawyers, and other Professionals) seem to be taught to make maximum profit, Mighty dollar is the Bottom Line. You can't choose Maximum Profit over what is right. I think Bhuddism is not good or suitable for Professional Money Makers. Bhuddism is probably better for people able to have an open mind and care for people other than themselves. My opinion.

Actually the Buddha came up with a "formula" for financial freedom...

It is said that..

Buddhism is sometimes
Misrepresented as a religion of pessimistic outlook having
A world-negating attitude. Buddhism is not a religion solely
For a monastic community, it embraces lay (both male
And female) community as well. Therefore this is one of
The glaring instances where the Buddha has shown how
Economic planning is inevitable for economic security of
Any individual in society.
The investment of two portions of one’s earnings is
Recommended in anticipation of a better income to meet
The demands in time to come. A portion of the income is
To be deposited for use during unexpected calamities, which
Would help one to be at ease in future being free from
Thoughts of foreboding. It may be like purchasing insurance
Policies or depositing in banks. As the commentary
Explains, one fourth of one’s income is to be taken not
Only for one’s own subsistence but also for other petty
Expenses and to help the needy and to give away in
Charity.
168
In fact, a person who while being economically
Sound does not maintain his aged parents is termed as a
Man of mean character.
169
Since economic planning is so indispensable to leading
A happy and successful lay life, the Buddha pointed out to
The millionaire Anathapindika, economic stability (atthisukha)
Which results from proper management and just and righteous
Enterprises (anavajjasukha) are contributory to one’s
Happiness. Enjoying the bliss of not being indebted (ananasukha)
One must be able to enjoy one’s wealth with friends
And relatives (bhogasukha). Sharing of one’s wealth with
The needy and the clergy are highly commended virtues in
Buddhist ethics.
170

In a nutshell, you have to look after your financial needs to be a good person as well as being a happy person-Buddhist strive to NOT be greedy, however.
Hope this helps

HarajukuGirl · May 13, 2008, 07:29 PM

Ah.. I see.. thank you. My essay went well.
I think now a days to be a buddhist seems difficult.

ubharedev · Dec 30, 2008, 12:29 AM

Hi,

Actually Buddhism doesn't say that you can't keep money.

Buddha has group/named his followers in two type.

One is Bhikku(monk) and another is Upasak(normal person).

Bhikku is the one who leave everything to attain the enlightment in life. He sacrifies everything like money, jewellery, parents, relativies and even not to marry in life and came upon with a relationship of friendship with all humans and animals. He has to live his life very simple, limited cloth, limited food (only by bhiksha) and unlimited freedom of mind(concentrationed mind), consciousness and conscience.

Upasak is the one who can have marriage life, can earn and deposit wealth. We can call it as normal life. But they have to know how to take marriage life, wealth and other things in normal life by way of Buddhism. That what the Buddhism teaches to override desire and how to use/spend wealth and health for enlightment in normal life also .

Hope it will helpful to all.