Date:   9/26/2007 8:13:26 PM ( 17 y ago)
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URL:   https://www.curezone.org/forums/fm.asp?i=1008008

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According to the monks:
"The MEANING OF LIFE = to have no more control. To control enough to get to where you want to be so you don't have to control anymore. Control is the opposite to the goal of life. Freedom is the opposite of control. Controlling by not controlling. Not controlling is empowering."

I can see how a monk living in a monastery and sometimes relying on others by begging for food (doesn't this just the monk's freedom at the expense of others who must burden more control in the outside world to produce that food?) can live the life of surrendering control but then again that monk doesn't have to deal with the need to control things in the competitive real world. Although I agree with most of Buddhism, this issue of control is something that I so far disagree with completely. Maybe it only applies to those who are able to be monks and live the monk lifestyle, seperated by the outside world where control is almost a part of survival.

Some think that control is empowering, but Buddhism states that not controlling is empowering. However I see most of my problems were caused by me not taking control. I also think submitting control sounds "enlightening" but in the real world if you don't take control, others will and you will be harmed directly or indirectly. If everyone were Buddhists this might work, but in the real world I don't think it works that way, and besides who would take control of making the food and controlling others who aren't Buddhists and wish to harm us. There are more criminals than Buddhists.

So... take control or not?
 

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