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Buddhists/Judging Question

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Expert: - 7/4/2008


Question
I am becoming increasingly aware how judgements based on emotional preferences can cause much suffering to oneself. Whenever I feel angry or upset I ask myself "What is that I am judging that is making me feel this way"? Usually when I am mindful of judging in the moment the judging will stop. But it is not always complete, for although I may be able to drop the judging on the intellectual level, I find that I am still upset on the feeling level. Therefore I conclude that I still must be judging on the feeling level or I wouldn't feel this way. What I would like to know is how can I reach further into myself and drop the judging on the feeling level?


Answer
Hi AL,

This is just a follow-up.  Thanks for your ratings.


[You are invited to visit my blog:]
http://lifeislikethat999.blogspot.com/

[And this blog by Rev. Dhammika:]
http://sdhammika.blogspot.com/

Justin Choo




Hi AL,

You have got to understand that you are living a normal life.  You should not go overboard in practising the teachings of the Buddha.  Sometimes we may even misinterprete the Buddha's good intentions, and being over enthusaistic we may end up confused and disappointed.  I don't think the Buddha did ever advise his followers not to feel or judge at all.  We are normal human beings subject to emotions and feelings.  What we should guard against is not to have these feelings and emotions control us, but to be mindful at times not to indulge too much in our feelings and emotions.  

Please relax and live your life as normal.  Whatever that is negative and not beneficial, you can take steps to reduce.  Take it gradually.  It is not an examination that you must score a distinction within a specified period.  Go out and have some fresh air, and live a happy life.

Smile from justinchoo ;-)

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Justin Choo

Expertise

When in doubt seek it out. All your questions will be answered, and you may not have to agree with the answers. Such is the beauty of Buddhism. You are free to decide. I follow the Theravada tradition, and have been studying Buddhism for more than 40 years. Please view my profile for more details. I have answered more than 1500 questions since joining this category. You may like to give me the honor to answer your question.

Experience

I was brought up in the 50's as a Buddhist. For the past 40 years I have read numerous books on Buddhism and listened to numerous talks on Buddhism by well-respected and learned monks and lay teachers. I conduct Buddhist classes for parents of Sunday School children in a Theravada Buddhist Temple. My teacher was the late Chief Reverend, The Ven. K Sri Dhammananda of The Brickfields Buddhist Mahavihara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. You can view the relevent website in memory of my revered late teacher @ http://www.ksridhammananda.com

Organizations
I am a life member of the Buddhist Missionary Society Malaysia.

Publications
YOU ARE INVITED TO VISIT MY BLOG @ http://lifeislikethat999.blogspot.com/ Published a book called "The Rainbow And The Treasure". It is a compilation of extracts from various sources to introduce Buddhism to beginners. (Currently out of print)

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Commerce And Administration, Victoria University Of Wellington, NZ.(1974)

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