AboutJustin 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. Please view my profile for more details. I have answered more than a thousand questions since joining this category. You are welcome to try me.
Experience I was brought up in the 50's as a Buddhist. For the past 30 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)
I have been reading about Buddhism & Anger. Of course I could write all the points it makes so I'll get right to my question.
In much of our lives TODAY we deal with angry, bitter people, friends & family members who want fight or argue. We are confronted daily in stores, the roads, work etc. You get my point!!
Buddhism tells us to be loving & kind and to treat everyone with respect. But in my area if you try to show those traits of Buddhism it is a sign of weakness & COULD get you hurt or rather these people will take great advantage of you. I used to be the one who was more than ready to confront you at anytime. But now that I choose and don't want to be apart of that situation, I will step aside, walk away, even pull my motorcycle off to the side to let these people pass & find someone else to fight with..LOL... Am I looking at this the right way? Are we really supposed to face that situation and try to be loving & kind? Or is it better not only better for ourselves and others to just avoid the situation?
Thanks,
ED
Answer Hi Ed,
Welcome back.
I have to be honest with you. And for this I shall face the wrath of many good Buddhists. I agree with you that at times and in certain situation, "loving kindness" doesn't seem to work. Take for example, in time of war.
"Am I looking at this the right way?"
You are most probably right.
"Are we really supposed to face that situation and try to be loving & kind?"
We should try our best to be loving and kind.
" Or is it better not only better for ourselves and others to just avoid the situation?"
Sometimes, it just pays to avoid the situation.
