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| quote: | Originally posted by Halcyon+On+On
Yes, but I am questioning whether or not intentional abstinence, a practice of self-control, completely independent of social influence, is even possible. I am well aware that many people draw a distinction between the two, but I very much doubt the genuineness in some people, especially when there is, in fact, motive (deterrence or encouragement) on a social sense to be something - even if it is merely a projection of overdeveloped spiritual productivity. I am not saying it is impossible. I am merely saying that it is extremely rare, at most. |
Even so, what difference does it make whether people use personal goals or societal compulsions to abstain from doing things ? There are many people who cannot exercise the type of abstinence that requires self control even if it is driven by social compulsions.
How hard is it for a chain smoker to quit ? Or for a meth addict to give up his drug ? They must choose intentional abstinence, if they want to live a healthy life (or even stay alive). There are many instances like this where self control does not have anything to do with the society. It's not really as rare as you think.
| quote: | | Monks are not disconnected from society. Perhaps society outside of their own order, but they still uphold traditions as a result of social programming. The movement towards spiritual goals within their society IS encouraged on a social level - are monks really who you think of when you imagine ideal individual goals? I assure you, they are very much a social organism: dressing alike, chanting alike, working alike and praying alike, they are quite possibly the quintessential like-mind and say very little about self-control and intentional abstinence for the sake of higher intelligence or enlightenment. I am well aware of Buddha's tenets of self-deprivation; it's an institution that is the unfortunate antithesis towards overindulgent western aims, admittedly, but an opposition nevertheless. |
Fundamentally, monks really don't care about social structures. Their goals are neither ego based nor driven by society (unlike ours). They may form their own groups for praying or chanting. In the end however, they meditate alone for a purely personal goal of enlightenment. You can argue that the person is striving for personal greatness or respect in a society, but I don't think an enlightened person is searching for this type of recognition.
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Originally posted by twilightki : It feels like something you'd listen to at 4 in the morning, or listen to in your car while you're going in a tunnel.
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