Theos-Talk Archives (October 1997 Message tt00007)

Mark:

> So the victorian belief of being damned for "having sex and
> drinking" is a morality turned upside down, not, though, that
> such is anything to be boasting of either.  This seems to be the
> Buddhist point of view also, at least from what I can gather from
> some of the things the D.  Lama has said.  "Kindness" - which is
> something of a higher, more subtle principle, is more important
> than whatever lifestyle a person is living.

Good to see you on the Internet!

Prohibitions against sex and drinking are hardly Victorian, since
such social & religious strictures have been around since the
ruddy dawn of lust.  As for the Buddhist view; the last of the 5
vows of a Buddhist layman or laywoman is a pledge to avoid all
intoxicants.  My study of the Buddhadharma suggests Buddha laid
down vows against wrong *actions* first -- no killing, no
stealing etc.  because these are relatively easier to keep.
Relative to changing our attitudes and thought life that is.
While the subtle may be more powerful & important, for 99 per
cent of folks it is easier to alter first our behavior.  Thus
Buddha's focus on actions first (for most people) then attitudes
and thoughts.