So i ran across this in the wiki the other day and i was curious what your thoughts are on the compatabilty of buddhism and anarchism? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhist_anarchism Is buddhism anarchist in nature?
I've never heard of it, but that doesn't mean that it isn't. Just not the type that I try to practice. Buddhism can co-exist with different religions, so I guess it can co-exist with different political philosophies as well. Peace and love
Does buddhism itself(or it's standard texts) say anything about politics or social activism at all, or is it all about enlightenment? Or maybe social activism is part of the path?
I like to keep my religon out of politics. With religon and politics i say only 2 things "The upper classes haved used religon to keep the poor down. If the poor revolt, religon will become more private." and "Help emlimtnate suffering through Activism." That's it. Don't let it blend into each other.
Absolutely! I've always thought of Buddha as a bit of an anarchist (this is assuming he actually existed!). You should definitely check out what the 'beatnik buddhists' had to say about this and draw some interesting parralelles. Gary Snyder in paticular; http://www.bopsecrets.org/CF/garysnyder.htm Buddha challenged all the going thought processes of the day, and went against the grain. He really showed great courage in doing so and was eventually rewarded for this. He managed to be open minded, trying out the going practices of the day such as becoming an ascetic, meeting with reknowned teachers and learning the theories and philosophies, but ultimately had the courage and conviction to reject it and follow his own intuition on an independent spiritual path, and he did all of it with compassion. Sounds like the model anarchist no!? I think most buddhist are naturally left-wing and liberal. I know a few practicing buddhists who also describe themselves as active anarchists. I also know a lot of people who are into the punk subculture, in paticular the straight-edge (sxe) subdivision (abstainance from drugs and alcohol, abstainence from promiscuious sex, devotion to veganism or vegetarianism), and are practicing meditation and seriously studying buddhism. I think they all fit together very naturally. Libertarian socialist ideals are very much in line with ideas taught by buddha. I actually think Buddha taught a very refined type of anarchism. 'Spiritual anarchism' maybe? I like that term! I think the only way we're going to achieve an anarchist society free of authoritarianism, money etc is through looking within ourselves, freeing ourselves from selfish desire, in the way buddha taught. Theres so much more I could discuss with you about this but I dont have time at the moment...Maybe read my thread about my own take on what buddha taught and my feelings on buddhism as a 'religion' first.
Siddhartha taught independent spirituality? Seems to be along the same lines as well. Good post! This is kind of what i was looking for when i posted the OT.
