A Buddhist Walks Into A Bar...

[LienShen]

So here I sit, feel free to pull up a stool and get to know me. I might even buy you a round of whatever you are drinking.

Figured I was spending a lot of time asking questions, I should give you the right to ask me if you want.

 

[If Not For Grace]

I've been waiting on you: (Take a day--)


Do you think acts of nature (like Katrina, Tsunami) are “Gods Will” as intent to punish/redeem people or cities?

What type thing will be commonplace in 10-20 years that is now rare or that is still just in the idea phase? (The way cell phones, faxes, cars and airplanes have been in the past)

Can you see yourself as a finalist on a TV show like Survivor?

You have been given the chance to cure 1,000 people of a particular disease – Which disease will it be?

What in your opinion is a “brave act” and what is the difference between a brave and a foolish act?

Do you think you have any beliefs that people 50 or 100 years from now will think you must have been really stupid to believe? Or are all the silly beliefs finally weeded out?

If your spouse wants to go out for the evening with you, say to a particular movie, but you do not want to go, what should you do? Why? How can the two of you decide what is fair or right in way that is itself fair or right?

What is a good person?
What is a bad person?
Which way should the toilet paper hang? (End over or under/behind roll)

When, if ever, is it right to break a promise

 

[LienShen]

I've been waiting on you: (Take a day--)


Do you think acts of nature (like Katrina, Tsunami) are “Gods Will” as intent to punish/redeem people or cities?

I don't believe in a God or Gods. I think that the impermence of the world is happenstance. You just happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. If there was a God, I do not think he would punish so many innocents.

What type thing will be commonplace in 10-20 years that is now rare or that is still just in the idea phase? (The way cell phones, faxes, cars and airplanes have been in the past)

I think that we will find many cures for things using stem cell research, either embryonic or adult stem cells. I think we will advance in medicine, to the point where we increase our natural life span by ten years and I think that alternate fuels and oils will replace petroleum and petrol products.

Can you see yourself as a finalist on a TV show like Survivor?

No. I am not much for making a spectacle of myself, and money doesn't entice me to do so either. I also am not prideful, so winning or losing would not matter to me as much as the people I was living with.

You have been given the chance to cure 1,000 people of a particular disease – Which disease will it be?

Cancer. I think too many people die prematurely of different types of cancer. Often, it is not a result of their actions, but the actiosn of others or heredity. It is such a tragic disease that leaves too many people suffering.

What in your opinion is a “brave act” and what is the difference between a brave and a foolish act?

A brave act is living with compassion and without conceit or pride. A foolish act is assuming anything.

Do you think you have any beliefs that people 50 or 100 years from now will think you must have been really stupid to believe? Or are all the silly beliefs finally weeded out?

I believe that people are inherently good, and that they are only taught the opposite through experience. Perhaps in 50 or 100 years they will think that is strange or silly. I think that peace, and an end to suffering is also possible, people think that is silly now... I don't think things will change much about that.

If your spouse wants to go out for the evening with you, say to a particular movie, but you do not want to go, what should you do? Why? How can the two of you decide what is fair or right in way that is itself fair or right?

We talk about it and compromise. Perhaps we go to dinner beforehand to a place of my choosing. Perhaps we go see a second movie of my choosing the second night. Perhaps we discuss eating dinner at a place we both enjoy, but going to see seperate movies. The possiblities are endless.

What is a good person?
What is a bad person?

A good person is someone who attempts to do no harm to others. Who is well intentioned in their heart and mind, and who has compassion.

There is no such thing as a bad person, there are only bad actions and intentions.

Which way should the toilet paper hang? (End over or under/behind roll)

End over roll, like they do in hotels.

When, if ever, is it right to break a promise

It is only right if it goes against your values and convictions, and if it will do harm to others by keeping it.

 

[Cat59]

What has been your best experience of being a parent up to date?

 

[Pats]

What was one of the most darndest things one of your kids ever said?

 

[LienShen]

The best experience had to be watching my ten year old, teach my five year old how to ride a bike. I remember when my ten year old first learned and how terrified he was, so it was neat to see him being compassionate, patient and understanding with him.

 

[scraparcs]

Did it hurt when you walked into a bar?

 

[LienShen]

Lately, it's been my littlest one. He is just as sarcastic as my husband, and the other day when my husband said something sarcastic to him when he asked a question, he said, "Yeah right Dad, you're just crazy. See a doctor." He's five. heh

 

[LienShen]

Lel, Only when I go like this...ow.

 

[scraparcs]

How many kids do you have?

 

[Cat59]

Have you read much of the Dali Lama's writings and if so, what has been something that especially struck you when you first read it?

 

[LienShen]

I have two children, both boys. One will be eleven in 10 days, and the other will be six on my birthday.

 

[LienShen]

I have read two of the Dali Lama's books, 'The Universe in a Single Atom: The Convergence of Science and Spirituality' which posits on the nature of the universe and how science and Buddhism are not opposed, but aligned in truth. And I have also read 'An Open Heart: Practicing Compassion in Everyday Life' and I have learned a lot from it.

The things that strikes me most about the Dali Lama, is his compassionate heart. You can feel it in the way he writes, see it in his eyes and smile and hear it when he talks. He is truly a remarkable man, and a great teacher.

 

[Pats]

What do you find to be most rewarding in life?

 

[scraparcs]

What do you find the most rewarding in life aside from children?

 

[ravenscape]

What do you like to read for spiritual nourishment? What do you like to read for fun?

 

[If Not For Grace]

A brave act is living with compassion and without conceit or pride. A foolish act is assuming anything

EXCELLENT--Can I borrow that?

There is no such thing as a bad person, there are only bad actions and intentions.

Horsefeathers!



Who (IN your opinion) Killed JFK?

Did Marilyn Monroe really commit suicide?

 

[LienShen]

What do you find to be most rewarding in life?

Watching my children grow and become little adults.

 

[LienShen]

What do you find the most rewarding in life aside from children?

Intellectual engagment. Challenging thoughts. Good debate. Anything that stimulates the mind and takes it where no man has gone before

 

[LienShen]

What do you like to read for spiritual nourishment? What do you like to read for fun?

For spiritual nourishment, the Winnie the Pooh series of books by A.A. Milne.

For fun, I like Immanuel Kant.

Or was that the other way around?

In all seriousness, I read a lot of books on philosophy and religion for nourishment, and I read a lot of SciFi, Fantasy and Horror for fun.